Linear Actuator for ct120 grapple

[roadhunter]

Maybe an electric winch could be used to close the grapple and a couple of heavy springs could open it?

Very good idea.

 

[Joe Malovich]

small compressor with tank and pneumatic cylinders? a 1.75" bore cylinder at 100psi with 1:4 ratio will net you 200 lbs and tighten as the load shifts. much easier plumbing and the air might be useful elsewhere on the tractor.

 

[4570Man]

Maybe an electric winch could be used to close the grapple and a couple of heavy springs could open it?

I like this idea the best of anything yet. It might be easier to use the springs to close the grapple and the winch to open it.

 

[Dave M7040]

I like this idea the best of anything yet. It might be easier to use the springs to close the grapple and the winch to open it.

Sounds like you are going to build not a mouse trap but a person trap.

Having the energy of the springs holding the jaws open when someone might be near it is deadly.

I know you don`t intend to allow anyone near it when open but it will happen.

Dave M7040

 

[4570Man]

Sounds like you are going to build not a mouse trap but a person trap. Having the energy of the springs holding the jaws open when someone might be near it is deadly. I know you don`t intend to allow anyone near it when open but it will happen. Dave M7040

There is the possibility of danger there, but i would feel safe enough around it. There's still the possibility of danger using a spring to open it.

 

[roadhunter]

There may be advantages of spring open and winch close. Safer not having energy waiting to be released at any moment all the time versus just when clamping something.

Harbor Freight winches are cheap and some even have wireless controllers. Plus in a pinch you could unhook the winch from the thumb and use the winch for other stuff.

 

[roadhunter]

small compressor with tank and pneumatic cylinders? a 1.75" bore cylinder at 100psi with 1:4 ratio will net you 200 lbs and tighten as the load shifts. much easier plumbing and the air might be useful elsewhere on the tractor.

Might be able to get more power using a suspension type air bag to control the thumb. Would work great for holding pressure against something even if it shifted.

 

[4570Man]

There may be advantages of spring open and winch close. Safer not having energy waiting to be released at any moment all the time versus just when clamping something. Harbor Freight winches are cheap and some even have wireless controllers. Plus in a pinch you could unhook the winch from the thumb and use the winch for other stuff.

The possible problem that I was trying to avoid is the only way I can think of to close the grapple with a winch would be having a cumbersome lever extending out the back of the grapple or run the cable in front of the the thumb which would create problems.

 

[BelarusBulldog]

This is just one idea that you may find helpful. Removable tines could be added to bottom of bucket. :2cents:

 

[ticolawnllc]

This is just one idea that you may find helpful. Removable tines could be added to bottom of bucket. :2cents:

Good idea and thanks for the pic