Home made Grapple

[IslandTractor]

The guys that have grapples, how long are the tines and how thick are they. I'm wanting to order the material next week so I can have a winter project.

3/8 inch is fairly standard for a typical light duty CUT grapple. Length will vary with design but close to 32-36 inches is a rough guess. I'm figuring the measurement from the back of the grapple to the tip and part of that would be the rear frame.

You can figure measurements from the photos below if you calculate based on the standard skid steer plate dimensions. If you need accurate figures let me know.

 

[IslandTractor]

Measured bottom grapple tine from tip to surface of quick attach plate: 32inches. 3/8 mild steel. Upper grapple arm is about 24 inches from mount to edge. Frame is 3x3.

 

[millwrightdude]

Measured bottom grapple tine from tip to surface of quick attach plate: 32inches. 3/8 mild steel. Upper grapple arm is about 24 inches from mount to edge. Frame is 3x3.

Thanks IslandTractor thats the info I need.

 

[millwrightdude]

Is 1/2 thick tines over kill?

 

[millwrightdude]

I was thinking about making the tine 1/2 x 3

 

[IslandTractor]

I was thinking about making the tine 1/2 x 3

1/2 may be overkill but 3 might be a bit small. I will need to measure but I think mine is 3/8 x 4. Some guys like half inch on the sides but I would put extra steel into an extra bottom tine or gussets for support .

My grapple has curved bottom tines which would be easy with CAD and CNC. I don't understand why more grapples don't use them as I see no advantage to straight except ease of building. That should not be such an issue with computers doing the cutting.

 

[millwrightdude]

What does it usually cost to have then CNC cut?

 

[IslandTractor]

What does it usually cost to have then CNC cut?

I've never priced it. I would suggest posting that question separately in the Projects area as the guys who fabricate from steel frquently would know details.

I would guess it is not a huge expense so long as you can provide compatable CAD drawings. These systems are standard in medium size custom steel shops now. Cost should be reasonable if they have some down time and you are not in a rush.

 

[millwrightdude]

I was just wondering about the cost. I was planning on using 3x3x1/4 square tubing for the main frame and 3x1/2 flat for all of the tines. I thought I would make the tines 30in long. The over all wide of the grapple would be around 63in.

 

[IslandTractor]

The over all wide of the grapple would be around 63in.

Why that wide?