BX25 GrappleOmatic

[Artisan]

Yes Steven post some pics yes, I am gonna do something for hooks.,and Cantoo, indeed I really need practice and I REALLY need professional consel at my side whilst I practice some day. Formal training is what I need AND I need a pro to ensure me my Miller Vintage machine is operating right. It seems like the strength of the arc fades...as I weld. It seems like it starts strong and peters down as I go...

On the front, I actually did .5" far left, then far right, then along the middle, then left, then right back and forth, so as not to do bad things to it. I kinda did the same w/ the back as well. I really am trying for good penetertion, and your comments are much appreciated...:thumbsup:

Today I crawled under a house for the day so no playing w/ the tractor ...

 

[Cantoo]

I didn't make myself clear, had too many windows open and too many conversations going.
I meant to say you don't have to weld the complete length of the angle iron. Check any factory production welding and they very seldom weld the whole length. Only needs to be welded where you need strength, like the ends, where the grapple actually hooks on and the middle to keep everything together. take a couple of scrap pieces and weld them together with only a couple 1" welds, beat the crap out of it with a sledge hammer and see how much those small welds hold, no need to weld solid all the time.
Also you are maybe overheating your welder and that is causing your welds to look like they are loosing power.

 

[cannonfodder999]

Yep, 2 5/16 weld on grab hooks, are what you need with the opening pointing towards the tractor.. Like this.

James K0UA

Man Those are glued on well!!!!!!

 

[Artisan]

is it true 1/4 and 3/8 chain will slip into a 5/16 weld hook?

 

[k0ua]

is it true 1/4 and 3/8 chain will slip into a 5/16 weld hook?

1/4 and 5/16 yes, 3/8 no..BUT all chain dimensions and all hook dimensions do not appear to be the same, but the opening on the 5/16 hooks, (most common size on our smaller CUTs) are about .375 and the 3/8 chain is from .392 to .397... so not quite. While some of the guys on here have 3/8 chain, (expecially the larger tractors) but I have not seen the need for it on my L3400. get some good 5/16 grade 70 chain and you should be good to go. Lighter and easier to handle. 3/8 chain can wear you out at the end of the day.

James K0UA

 

[k0ua]

Man Those are glued on well!!!!!!

Yeah I used that new epoxy with steel in the mix.. JB weld.. should work out ok right?

James K0UA

 

[cannonfodder999]

Yeah I used that new epoxy with steel in the mix.. JB weld.. should work out ok right?

James K0UA

I thought it was the electric glue gun with 7018s

 

[Artisan]

Looks like 5/16" is winning and perhaps be on the look out for some 1/4" chain. Yes, 3/8 will wear ya out, there is a 15'er in the front, it sits there HA!

 

[Artisan]

For now, I decided on installing shackle D-Rings. I can make lil' cheater chains if I want from D-Ring to Chain Hook, I can use rope, I can use Open Hooks...basically I think a shackle set up is going to be the most universal, for me.

I welded up the open ends of the 3.5" angle and blended the welds to smooth and it almost looks store bought! After a lil paint it is starting to look like something...

 

[k0ua]

Hey I really like the way you paid attention to the little detail things. Looks great!

James K0UA