Mistake with a bucket grapple?

[Hammy]

I have an ATI bucket grapple that I've been trying to use to pick up brush with. I think I need to fabricate something on it so it will do a better job or try and sell it and pony up for an Anbo grapple rake.

The problem I'm having is that unless there is a huge pile of slash/brush, it falls out of my grasps. I does fine picking up trees that extend out further then my bucket width but the small stuff is a pain.

Any ideas?

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

My grapple has the same problem because in the closed position there is a two inch gap between the bucket and grapple teeth. This goes away with my toothbar on but I don't always pick up limbs with my toothbar on. It appears the best solution is to either get a longer cylinder or extend the grapple?

 

[Hammy]

My tooth bar and grapple meet when closed but there is too much of a gap in the middle (between the grapple and the back of the bucket). The only thing I can come up with is adding on to the sides of the grapple.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have an ATI bucket grapple that I've been trying to use to pick up brush with. I think I need to fabricate something on it so it will do a better job or try and sell it and pony up for an Anbo grapple rake.

The problem I'm having is that unless there is a huge pile of slash/brush, it falls out of my grasps. I does fine picking up trees that extend out further then my bucket width but the small stuff is a pain.

Any ideas?

I dont have a grapple yet, but from using a bucket alone to try to pick up stuff, my imagination leads me to think that even a tiny bit of help would be great. It seems that almost any sized grapple would be very good. Unfortunately I dont have direct experience, but have you tried knuckling the bucket forward keeping its lip at ground level. Rotate forward enuf so that the grapple will sweep the ground as it closes. To me this will sweep debris in - - then pivot the bucket full back and lift. Does that work? If so itll give you a breather to study how you finally want to modify the grapple.
larry

 

[Jw5875]

WR Long Root Rake Grapple. A few bucks more -- worth it!!!

pictures are here: skopix : photos : L3400 Tractor with new grapple - Feb 2006 - powered by SmugMug


JW5875

 

[Hammy]

The darn thing broke on me today! The steel broke at the top mount for the cylinder. I was hardly using the grapple. I had cut some small young fur trees down (about 4-5" in diameter) and then back raked with the grapple. The root popped right up without any hesitation but the grapple broke. I can't believe how cheaply made it is.

I'm not sure if it was caused by the back raking or maybe the hydraulics were too strong for the unit when I closed it on the brush or small stumps.

My buddy said it looked like "pot steel," which he explained was a poor grade of cast steel.

I guess on Monday I'll take it back and see if they warranty it. I have about 2 hours on this grapple.

I took it off my loader bucket and it's in the back of my truck. I took some pictures for you to look at.

Craig

 

[SPYDERLK]

Hi Craig. I think I see a bow in the tube frame that stretches across the bucket as well. The whole thing is underbuilt for the forces that it can reasonably be expected to undergo in use. Its probably just adequate to withstand the force of the cylinder at relief pressure. When you backdrag tho, the relief valve is not in play since the valve is centered and isolates the cyl ports. Pressure just builds until something gives. This something should be the root, or if not, your traction.
If you get another like it you will have to get it reinforced promptly. That brace that cracked needs to be duplicated on the other side. The hole used to secure the pin is a weak point and will have to be addressed. Also the tube - if the one on yours has bowed, as it looks in the picture.
Good luck.
larry

 

[sunnyside360]

The darn thing broke on me today! The steel broke at the top mount for the cylinder. I was hardly using the grapple. I had cut some small young fur trees down (about 4-5" in diameter) and then back raked with the grapple. The root popped right up without any hesitation but the grapple broke. I can't believe how cheaply made it is.

I'm not sure if it was caused by the back raking or maybe the hydraulics were too strong for the unit when I closed it on the brush or small stumps.

My buddy said it looked like "pot steel," which he explained was a poor grade of cast steel.

I guess on Monday I'll take it back and see if they warranty it. I have about 2 hours on this grapple.

I took it off my loader bucket and it's in the back of my truck. I took some pictures for you to look at.

Craig

Sorry about your grapple. Seems like definitely a problem with quality/construction. The dealer should either replace it or return your money.
Last week I rented a Bobcat (w/track) and a 72" Bobcat Root Grapple to clean up an old field which had a lot of brush and small trees. This is one grapple you will not break as it is extremely heavily built. In fact I was so impressed I was ready to buy one for my larger farm tractor until they quoted the price of $3300. Then I decided to rent it instead when I needed it. They will rent just the grapple for $45 a day or $150 per week.
Good luck with your grapple.

 

[kennyd]

That's the second story of a broken ATI grapple here in the last few weeks

The other one broke in the same place IIRC...

 

[Hammy]

I'm not sure why it looks like the cross tube is bent. It came out that way in the photograph for some reason. As far as I can tell, its not bent.

I'm hoping they will just give me my money back so I can put it towards a real grapple someday. In the meantime, renting one sounds like a great idea. I wasn't aware you could rent one.

The good thing is, I already have the valve on the loader for when I can get one.

Thanks guys.