Grapple Build, suggestions for bushings

[ishiboo]

Easy fast quick inexpensive way is to plasma cut out a larger OD hole, and then weld a shaft collar to each side. Yes, zerks go right in the set screws. Put a few machinery bushings on each side to space the cylinder out. It looks decent when finished.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I use dimensional tubing as several have mentioned. It can be got on eBay in short pieces for not too much money.

 

[ns_in_tex]

We built our grapple 10/12 years ago. We did not use any bushings. I think our pins were 1" and we welded a pipe coupling to each side of our 3/4" material & installed a grease zert into each coupling. I remember we had to drill the coupling out to 1" & it left a portion of the thread in, so I guess it was a 3/4 coupling. We haven't noticed any wear on this part, but the hydraulic cylinder is wearing, where we did not have any zerts. Will have to replace the ends of the cylinders before too long. This will be the red part of attached picture.

 

[ArlyA]

On a trailer we had to rebuild its walking beam axle, we used DOM tubing (Drawn Over Mandrel) to create a nice, thick wear surface bearing and we added zerks to them. We purchased it .760 ID and I can't recall its OD. May have been 1". Here is a supplier of it.

MetalsDepot(R) - Buy DOM Round Steel Tube Online!

 

[davedj1]

They sell different size collars at TS, I would use them and weld them to the outside of material, add zerk and call it good.

 

[ovrszd]

Post an update when you decide. Anxious to see your choice.

 

[PILOON]

I'd agree that DOM tubing is the way to go IMHO.

 

[triptester]

I have used these for bushings and they match perfectly with hitch pins.

Bushings

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I tried the thin wall bushings cut to a shorter length. The distortion from welding was unacceptable. That is why I went to the shaft couplings as they are very heavy wall and no distortion from welding. I do not have Mig or Tig so maybe they don't generate enough heat to distort. Couplings are in both SAE and Metric shafting.

Ron

 

[davedj1]

This is what I was talking about
Sc 3/4 3/4 Set Collar