BX Rock Moving 101

[Junkman]

I am no longer struggling with the moving of rocks. I have found a better way.

 

[Junkman]

Take a look at the front tire. I have no idea of how heavy this rock is, but it barely fit into the bucket and the bucket didn't want to go up very high, not that I wanted it to either. The grapple is made by a company in Michigan. I have been using it for about 6 weeks now testing it out for the inventor. I now can just drive up to a rock and using the grapple coax it into the bucket usually without getting out of the seat. This is one of the slickest BX attachments that I have experianced to date. He has told me that they will be available shortly. Here is his web page. I am also using the bucket load level gauge with great success.

 

[Junkman]

Here is the Bucket Load Level attachment. When you see the yellow ring that is in the red area just at the top of the tube, you know that the bucket is level. Any time the yellow ring is above the top of the tube, the bucket is headed upward, if you can't see the yellow ring, then you know that the bucket is tilted downward. The picture shows the indicator with the bucket bottom flat on the ground.

 

[ronjhall]

Nice Grapple. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Is it purchased or homemade?
Got any more pictures showing hydraulics and cylinder?

 

[ronjhall]

I guess I should have waited a little longer before posting. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[frank_f15]

looks like a great little add on, but from the web page it say designed for the bx series, will they have one for the B series?

 

[Henro]

Junkman,

Like to see a shot or two of the grapple in its opened position... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[DannyD]

Looks like you have some extra fittings on the hydraulic lines there, I assume they are for a joy stick for this thing........and I want to be in the test team!

Better get some foam or something in that tire if you are going to do this much, looks like you are at the limit on it.

 

[44trxfun]

Thanks for posting Junkman--it looks promising. To be honest, at first I thought why would someone pay that kind of money for something they could ALMOST as easily move with a carryall? But the more I think about it, the more I realize there is something to be said for being able to "coax it in" without leaving the seat...over a grand worth???...I'm still thinkin'.

Anyways, neat idea. Thanks for sharing.

 

[sandyc]

Is the Bucket load level thing available yet? I am constantly struggling with my old eyes to try to figure if my FEL is level.

 

[Tdog]

Wow.

No rocks in SE Louisiana, but boy could I use that hombre for picking up stumps & brush! Am I going to be able to afford it??

Oops, just found the price - - will have to consider after I build a garage/shop. But it's on my wish list.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( looks like a great little add on, but from the web page it say designed for the bx series, will they have one for the B series? )</font>

This is the first unit to be shipped and I did the installation, testing, suggesting, etc. One for the B series might be in the offering as well as for other tractors at some later date. A lot of thought and design went into making this unit function properly for the purpose intended. One of the nicest features is that it can be removed in less than 3 minutes.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Looks like you have some extra fittings on the hydraulic lines there, I assume they are for a joy stick for this thing........and I want to be in the test team! )</font>

The valve mechanism for this is mounted on top of the original loader on the first design BX series. I don't know what is going to be done for mounting on the new BX series since Kubota redesigned the loader bucket valve design. I will post as soon as I have further information...
The hydraulic set up hooks up to the existing lines with no cutting or alteration to the factory installation. It is accomplished by the use of additional quick disconnects. It gets plugged into the existing lines at the tractor frame. The system is goof proof and designed for simplicity.

 

[JackIL]

JM.

Please post some more photos showing how the quick detach function works and side views with the grapple completely open closed. What are the thickness and depth of the tines and plates.

Nice design work.

Thanks,

JackIL

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Is the Bucket load level thing available yet? I am constantly struggling with my old eyes to try to figure if my FEL is level. )</font>

The level rod is available for immediate shipping. It is very easy to install and takes about 30 minutes to do. The instructions are clear and if you need any additional help, I can send you step by step color pictures. It is a precision instrument. The way that it is designed, the red upper section doesn't rub on the tube wall and doesn't get scratched as a result. I have found that it is a plus when working on the grass. I don't dig holes any longer with the bucket in the grass.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Like to see a shot or two of the grapple in its opened position... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )</font>

This is one of the grapple open.... This picture was take during the installation process.

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( JM.

Please post some more photos showing how the quick detach function works and side views with the grapple completely open closed. What are the thickness and depth of the tines and plates.

Nice design work.

Thanks,

JackIL )</font>

If you would like detailed pictures, measurements, etc., I must defer to the inventor/manufacturer. He is available through his website and by telephone. Thanks for your interest. Junkman

 

[DannyD]

OK, how do you work the bucket and the grapple if they use the same lines and there is no cutting etc.

 

[Junkman]

That is the easy part......... the bucket works normally and the grapple works with the second valve. The second valve is hooked into the system with quick disconnects, so both valves have oil pressure at the same time. The grapple lines are "T"d into the loader hydraulic lines with the quick disconnects. You can even operate the bucket and the grapple simultaneously. This does require 50% or more throttle to keep the oil volume and pressure up.

 

[Jim_Becker]

This is very kewel, Junkman. Thanks for posting about it. The design looks slick with easy mounting and tapping into the hydro system. Better yet, the weight is low at 89 lbs which was the singular biggest limitation for everything else out there when considering the BX. It's a bit on the expensive end, but given they are not going to be selling many thousands of them really fast, that's understandable. It's a small market and folks who really need this capabilty will likely be willing to pay the piper. IMHO, of course.