Another Grapple

[KAB]

After reading about how usefull a grapple can be and threads like:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/48738-question-about-grapple.html? from pineridge
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/96910-low-buck-grapple-build.html? from ryan03
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/84907-tatro-grapples-wr-long-valves.html? from 3rrl

I decided to build a grapple. I liked ryan03's idea of using a box blade shank and priced them at Tractor Supply for approx $27ea. Until I walked through a Lowes on evening and found 3 pieces of 1/2" x 2" x 3' of steel for $5 ea. (The following day I went back to Lowes to see if they had more of the steel and found some in overhead storage so I asked an employee if they were a discontinued item, and they were. I then asked what they would be willing to sell them for if I bought the remaining pieces... Sold at $4ea.) figured that I could cut and weld the bars into what looked like a grapple arm. (first Pic)

After I had the arm pieces cut I welded them up (second pic). I then used part of 2 more peices to make an angle bracket and the mounting points for the arms and hyd cyl. (see 3rd pic for outcome.)

This is where I found that trying to find a hyd cyl that would let the grapple open and close the most was going to be an interesting experience. (sorry no pics of this process.) The Kioti CK20 bucket opening is either smaller that what most grapples are designed for or the grapples that are available on ebay would not have worked the way that I would have wanted. I found that a cyl with a 6" stroke would have probably caused some problems. (I looked at a lot of pictures on ebay to try to figure out how to create a grapple.) To help figure out which size of cyl would work the best, I used a bunch of scrape peices of steel and the mounting "plate" and 1 arm attached to the bucket and tried to get an accurate measurement of the min retracted lenght and the maximum extended lenght the cyl could be.

Once I had a rough estimate of the cyl size I then check Surplus Center - Hydraulic Equipment Electric Motors for a cyl that would fit. As I narrowed down the cyl choices I decided to use the top link from 3ph with the measurements marked on it in marker to make sure the cyl that I selected would work. I found this cyl. Surplus Center Item Detail. (this cyl will be used for another project. It has been tested for the other project and worked as expected but I need to rework a bracket before I post what I did.)

Once I got the the cyl, I did some test fitting to make sure that I had the proper placement of the cyl. to ensure the correct operation of opening and closing. (4th and 5th pic)

I then welded it all up (6th pic) and painted it.

When I went to use it I found that between the final test fit and welding it together the cyl mounting on the cross tube somehow move about a 1/4" out of position and required some temp mods to make it usable. I did not have the camera with me when I put it to use for the first time but can tell you I was able to pick up an 14" base by about 50' long cherry log. and about another 20' top section of the same tree in 1 grab. (I should have pics of the log and brush piles in the next week or so.)

Need to go for now but will fill in with more info as time permits.

Kurt

 

[kennyd]

Thats a great looking Grapple!

 

[yekrut]

Pretty nice Job! I'll be interested in seeing how it works. Bet it will do you good.

 

[MJPetersen]

Very nice grapple. Those flap disks are amazing huh! I like your sturdy cylinder mounting brackets. Good Job.

Mike

 

[2310 guy]

Well done. I can't wait to see it in action. Post a couple pics of it eating a stump or something.

 

[mboulais]

It looks great, well done!

 

[3RRL]

Indeed! A great looking grapple.
You did a really good job of getting the pivot geometry correct for your bucket. I like how heavy duty your grapple jaw is, using that 1/2" thick bar stock. Can't wait to see the photos of you using it.

 

[KAB]

I had a chance to do some work and get some pictures. I decided to grab one log by the end to pull it out if the woods, it sure was easier than hooking a chain and pulling it out first. One area that I was really please with was the ability to be able to pick up 55gal barrels of water. (I use them to water plants at our remote property.)

Kurt

 

[3RRL]

Thanks for sharing those pictures.
The grapple works great and that 55 gallon drum fits the radius of your jaws perfectly. Good job. Bet you're happy too.

 

[MJPetersen]

That looks like it is one very successful project. When I saw the pics of the barrels I had a vision of what would happen if you REALLY clamped down on a full barrel. I must be destructive by nature!!!

