Maybe a simpler rock screen

[catsco]

I've just started to gather materials to make a non-shaking rock screen that would be very simple, but pretty large and hard to move.

Then, I saw this -

The Flip Screen Screening Bucket - Screen Aggregates, Separate Materials & Recycle Your Construction, Demolition and Metal Waste

It would be difficult to build this to rotate 360 degrees (see the video) and stop at the right place, but I'm asking everyone to give their opinion as to whether a rock screen type cover on the grapple in place of the tines or a cover adapted to the 4 in 1 might work almost as well for a very low cost.

Let me know.

Thanks!
Mark H.

 

[DHS]

I had a fork attachment from a small yard tractor that was interchangeable with a bucket. I had quick attach plate fabricated and welded to the forks. I had additional tines welded to the fork. The lake I live on froze and 90% of the fish died. The lake doesn't actually freeze solid, it was covered by thick snow which decreases the sun light oxygen generating process. This spring the dead carp floated and congregated on the beachs. Game fish die and sink. I decided to modify this attachment for the following purposes.

Clean up dead fish. Hauled out about 12,000 lbs this spring
Use as a rock screen on my beach. The reason for additional tines.
Use as a grapple for tree branches. I plan to add a grapple in a day or two.

It works well for rock greater than 1 3/4" diameter

Dale

 

[catsco]

Thanks for the post; it got me to thinking. Second time this year and it's only May!

A "bucket" made of tines would be even easier than trying to make something that operates like I had envisioned.

The only down side I see is that the material that you're removing rock from would have to be fairly loose unless the tines are really sturdy.

Instead of taking the soil out of the rocks, you'd be taking the rocks out of the soil. Same number of times to move the stuff.

Regards,
Mark H.

 

[DHS]

Mark,

The tines are very strong. However, the support where the tines attach should be much stonger. I am using it on a sandy beach to remove self inflicted rock. I used riprap to stabilize my shoreline which was not a great idea because some of the rock migrate to the sandy area.

I added a grapple for my brush projects.

Dale

 

[KentT]

Nice work and nice attachment! Those tines combined with the grapple should really work well for clearing brush/slash, downed limbs, etc. You should be able to "rake" the area clean without picking up a lot of dirt in the process... While my PT grapple bucket has long (5" or so) teeth, I think your tines would work much better for just brush work.

Have you considered welding a small triangular piece of metal between the top of the tine and the back of the frame? It seems that a reinforcement in that "crotch" would really strengthen the whole thing when it comes to working with rocks, digging roots, etc.

 

[DHS]

Kent,

Thanks for the tip on the triangular piece of metal. I believe that would add considerable strength. I'll see how it work for my limited uses and strengthen it if needed.

I tried to keep this an inexpensive project by using the cylinder from my PT snow plow and recycling the old forks.

Thanks

Dale