FEL Grapple from Scratch W/ Lots-O-Pics

[GuglioLS]

Larry,
One last thing...
I thought of drilling a few "lightning holes" in the grapple jaws themselves to remove some weight but not strength. They are not necessary nor will they affect the strength of the jaws. So if you are interested call me. They are like the holes in your 1-2-3 blocks, except I would make them ﾘ1-1/2" and ﾘ1-1/4" in front and behind where the pivot tube connects to the jaws...space equally.
Something like this:



I don't think you need them at all, that's why I didn't draw them in the first place. But thought I'd throw it out there to make the jaws "look" even more high tech before you welded them. On the other hand, I did not want to detract from the traditional rural grapple look either ...the choice is yours.

You are doing a terrific job. I have a feeling your grapple project will turn out great. I'm so glad you like the design.

Oh WOW Rob - that is just too cool looking. Well that helps me out allot, now I know what I'll be up to next - Spending hours drilling holes that the plasma cutter could have done in about 10 seconds. Thanks The way I see it, I have no choice but to put those lightning holes in. I must be the first on the block to have those!


Larry

 

[Willl]

Come on Larry, I peeked.
Your busted.
Show us the rest.
(oh Rob, not you too ?)

 

[Willl]

Hmmmmmmm, something fishy going on here !

 

[Willl]

Here all along I thought this was a play by play type build thread.
You know, like we were watching it happen in real time.

Sure had me fooled, why would you lie to us Larry ?

This whole project is totally done.
Done as in all welded up, primered, painted and in use already. Isn't it Larry ?

Seems Rob is in on this too.
The "lightning holes" he spoke of are already been done.
Funny how they came out exactly like the picture he 'just' drew up.
Oh Rob, tell me it ain't so ?

 

[3RRL]

Oh come on Willl,
Let Larry tell his story now of how he did it. Don't spoil it for him or the rest of the guys here.
This is a true story and not a lie. It may not be "real time" but this is exactly how it unfolded ...step by step...when he was building his grapple.

You ever see a documentary on TV before? Maybe a nature show or building a racing engine. Do you think they haven't finished and edited it before they air it? It is much more entertaining and promotes discussion, interest and suspense presented in this manner. So what if it's done already?
Now hush up and let him continue.

 

[GuglioLS]

My big brother Rob comes to the rescue, you are my hero!

Thanks Willl, for pirating my photo-bucket account and posting the stolen photos What a spoil sport, geeze

Larry

 

[Willl]

Why the story ?

Why not just come out and spill it ?

Deception is still deception, any way you fold it.

 

[mars1952]

Hi Larry:
Thanks for posting this great project.
Where did you buy your Joystick Handle?
Thanks, Marshall

I ordered the handle with a 10 mm X 1.5 mm thread pitch bushing so it would screw right onto my existing FEL valve joystick lever -



Here is the front view:



And a side view, man is this thing ever comfortable!



Next is to............ well what is next I'm stalling, waiting for you all to jump in here with some last minute cool ideas before I start welding metal together.


That's it for tonight -

Larry

 

[tlbuser]

Why the story ?

Why not just come out and spill it ?

Deception is still deception, any way you fold it.

That's pretty harsh, especially considering that these guys are not getting claims to fame or fortune from their storyline. Who really gives a RA about the time frame? I truly appreciate all of the time and effort Rob and Larry spend creating these "way cool" projects and posting in great detail from inception to finalization.

Rob and Larry - These team projects of yours keep getting more refined. Your combined talents are indeed impressive! Instead of a book, how about a school for machining and tractor gadgets ??? Thanks for your efforts to share with us.

 

[GuglioLS]

Hi Larry:
Thanks for posting this great project.
Where did you buy your Joystick Handle?
Thanks, Marshall

Thank you Marshall,
I appreciate the positive comment and are glad your finding this a great project. Are you needing a Joystick Handle?

I'll PM you with details on where I got the handle and how to order them.

Thanks for asking,


Larry