Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[IslandTractor]

Maybe his has been asked before, but:
Obviously there痴 many benefits to a grapple.
Other than brush use, I find myself wanting some type of clamping when I try to pick up / balance a 28 ft log on forks that are probably 3.5 ft apart. This can take several efforts to find the balancing point.
How real is the danger with a grapple of locking onto a lopsided load and putting a twist in the loader arms?

The risk is real but not typically from just lifting an imbalanced load. The problem comes when you travel (load bouncing around) or if you hit an obstacle with a clamped object extended more than a few feet from the grapple (like a tree). Tractor FELs are not particularly well designed or build to resist twisting movements so it behooves us to avoid such forces. No issue with lifting an imbalanced load and then dropping it to reposition. Damage occurs with dynamic forces associated with moving a load. There have been occasional reports here on TBN of folks who have torqued their FEL so it doesn't sit level anymore (until then untorque it) and there are more numerous reports of twisting a grapple itself (even with uber expensive grapples like Anbo). Bottom line is to just keep in mind that a static lift is relatively unlikely to cause damage but moving with either an imbalanced load or having a long load hit an obstruction is what most likely will damage either loader or grapple.

Middle photo is much higher risk activity than the other two even though the total weight is about the same.

 

[Piston]

Very well stated I.T. :thumbsup: And, unless you have a tractor like Mutzfarm's M62, it's very possible to bend the loader arms. However, with just a little care and thought, this is extremely unlikely based on my experience.

I've lifted many offcenter objects, and many long length, heavy logs, and generally have beat and battered my grapple about as hard as I can and my FEL arms are just as straight now as they were many years ago when I first bought my tractor.


Mutz,
Tell me about this.....

Where did you get it, how did you attach it, and...well...it's a really good idea.

 

[ericm979]

The spring hose holder thing comes on EA grapples. That and the swivels in the hoses are nice touches.

 

[PhysAssist]

Deleted for brevity

Hi IT,

I like your axe storage- does it ever bounce out of there?

Thanks!

PA

PS:
In case I'm not back on TBN before the upcoming festivities:

Merry Chris-hannu-kwa-mas-kah-za!

 

[goeduck]

The dealer recommended this Blue Diamond 72" dual lid grapple for my MX5800. I control it with a W&R Long 3rd function valve.

Will post some action pics when I get a chance.

Nice looking setup you have there.

 

[MutzFarm]

Very well stated I.T. :thumbsup: And, unless you have a tractor like Mutzfarm's M62, it's very possible to bend the loader arms. However, with just a little care and thought, this is extremely unlikely based on my experience.

I've lifted many offcenter objects, and many long length, heavy logs, and generally have beat and battered my grapple about as hard as I can and my FEL arms are just as straight now as they were many years ago when I first bought my tractor.
View attachment 533073

Mutz,
Tell me about this.....
View attachment 533071
Where did you get it, how did you attach it, and...well...it's a really good idea.

As mentioned it comes with the grapple. It is a nice addition. Gives the ability to help keep the hoses out of the way.

 

[IslandTractor]

Hi IT,

I like your axe storage- does it ever bounce out of there?

Thanks!

PA

I usually keep a long pry bar in the FEL torque tube and it is held in place by a small bungee just to keep it from bouncing out. I don't usually keep an axe there but obviously it does fit. I'd be a little concerned that while it fits, the head sticks out and can potentially snag in tight quarters.

 

[Piston]

As mentioned it comes with the grapple. It is a nice addition. Gives the ability to help keep the hoses out of the way.

That's a really nice touch that they put on there.

 

[Threepoint]

I think it's standard only on EA's dual lid models, to minimize risk of interference. Optional with single lid, and they might sell it separately as an accessory.

 

[dirtymartini]

I think it's standard only on EA's dual lid models, to minimize risk of interference. Optional with single lid, and they might sell it separately as an accessory.

I didn't get one with my single lid from EA

 

[MutzFarm]

That's a really nice touch that they put on there.

:thumbsup:

 

[LiveDog]

Merry Christmas (Eve)...

Spent this special Christmas-Eve day working with my KUBOTA L4701DT, VERMEER BC900XL, EA 66" Grapple-Bucket making a new botanical flower/bush/tree/palm-bed along my North boundary line utilizing several hurricane IRMA damaged/downed/dead trees... Notice how I use the trunks/logs and chip/mulch the limbs/tops/brush... The soil is amended with fertilizer/pot-ash, seeded with wild-flowers, contains some existing botanicals and after the chips are spread I will trans-plant several botanicals that I have propagated... Stay tuned for the finished product...

 

[Threepoint]

LiveDog, nice project! Interesting to see it underway in shirtsleeve weather on Christmas Eve, while 37 states are expecting a White Christmas. :laughing: Look forward to progress reports!

 

[LiveDog]

LiveDog, nice project! Interesting to see it underway in shirtsleeve weather on Christmas Eve, while 37 states are expecting a White Christmas. :laughing: Look forward to progress reports!

It was 82* here (Central Florida) today... I wear a light-weight long-sleeve tee-shirt hoodie all season for protection from the sun/bugs/dust/pollen... The shirt material is light enough to breath and I can fit a hat over the hoodie... I sweat my ***-off today (not unusual for me to drop 6-8 lbs./day) but it was a good work-out and the new botanical-bed will be nice... YOU will be amazed with the progress pics... Glad that YOU enjoyed the pics... More to come...

 

[IslandTractor]

I think it's standard only on EA's dual lid models, to minimize risk of interference. Optional with single lid, and they might sell it separately as an accessory.

I like EA’s hose clamp. I bought one for my non EA grapple but haven’t had a chance to install it yet. It should do a good job of keeping the hoses out of harms way.

 

[case580c]

I like EA’s hose clamp. I bought one for my non EA grapple but haven’t had a chance to install it yet. It should do a good job of keeping the hoses out of harms way.

Would you or someone have a link for the spring hyd hose clamp, as I can't find it. I have seen it before and recall it's a pricey 60 buck spring but still can't find it. Thanks and hoping everyone is having a wonderful Christmas

 

[case580c]

Would you or someone have a link for the spring hyd hose clamp, as I can't find it. I have seen it before and recall it's a pricey 60 buck spring but still can't find it. Thanks and hoping everyone is having a wonderful Christmas

Found it Tractor hose reroute kit

 

[IslandTractor]

Found it Tractor hose reroute kit

Yep, that's it. I found identical spring kits on ebay and I think from Bobcat too so I doubt EA makes it. As I recall EA's price was competitive though still pricey. It is such a simple device that I thought of just buying a big spring to duplicate the function but got tired of trying to find a heavy duty spring with long enough "tails" to be able to bend or weld them to a bracket. Bottom line is that the EA item is the easiest way to go. You will need to either weld or bolt the spring to the top tube on the grapple too.

 

[Piston]

Some winter time grappling fun....

 

[Gordon Gould]

Some winter time grappling fun....

You forgot to mention why you took the wheel off. Gonna try skies ???

gg