Grapple grapple

[dirt clod]

Does this look like a good grapple for my L3300?
Universal Grapple for skidsteer or frontend loader - eBay (item 250217745475 end time Feb-26-08 12:03:12 PST)

 

[wiggle]

Heres a web site that has some pretty nice add on grapples. I think that there are alot of TBN members that have these.
www.tatrosite.com

 

[3RRL]

Dirt clod,
That grapple you posted will probably be fine, but I noticed it does not have much cross bracing to stabilize the jaws. Perhaps that's why they're a little less money? I've found that to be a significant requirement and is standard on the Tatro grapple design and some others. There is often a force on only one jaw tip and not the other. So those in the link might tweak when that happens?

The ones I've made not only have that extra cross bar and larger front plates, but also a plate to protect the cylinder and rod. Even though these are heavy duty, I did that after tweaking non-cross braced grapple jaws. Compare their construction.

 

[arrow]

Rob
Where do you get the jaw arms from? They look CNC plasma made. Thanks

Lou

 

[3RRL]

Rob
Where do you get the jaw arms from? They look CNC plasma made. Thanks

Lou

Right Lou,
I had them plasma cut right off my CAD file.

 

[dirt clod]

Thanks for pointing out the lack of bracing. Me and light duty stuff don't seem to have a very long lasting relationship. Sent you a Pm.

 

[dirt clod]

Of course I guess a brace could be welded in for cheap. How does having your own design cut and then welding yourself workout price wise?

 

[denmansoft]

3RRL
Love your house!
I have a fixed thumb on my backhoe and notice that yours and your grapples are very wide. Doesn't the twisting between the 2 claws on onew grapple put extra loads on everthing ? I would think the single box arm on a thumb or grapple would grab things on three points without much inherent twisting of the grapple.

 

[Reg]

Dirt Clod,
As is often the case; "It depends more on what you want to do with it than what you want to put it on."

For grabbing single logs, 1/2 or 3/4 single trees for bucking firewood, grabbing stumps, etc., right now I'm thinking a stump grapple at ~$650 to $700 would work - for ME.
For grabbing a lot of brush in a single mouthful; a full width brush grapple, grapple rake, or add-on bucket grapple would be "better".

 

[troe]

i just bought one over the weekend called the big arm, he sells the little arm for two hundred and the big arm for 235, i intstalled the arm on my tn75 and love it.
dehner welding phone number is 773 339 3699, he has a web sight with pic. and he sells on ebay also. i am sure andy trato has a good one also.
have a great day
tom r