FEL Grapple from Scratch W/ Lots-O-Pics

[GuglioLS]

I also have another problem with the grapple project, In the picture there wasn't enough of the mill drill lathe combo so we could know what kind of machine you have guess I'll just have to guess. Congratulations on another fine project, thanks for sharing with us and it is always good to see the different tools and what they are capable of.

Toy,

The Mill Drill / lathe combo is one of those "controversial" units I purchased on sale for practically nothing. It actually works pretty good for my needs. This is what it looks like - except the color of mine is gray:

Thanks for the compliments on our grapple project.

Larry

 

[TwinWillows]

Drill/Mill/Lathe - now that's cool. Not to mention saving shop space.

 

[bones1]

That is a nice grapple. How much do you want for it? Can I make you an offer you can't refuse

 

[GuglioLS]

That is a nice grapple. How much do you want for it? Can I make you an offer you can't refuse

Hummm... An offer I can't refuse? sounds good, it might help to pay all those royalty fees I'm going to owe Rob.

Thanks for the compliment,

Larry

 

[GuglioLS]

See reply # 83 page 9 -

I got the Cylinder protector plates plasma cut Friday. Have not installed them yet, been busy cutting firewood. Maybe this weekend before I go up the new road to collect all the stumps with the grapple.

I had two made, one for me and one for a buddy. I got to get me one of those plasma cutters. It goes through steel like the proverbial hot knife through butter.


Rob,
They came out great (as usual) thanks for drawing them up, no surprise it fits perfect.


Thanks again,

Larry

 

[3RRL]

You are welcome.
They look pretty good too. I'm thinking Ken should be happy with all the stuff you've done for him.
When is he going to start his?

 

[GuglioLS]

............snip..........
When is he going to start his?

Good question, darned if I know. Maybe sometime long after mine wears out? That may take a while though as I installed grease fittings on all the moving parts.

He keeps whining about not having time. Although he does find time to keep his tractor clean, and stored under stringent environmentally controlled conditions, in fact, his tractor is so sano it's as if it went through the decontamination chamber at the CDC in Atlanta, then shrink wrapped for good measure. The finish on it is perfect, although I did notice a hint of wax build-up, good grief


Larry

 

[justcountry]

Thanks so much for the info Larry, Does one side of the valve have to be energized for the bucket cylinder to still function, or can they be one or the other or both? Is the joystick momentary contact for each of the buttons so in order to get the bucket to dump and the grapple to open, you have to hold them both? Mike

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Larry, if you wouldn't mind, I sure could use the details on that handle as well. The grapple is on my list of must do things, and that handle sure looks like the ticket,,,thanks

I could use a few of these handles also.
Please advise where they can be purchased.
Ken

 

[GuglioLS]

Mike,

Welcome to TBN.
To answer your questions - the solenoid sub plate is connected in series down stream of the FEL valve, doing it that way ensures the grapple cylinder solenoid has virtually no effect on the FEL bucket cylinder operation. The buttons on the joystick must be momentary action. Only one button is pressed at a time, one button extends (closes the grapple) the other button retracts (opens the grapple)

The joystick info is on post# 89 page 10 of this thread.

Here are the Joystick Handle links:

Home Page
S series handle
Handle specs
Mounting options
Parts List

They are in Canada with a direct dial toll free #

I told them I would try to get them some business - So Please, If anyone orders a handle let them know that Larry Gugliotta referred you. Maybe good for a discount? - Ask!
If any of you really do order, let me know so I can get an Idea of how much business they may be getting from us.

Be sure to check out the mounting options, & order enough cable for your application, they come standard with 2 feet of cable.

These are durable, high quality handles that you can get parts for if needed - so expect to pay about ~ 130.00 USD + shipping. For me, it was worth every penny. As opposed to fabricating some makeshift setup I would not be happy with.

OAN -
The electric Solenoid which operates the grapple is attached to the Excess flow output of the variable divider. For anyone installing a grapple I HIGHLY recommend installing a flow divider to control the speed of the grapple cylinder AND an over pressure relief valve -

Here is a basic hydraulic schematic of the system. The diagram is in simple terms that are (hopefully) easy to understand.
Click on image for full size:


Carefully check out reply # 22 on page 3 for details of the flow divider

Larry