3 point hitch grapple

[Lt220]

Thanks for all the replys. Got to use the grapple for the first time yesterday. I was helping my Father-in-law cut a large poplar tree and the grapple made clean-up of the limbs quick and easy. I can't believe the power and force this thing has. The design let me load and unload massive limbs and logs with-out leaving the tractor. I am very well pleased with it.

 

[Marveltone]

What a truly unique solution! Use the strong end of the tractor for the heavy lifting. I'll bet it makes an excellent skidder too.

Can't wait for pictures!

Joe

 

[swmich42]

Great looking implement. You could market this on a commercial basis.

Could you provide a few of the matarial specs that helped you create this? Boxed frame member guage, size, type of metal, and the rear hydrolics? Or just provide a general guideline, when deciding to create a 3 point monuted design.

I have a JD 4700 and would like to get more use out of my 3 point.

Your welds look very clean, smooth, professional. You must have been in the welding trades.

I do not have much welding experience, but will soon be looking to fabricate some 3 point frame members in the near future, and could use some advice. (on a much more amateur basis than what you have created)

I am in the investigation stage, and will be looking for a welder, stock metal, etc.

 

[archerynut]

That looks awesome. I can't wait to see action pics.

 

[beenthere]

Good on your project.
Seems a bit on the heavy side as I look at it, and thinking about sliding into a brush pile. Action shots and a video would be just great to see.

I've been planning a single grapple bar for my Deere forks that would work for FEL or 3 ph. Your build gave me some more incentive.

This is the Deere fork on the iMatch with hyd top cyl.

 

[Chaddo]

Lookin very good, nice job :thumbsup:

 

[JB4310]

I've been planning a single grapple bar for my Deere forks that would work for FEL or 3 ph. Your build gave me some more incentive.

This is the Deere fork on the iMatch with hyd top cyl.

I've been toying with the same idea, Not sure which to put it on though, the forks or the 6 ft high volume bucket. i just need that little bit of grabbing force to hold those bulky loose loads on.

I modded my forks to work on imatch as well but on the 3 pt would limit you to just moving the stuff around, when I need to move this stuff I usually need to load it up onto a dump trailer, so the loader mount would be used more. But I always like the extra options, and being able to use it on the 3 pt could come in handy I'm sure.

JB.

 

[beenthere]

Right JB
I'm sure I would use it mostly on the FEL work.

 

[Lt220]

What a truly unique solution! Use the strong end of the tractor for the heavy lifting. I'll bet it makes an excellent skidder too.

Can't wait for pictures!

Joe

Yes, I works well for skidding also. I will try and post some actions pictures very soon.

 

[Lt220]

Great looking implement. You could market this on a commercial basis.

Could you provide a few of the matarial specs that helped you create this? Boxed frame member guage, size, type of metal, and the rear hydrolics? Or just provide a general guideline, when deciding to create a 3 point monuted design.

I have a JD 4700 and would like to get more use out of my 3 point.

Your welds look very clean, smooth, professional. You must have been in the welding trades.

I do not have much welding experience, but will soon be looking to fabricate some 3 point frame members in the near future, and could use some advice. (on a much more amateur basis than what you have created)

I am in the investigation stage, and will be looking for a welder, stock metal, etc.

Thanks for the welding compliment....no I am just an amateur when it comes to welding....I am a finish carpenter so wood is my thing....just enjoy learning new things. As far as materials, I used 3/16 wall 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" tubing, 2" x 2" x1/4" angle iron and 2 1/2" x 3/8" flat stock. I came up with the design because I wanted a grapple for moving brush and skidding logs. I don't have a FEL for my 3032E yet so this allows me to move brush in a very functional way. As far as the hydraulics, I purchased the rear 2 spool SCV that was available for the JD 3032E. You should be able to add a SCV to your tractor as well.