Grapple Design

[dtd24]

Ok finally back on this project. Since I started this thing I saw alot of action in the grapple customs. I bought the Lion 2" bore six inch stroke. I settled on the lion because they had the best web site. Weird!!! Anyhoot, thought I would bump this old thread.

Been concentrating on the "farm" a bit, so I'm glad to be starting this again. Think I will head to the scrap yard before I buy any steel. I have been thinking of just flat bar though.......instead of cutting arms with the plasma. I can weld same stock on for support if required. I dunno......

 

[IslandTractor]

Glad to see you are back on the grapple project. How about some updated photos when you get a chance.

 

[alchemysa]

I am afraid the your bucket surface where mount is attached is going to flex and maybe bend when you are clamped down on sumpin, might want to stiffen bucket or add low setting relief valve or equivalent

I agree. The weak point is the top plate of your bucket. You must remember that the cylinder is applying as much force to the end where the setup is welded or bolted to the bucket, as it is to the 'pointy' end. A powerful ram combined with your proposed geometry could bend the top of your bucket like tin foil. (Its already got a kink in it). All your drawings depict the ram at full extension with nothing in the jaws. But try picturing a 12'' log in the way of a ram that wants to keep going. The most likely thing to move or break is your mounting point. You should perhaps consider giving the mounting plate some additional support with a bracket that extends down the back of the bucket. You might also need to strengthen the top plate of the bucket. If you click on 3RRL's pics in message #15 you'll see he's got a pretty hefty square tube bar across top of his bucket. Another option is to make the mounting plate much wider so it bolts down the side of the bucket like the ATI grapple in message #17.

 

[dtd24]

I have put some thought into my bucket, as far as bending it goes. I think I will weld in some supports under the bucket lip for added support. I did think about the ATI design, but not sure I want the added weight of steel all the way across the bucket. Not to mention I have the steel angle piece which was recyled from a mobil station my company just took down, that isn't long enough to go end to end.

I will be heading to the scrap yard this weekend to see what I can find for steel.

 

[dtd24]

I have really been thinking about the plumbing. I think I have too much info.........brain kinda hurts. May be looking at this screen too long though. Ok, need some help here guys.

So my backhoe hook ups are the power beyong thing right? That means if I didn't have the hoe on and I didn't connect the two lines my 3ph wouldn't work?

I like the WR Long electric over hydraulic set up because I would be able to use all functions of the loader and grapple together.

I need to do some pricing on the selector valve kit. Seems this may be a cheaper way out.

Any ideas on the most economical way?

 

[IslandTractor]

With only a power beyond setup on your tractor you are kinda stuck and will need to either install a diverter for the FEL or a set of rear remotes which can serve multiple functions including the grapple and a more convenient attachment of the backhoe. Cost will likely be roughly the same for a simple diverter but rear remotes would be less than the electronic solonoid that permits full dump/curl at the same time as grapple open/close. I have the rear remotes and have done a lot of grapple work over the past year plus with no complaints. Like many things, it becomes very natural to control the grapple with the rear remotes after you do it for an hour or so.

 

[dtd24]

I read over pineridges install, very nice web site...........thank you.
He used this divertor
http://www.surpluscenter.com/adspecs/AS9-1782.pdf

What about this one
http://www.surpluscenter.com/adspecs/AS9-5117.pdf

Any thoughts?

 

[SkunkWerX]

I read over pineridges install, very nice web site...........thank you.
He used this divertor
http://www.surpluscenter.com/adspecs/AS9-1782.pdf

What about this one
http://www.surpluscenter.com/adspecs/AS9-5117.pdf

Any thoughts?

I just ordered the 2nd one, looks pretty straight forward.
Uses an On-Center Off-On switch (SPDT) to select between grapple cylinder and , let's say, bucket/dump cylinder.

My only unanswered question is: On this particular Selector valve, can a solenoid be energized at 100% duty cycle? ie; Can I leave it energized in "Bucket mode" , until such time i need to switch to grapple?

 

[dtd24]

Skunk, I spoke with surpluss center and you have it exactly correct. Only 1 can be energized at one time. So yes, you can just leave the dump/curl powered on all the time until you are ready to flip the switch to the other side to use the grapple.

The only issue is if you use the control lever without having the switch on one or the other, fluid may flow through the relief because both circuits are closed. Just wondering if you can use a different switch to eliminate that. DPDT maybe????

Funny how the first one is so much more, I mean another 70 bucks. The guy I spoke to did say most go with the 9-5117.

 

[dtd24]

Think I have it

ON-ON
Single Pole, Double Throw = SPDT
This switch can be on in both positions, switching on a separate device in each case. It is often called a changeover switch. For example, a SPDT switch can be used to switch on a red lamp (dump/curl) in one position and a green lamp (grapple)in the other position.