My Wicked Grapple bush grabber attachment

[k0ua]

I don't know, but you're definitely in the right atmosphere to put that question out there!
You know, if we offered it, people would be doing crazy things, bending grapples and we'd be responsible because it's factory supplied.
It looks harmless for your intended use though!!
Travis

Yeah, I don't see how it can hurt anything. I did latch onto one larger tree with it and the FEL lift hydraulics went into relief. No damage. My original goal is just to use it for pulling up bushes, brambles and small saplings. It seems to work for that.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Yeah, I don't see how it can hurt anything. I did latch onto one larger tree with it and the FEL lift hydraulics went into relief. No damage. My original goal is just to use it for pulling up bushes, brambles and small saplings. It seems to work for that.

No doubt. I can see it being a tremendous asset. It isn't like it takes much to pull those out....unless you're using your back for it!
Travis

 

[k0ua]

I tested it some more this morning, it is great for pulling down huge grape vines, and those annoying low hanging branches.

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This 2 inch "tree" is about as big as the tractor will rip out.

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[lostcreekranch]

I tested it some more this morning, it is great for pulling down huge grape vines, and those annoying low hanging branches.

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This 2 inch "tree" is about as big as the tractor will rip out.

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James, is the 2" limitation based on FEL lift capacity or how tightly you can grab with your grabber?

 

[k0ua]

James, is the 2" limitation based on FEL lift capacity or how tightly you can grab with your mod?

The FEL relief valve. I have went into relief several times. The best way to rip out the bigger ones seems to be to lift and curl a bit at the same time suddenly while moving the tractor a bit too with the hydro pedal. A 3 way application of force. But some things wont come out. Remember I have a lot of shelf rock and the even the little trees put roots down into the rock cracks.

This thing is so satisfying to use. Gone are the days of chains and a ground man. You can rip this stuff out in seconds and transport it immediately to the pile. This is more fun than mortals should be allowed to have.:laughing:

 

[N2DFire]

... I wish I had more bushes to pull out for testing. I am going to need to go into the woods to find more saplings.

I have a Metric $h!t Ton (actual unit of measure - lol) of blackberry bushes along old fence rows to pull up, be happy to test this for ya if you like. :thumbsup:

Truly awesome work - love how you made this removable.

I haven't welded in 26 years (since High School shop class) but here lately my "Chief Fabricator" (aka Dad) spends more time in the RV with mother than in the shop, which really cuts down on the fabrication output. :laughing:

So I guess I'm going to have to start burning some rods & melting some wire and learning how to weld (all over again). Soon as I get a couple of broken things repaired, I'm going to go digging thru the scrap pile & see about making one of these myself. Might see if I can do a full lid version (since blackberry bushes spread out so much).

Keep the info coming as your R&D / Testing continue!!

 

[k0ua]

I have a Metric $h!t Ton (actual unit of measure - lol) of blackberry bushes along old fence rows to pull up, be happy to test this for ya if you like. :thumbsup:

Truly awesome work - love how you made this removable.

I haven't welded in 26 years (since High School shop class) but here lately my "Chief Fabricator" (aka Dad) spends more time in the RV with mother than in the shop, which really cuts down on the fabrication output. :laughing:

So I guess I'm going to have to start burning some rods & melting some wire and learning how to weld (all over again). Soon as I get a couple of broken things repaired, I'm going to go digging thru the scrap pile & see about making one of these myself. Might see if I can do a full lid version (since blackberry bushes spread out so much).

Keep the info coming as your R&D / Testing continue!!

I may have to go hunting for some blackberries to yank. I pulled out a greenbrier the other day. Does that count?:laughing: This thing is so much fun to use. It really has worked better than I could have hoped. And if you look at it, the whole thing doesn't amount to much, and wasn't much trouble to make. A couple days ago I welded a 6011 bead on the lower jaw instead of the little 6013 bead I had originally and it helped it grip better. The 6011 rod if you remember makes a rough bead and that is what you need. some very small saplings have a slick surface and the really small ones would sometimes slip. I tried to pull some weeds but it just clipped them off. I need to practice feathering the valve.

 

[Threepoint]

Excellent, James. Climbing wild grape is everywhere around here. Many of the vines are as thick or thicker than my wrist and can reach the tops of very tall hardwoods. Eventually they can canopy and kill the tree.

I'll pick up my new EA Wicked Root Grapple from the Fedex Freight depot today. Please keep up the reporting on your clever design. Now that you've done the tough part, it would be a quick project for my mig, even with my modest welding skills. :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

Excellent, James. Climbing wild grape is everywhere around here. Many of the vines are as thick or thicker than my wrist and can reach the tops of very tall hardwoods. Eventually they can canopy and kill the tree.

I'll pick up my new EA Wicked Root Grapple from the Fedex Freight depot today. Please keep up the reporting on your clever design. Now that you've done the tough part, it would be a quick project for my mig, even with my modest welding skills. :thumbsup:

Yep, I think about anyone with some modest welding skills and a bit of steel could whip one up (or even maybe some better design) pretty quick. I am just astounded how useful this thing is. It even makes picking up small rocks easier. I picked up plenty of them before by pinching them between the points but this device makes it just a little easier.

 

[sd455dan]

Thanks. Yes, easy on and off, but the More I think about it, I may not take it off much. It doesn't really affect the normal operation of the grapple. I may wind up just leaving it on.

Of course I achieved my goal of no modifications to the grapple, but it would have been a lot easier to just weld up the plates directly on to the existing grapple parts. Hmmm. Maybe EA should include this as a feature.

I don't know about E/A but your mod has inspired me ,
When I can fit it in will try and make an add on version to my open round tined grapple, so it will be a bit different but should be do- able.

Excellent work and another small step for (mankind) in tractor implement mods- adding up to a Giant Leap in usefulness.

:thumbsup: Great Job