How to lighten my QuickAttach Grapple Rake?

[pmsmechanic]

I cut the grapple off the bracket and re-attached it so that when the grapple is level, it's below any part of the loader frame. It works super well, even in fairly soft woodsy material.

I would appreciate a picture of what you have done here.

 

[rfc143]

I would appreciate a picture of what you have done here.

See the attached photos. Both these were taken prior to the modification. The way the unit came from the factory, I could not keep the unit from digging into the soil (unless it was super hard or frozen). You simply could not drive forward as you would with a level bucket or some other rakes with a long flat lower surface.

After the modification, it works extremely well. I can drop the rake, level it and drive forward, picking up anything in it's path. The weight actually helps a bit as it will sink a bit into the soil, putting the tips of the tines dead level with the surface, but continually try to "climb out" rather than dig in.

I sent photos to the company engineers and explained what I did.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Thankk you. I was having trouble picturing what you did. I would have done the same thing.

 

[Xfaxman]

Looks like you were able to move it closer to the QA Plate also. :thumbsup:

Before:

After:

 

[rfc143]

Looks like you were able to move it closer to the QA Plate also. :thumbsup:

Before:

View attachment 502247


After:

View attachment 502248

Yes, I forgot to mention that. As it came from the factory, it was hanging way out there. That change seemed to make a significant improvement, although the reduction in length of those fins holding the grapple were only shortened 6" or so. The thing just works great now. Right after I got it I was ready to get rid of it because it was nearly useless for moving along the ground. Fine for just picking up piles and what not, but no good for "scrubbing" the ground of brush, as some of the others with flat bottoms seem to do.
I love it now.