Grapple --- 1 Lid or 2

[Hilbilly]

Had to go to the city to get the screen for the back of the grapple but at least it's done. Got the screen on, some teeth added to the lid and the primer done today. Then I figured out what to do with the diverter valve switch. One pic below shows the current (temp) location and the other shows the wooden joystick knob I made on the lathe. I mounted the switch on the end of the knob and the wires run down, inside, of the joystick. This will be much better. I just hope the wooden knob lasts for a while.

 

[TomSeller]

Now you will have to name it and market it. "Wicked Grapple" is already taken. How about "Gruesome Grapple"?

 

[k0ua]

Had to go to the city to get the screen for the back of the grapple but at least it's done. Got the screen on, some teeth added to the lid and the primer done today. Then I figured out what to do with the diverter valve switch. One pic below shows the current (temp) location and the other shows the wooden joystick knob I made on the lathe. I mounted the switch on the end of the knob and the wires run down, inside, of the joystick. This will be much better. I just hope the wooden knob lasts for a while.
View attachment 414382View attachment 414384View attachment 414386View attachment 414387View attachment 414388

Hey I like you switch.. Urethane it well, and stick it on.

 

[k0ua]

Now you will have to name it and market it. "Wicked Grapple" is already taken. How about "Gruesome Grapple"?

Gruesome Grapple?... That isn't half bad.

 

[Hilbilly]

Hey I like you switch.. Urethane it well, and stick it on.

Great idea! I was trying to figure out how to treat it so it would have a fighting chance. I'll have to use spar varnish though. Regular Urethane doesn't do well outside. Don't ask me how I know.

 

[k0ua]

Great idea! I was trying to figure out how to treat it so it would have a fighting chance. I'll have to use spar varnish though. Regular Urethane doesn't do well outside. Don't ask me how I know.

I have used this stuff with good success on wooden benches outdoors.

Minwax 1-qt. High Gloss Helmsman Indoor/Outdoor Spar Urethane-63200 - The Home Depot

 

[Hilbilly]

Great and thanks for the info.

 

[Ehanson]

I want to make one for my 16 HP Mitsi, but it will be a bucket clamp. It has a 33"wide bucket, and hopefully I can
Utilize a single cylinder design?
I have to keep checking pictures for ideas.
Please post pics of what you make
Thankyou

 

[IslandTractor]

I want to make one for my 16 HP Mitsi, but it will be a bucket clamp. It has a 33"wide bucket, and hopefully I can
Utilize a single cylinder design?
I have to keep checking pictures for ideas.
Please post pics of what you make
Thankyou

You'd be nuts to use anything other than a single cylinder.

If you are looking for ideas to fabricate a grapple for a bucket, you might search the web for "Add A Grapple". That design bolts to the sides of the bucket. You can also weld or bolt a grapple arm to the top of the bucket. I recall there was a ready made upper grapple sold on eBay under the brand of "The Thumb" a few years ago too. As another thought, if you are willing to purchase the lid only and fabricate your own mounting, you might give the guys at Everything Attachments a call and see if they will sell you the lid only for their 50" light duty grapple. Nice design and I think it is 30" wide (check with them).

 

[Scott65]

Sorry, I haven't read every page in this thread, it's become quite large. But to the OP, if you still have the original question in mind: I built a grapple to go on the bucket of my L3301. Just a single lid. I'm still trying to find time to do a write-up on it (and several others). Its not pretty by any means, but its very strong. Stronger than I thought actually. The other day I needed to move a propane tank. I'm not sure exactly how big or how many gallons, I would guess nearly as long as the tractor. Definitely longer than the bucket is wide. Probably wasn't the best thing to do, but I scooped the bucket under one end and clamped the grapple down onto it and lifted it up and away I went. I was able to drive across my 10 acres, bumps, ruts and all with little issue. I have often wondered if I would like a double lid grapple. But I don't think that would have worked here. The seam between them would have been right where the tank was, putting quite a bit of sideways stress on both lids.

This applies allot of the time with larger stumps and whatnot. But then there are other times that I scoop things, such as uneven loads of large rocks or something, that I wish I had 2 lids to hold the load in better. In a perfect world you would have both. Personally I think There are always going to be instances where the one that you don't have would seem to do the task at hand a little bit better, no matter which one you go with. But all-in-all, I'm quite happy with the single lid that I build.