Grapple build

[2310 guy]

This for my MF 2310. Trying to keep it light because of the small size of my tractor FEL, yet strong enough that it won't bend.

The last grapple i made ended up bending and twisting after I welded the gusits(sp) in. All the heat and my turning it in the vise ended up totally twisting my grapple. Thats what happen when you use thin steel. A blessing in disguise.

Everthing is now 3/8" or 1/2" also I'm using angle iron because its easy and strong.

Here are the pivot points.

The pivot points before I tack weld them.

This going to be the pivoting end of the grapple teeth/arm

Teeth/arms in the mounts.

welded into place.

 

[BTDT]

Nice welding table. I like the angle iron grate with scrap barrel underneath table. Oh, BTW, nice work on the grapple too.

 

[Stampeder]

Nice work on the Grapple. I'm about to do some work on mine as well. It started to twist when I lifted some 8 inch diameter pine trees.
I too really like your welding table.
How about more pictures and dimensions of it. I need to build one at this new place and yours looks like a winner.
How big is the top? What thinkness? Like the use of the I beams on the edge. Is it on casters?
Looking forward to seeing the finished grapple. Are you going to put it on a root rake?
Cheers
Glenn

 

[2310 guy]

I'm not sure the exact size of the table. Its got 4"x4" square tubing 1/4' thick for legs. The legs sit under a I-beam frame. And the tables surface is 5/16" plate. The size of the table is aprox. 3 1/2 ft by 6 1/2 ft.

It doesn't have casters but that is not a bad idea.

 

[Stampeder]

I'm from Calgary. Moved to Texas last year. Are you on the Island?

Any chance of some pictures? What size are the I beams?

Cheers.

 

[2310 guy]

I'm from bowen isl. not vancouver isl. Its a 20 min ferry ride from horseshoe bay.

I'll take some pics for the table when I go back to work.

 

[2310 guy]

Update:

I got the grapple mounted on the bucket and took so measurements for the grapple angle and the hyrdaulic piston angle. With the grapple level it will 35 deg. all the way down and 45 deg. all the way up. Total travel from up the down is 80 deg. Now that I have the right angles I can finish welding. Its a real (pain) to do when the bucket is over an hour away from my workshop.

Mobil work bench

ready to drill

35 deg. bellow level (all the way down)

45 deg above level. (all the way up)

Guard dog... just incase.

 

[alchemysa]

Update:
Guard dog... just incase.
QUOTE]

Thats gets funnier everytime I look at it.

 

[2310 guy]

Update:

I got everything welded up and painted. Also drill and tapped in some grease fittings.


Teeth for the grapple

Painted

New bushings and grease fittings

Finished product. Late and over budget but what can you do, this was my first grapple. Next time should be easier....lol.

 

[bucmeister]

Nice work. I need to do something 'bout like that myself. Was noticing the bushings. Since all I have ever done is drill holes, which is a big step up from my dad's "a cutting torch hole is good enough" mentality, I would like to know where to lay my hands on that kind of material.