Mike

 

[KAB]

That looks like it is one very successful project. When I saw the pics of the barrels I had a vision of what would happen if you REALLY clamped down on a full barrel. I must be destructive by nature!!!

Mike

I had the same thoughts at first. I tried it on an empty barrel first, and found that the barrels were faily strong. I used to unload the barrels by wrapping a chain around the barrels and then moving them to the final location (this was a 2 person job). By using the grapple I just drive up to the barrel, open the grapple, curl the bucket so it partially matched the angle of the barrel, slowly move in till I make contact with the barrel, close the grapple, curl back, and drive away. (no second person required )

Kurt

 

[praha]

Very nice, beautiful welds, inspirational. GREAT job.
Thanks for sharing.

Joe

 

[Stampeder]

Excellent job! Great workmanship....

One suggestion on your bucket, you may want to consider adding a 3/8" or there abouts C channel to the top. I did this on mine and it made the top of the bucket incredibly strong. Now I have a box beam for the top not just a piece of flat plate.

I wish my grapple tongs were 1/2 inch. They are only 5/16 and tend to twist a bit when I pick up 10 inch logs. I'm going to add gusset plates above the square tubing as well as the ones that are below. I think this will prevent the twisting.

Very well done project.

Glenn.

 

[KAB]

Glenn,

I have been watching the top of the bucket. I had thought about adding reinforcement to the top of the bucket but I am trying to keep weight to a minimum. I am trying to keep the logs cut to around 8' - 10' and most everything else is brush.

The other thing with the top of this bucket it actually box design. 2 layers with about a 1/2" gap between them. The first sign of an issue should be the bolts loosening, and then again with me luck...

Kurt

 

[Stampeder]

KAB:

I couldn't tell from the picture that your bucket top was already a box design. You have the best of both worlds then. I find with the box design as a top it's like a tank. I push over trees with mine...seriously, although they are somewhat pulled up already.

One other thing that the fellows on the forum suggested, that I did, was to angle the bucket hooks about 15 degrees toward the center of the bucket. That was you eliminate most to the torsional stress when using a chain loop toward the middle. I have found this works really well. Just another suggestion.

I'm building another mount system for my existing grapple as well I want to build a root rake and then I can incorporate two grapples on the root rake. The are some distinct advantages to the double grapple system when dealing with tree stumps. I have a few of these around that I have to deal with.

Enjoy your grapple. I sure love mine, it is a great toy....er tool.

Glenn.
East Texas.

 

[glmf]

KAB, excellant job on the grapple. Wonder if you could tell me more about how you tied in the hydraulics, and what you used for a control valve and where you mounted it. I am running a CK20 as well and a grapple and thumb for my backhoe are on my list of things to do. Thanks much

 

[KAB]

Glenn,

The chain hooks are angled in. At what degree ??. Yes, that was a lesson learned here on TBN and the second mod. right after the tooth bar.


For me the grapple has been nothing but a tool. It has saved a lot of time moving brush, logs, and 55 gal water drums. Although a dedicated unit looks like it would work better for most of what I am doing, the bolt on ones are definate advantage for anybody doing this type of work.

Kurt

 

[KAB]

GLMF,

The complete answer to your question is another post that I need to start one of these days. To give you an idea first I added rear hydraulics to make connecting the BH a bit easier (this actually started everything else) as seen here http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/95910-ck20-rear-remote-install.html .

Then I added the Hydraulic Top Link, Built the grapple, ordered the hydraulic cylinder, dual action manual diverter valve, lots of fittings, hoses, and quick connects from surplus center and then I made a bracket to make the grapple cylinder work as a tilt cylinder for the 3ph. I still have a few pictures and adjustments to make prior to posting what was done.

Hope this helps for now. Now that the driveway is in I should get a chance to post what was done to make it all work.


Kurt

 

[Zinno87]

What size cylinder did you use on the grapple?

Thanks

 

[KAB]

I used this Surplus Center Item Detail cylinder from surplus center. By changing some mounting positions and angles I could have used a different cylinder. I would have preferred a larger diameter cylinder but this also doubles as a rear Tilt cylinder when not being used for the grapple.

Kurt