Grapple Design

[dtd24]

It's actually my step father's shop. He's the metal guy!! He really did a great job as usual. I like the bolt stops and linement stops. Those are things I wouldn't have thought about. (1) 1-1/2 socket to get this thing on and off. Bringin her home tonight!!! Only thing left is the plumbing. I have to move the plumbing to the front of the tractor. I put them on the brush guard which just doesn't work.


Anyhoot, I promise pics of the grapple in action by the end of this weekend.

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I couldn't have completed this project without the help of all you guys that chimed in from the begining of this thread (Feb 6, 2007), TBN, and of course my step father for really giving me the opportunity to be able to build a project like this as well as all his time and meticulous effort.

This is really the first tool I have ever designed and built. Actually the first project using metal.


Thank you!!!!!!!!!

 

[SkunkWerX]

DTD, excellent! and great pics!

if this is your first metal project, and you have that kind of help, I can't wait to see your 2nd and 3rd projects!!

Good show.

"Grapple Action" pics..... eagerly awaiting them.

You will be grinnin ear-to-ear, of that I am sure.

 

[dtd24]

Man this thing came out great!!! Only thing wrong is the cylinder is very fast and touchy. Is there such a thing as an adjustable regulator for hydraulic line going to front of FEL? I will just be easy on it for now. It's alot more action while using the tractor. I put in as much seat time as I could this weekend!!! Glad I did the work light project before this one!!!

Here are the operating pics as promised

 

[IslandTractor]

Man this thing came out great!!! Only thing wrong is the cylinder is very fast and touchy. Is there such a thing as an adjustable regulator for hydraulic line going to front of FEL?

You could put in a restrictor bushing in the hydraulics to slow down the grapple. I imagine any full service hydraulics store could help you.

 

[Willl]

No paint ?

 

[Bedlam]

could check here. I know there are regulator valves. with a small thumb wheel to them.

Surplus Center - Hydraulic Cylinders Pumps Motors

 

[Mike058]

Very nice, I like the teeth along the front edge. Excellent "action" shots too, thanks. What kind of switch did you go with to work the diverter valve?

 

[dtd24]

mike,
just a single pole double throw switch, there are pics in the thread

 

[SkunkWerX]

DTD, looks awesome!!! nice job.

Regarding the quickness of the cylinder.....
My thought is that opening fast isn't a problem, heck, it may be a plus.

What size fittings/hose are you using?

On the closing side of the hydraulic circuit you could try installing a 1/4" fitting by using a reducer. Let's say you are running 1/2" fittings??
Get a 1/2" x 1/4" bushing, and/or 1/2" x 1/4" reducer fitting.

If you really want to dial it in, you could use a needle valve, which would serve as a metering device.

Like this:

Just make sure it is high pressure.

I would think simply connecting a reducing fitting would probably serve your purpose. And would be cheap enough, too.

 

[maryland44]

I built this 3rd function switch box from a piece of 1x1 tube for my 3rd function valve. That is just plastic tube plugs at the ends. The switches are water proof and dust proof but only switch about 3A at 12v so I added a relay before the valve.
The valve was from Surplus center.
I like this set up over the rocker because I can use it with gloves on.

Did you fabricate the switch box cover collar or is it available from another source? Nice job!!