How to Grapple without a Grapple - Pictures please

[ovrszd]

I've posted several threads about homemade projects. I try to go back after use and discuss changes and failures.

I remember your dump wagon project. I was concerned about it's capabilities due to it's geometry. My problem is a struggle to technically express it. I applauded your attempt though. We all learn from other's attempts.

In this case I applaud the attempt to modify his fork set. I am apprehensive about the additional stresses being placed on it. Anxious to hear followup after a Summer of use.

 

[TomSeller]

A grapple top on a set of forks is a good configuration for about half the grapple picks that I perform. Agree that this setup would be limited to super light grips to steady the load only. I'd look to reinforce the mount, even a very small diameter cylinder would likely twist that flat bar. One advantage he has with this setup is that it looks like he can pull the pin at the top of the cylinder, rotate the arm over center, put the pin back in and disconnect the hoses to get it out of the way for normal fork use. Unless there is too much center webbing on the arm. As it is in the picture it would get in the way if much of my fork picks.

 

[IslandTractor]

Having looked at the forks grapple photos again, I still think he's fine so long as the upper grapple is only used to clamp loads. Biggest risk would be clamping a solid asymmetric load like a boulder when only one upper tine contacts the non compressible load. I still think even that would not actually bend the attachment point. But, I did not sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.

 

[AlbionWood]

I like that setup. Have you had any indication that full down pressure on a solid load might bend the top of the rack at the back that the forks attach to?

I worried about that, so welded in a piece of 3" angle to brace that rack - will try to get pics after I clean it up a little.
But the more I looked at it, the more I realized the forces acting on the mount are mostly vertical. Only if I had something really large in there would the Thumb be pushing laterally, and my tractor probably wouldn't lifet anything that large anyway. A big pile of brush/limbs won't push back, the Thumb pushes pretty nearly straight down on that.

 

[AlbionWood]

Having looked at the forks grapple photos again, I still think he's fine so long as the upper grapple is only used to clamp loads. Biggest risk would be clamping a solid asymmetric load like a boulder when only one upper tine contacts the non compressible load.

Yes, that would potentially be a problem. I can't lift a very large boulder with this FEL (and there are no boulders on this property), but a stump or other big chunk of wood might get in there. One reason I went with a diverter instead of 3rd function was for the feathering ability; it didn't take long to get the hang of feathering the thumb cylinder, so I can take a relatively delicate grip - just have to pay attention!

As k0ua noted, the forks are stock with that rack, which is made of 1/4" x 2.5" mild steel. (Well, they were, before I got in there with a piece of angle stock... just to give it more stiffness and a little bit of racking resistance.) The frame on which the forks themselves are mounted is made of 3" square tube, so the rack on which the Thumb is mounted will definitely give way before anything else is damaged.

Great discussion, sorry I was away for most of it!

 

[Xfaxman]

Using the stump bucket to get rid of some trees in the pasture.

Pulled up the roots, found the balance point and no-grappled it to the pile that is in the background in the first picture.

This one I no-grappled to the burn pile.

 

[dragoneggs]

Using the stump bucket to get rid of some trees in the pasture. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472941"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472942"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472943"/> Pulled up the roots, found the balance point and no-grappled it to the pile that is in the background in the first picture. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472944"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472945"/> This one I no-grappled to the burn pile. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472946"/> <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=472947"/>

Just wicked.

 

[Xfaxman]

Just wicked.

Yep, it even has teeth like those other Wicked Attachments.

 

[Xfaxman]

This is the first post:

There is a Grappling Fun - picture thread I have been following and enjoying all the great 'claws' but for some of us that cannot legitimately participate in that thread and only drool and dream... I offer this one. Again, pictures appreciated. Sure could've used a grapple. :smiley_aafz:

My stump bucket was called a "no lid grapple" in another thread by Snowback: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...argest-diameter-29-dead-tree.html#post4645619
And that reminded me of this no grapple thread, so let's get it going again. :thumbsup:

Found the balance point on my "no lid grapple".

Put it on the burn pile

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Xfaxman, I've got a similar stump bucket, it's a handy little thing to have for plucking rocks out of the field too before seeding. I actually like using it better than my rock bucket for big stones.