Grapple Great Grapple (now with a bend)

[Village Idiot]

Lurking for a while, but first time posting...

I picked up a 48" Markham LD grapple (which is freakin' GREAT) and I was using it to pluck out large rocks. I found that rather than trying to "scoop" them with the lower tines, and then clamp down with the top tines, it was easier to point the whole unit straight down, and grab the rocks like a dog eating off the floor. After I lifted them up, I would roll the bucket back, release the "bite" from the grapple to let them slid back closer to the FEL pivot point, and then re-bite to secure the load. This was working great even with what I would call a large rock (probably 3' x 2' x 2'). Where I ran into a wee bit of trouble.

After rolling back the rock, and letting it slide closer to the hinge point, I re-grabbed. As the jaws tightened I noticed that the upper brace (a flat piece of steel in between the 2 upper "teeth") and the horizontal 2"x2" square steel reinforcement closest to the hinge point were both bent around the rock by the force of the hydraulics.

The thing still opens and closes smoothly (as far as I can tell) but I assume that having the brace bent is putting pressure/wear on the hinges at the very least. So do I leave well enough alone, or do I try to bend it back somehow???

 

[Charlesaf3]

I've bent my grapple (different place) and so far am just leaving it alone - still works fine.

Bent it picking up big rocks. No complaints. I care about it working, not looking perfect

 

[CurlyDave]

I suspect that a real repair is going to cost about the same now or later, if there is ever a failure. I would leave it as is and just use it until something gives out. Whic h may be long after the tractor has worn out.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've bent the tips of both tines of my grapple doing just the sort of rock plucking that you describe. No big deal. As you point out, it doesn't really affect the function of the grapple. I eventually pulled my top grapple off during the winter non tractoring season, took it to a local car shop and had them both straighten and reinforce the tips with longer gussets. Works better than ever now.

 

[HCJtractor]

Same here. I have several bends in mine, none of which affect performance. If it still works, I would not bother trying to straighten it.