My first tractor grapple

[John_Mc]

Anyone have a link to information about "the Thumb" ?

John Mc

 

[MadReferee]

Here it is. Note that I have no personal experience with the Thumb.

The Thumb web site

 

[MarcusCarr]

Great news, I got a quote back from the steel place...87.23 plus tax


Here is the cut list of steel:

QTY SIZE
5 1/2"x3"x4"
2 1/2"x3"x6"
1 1/2"x3"x8"
1 1/2"x3"x17.5"
2 1/2"x3"x24"
1 1/2"x3"x47.25"


I addition, the 24" pieces would need to be cut to shape to form the jaw arms. What would it cost to have those plasma cut? Please see the attached picture for an idea of what the jaws/project looks like.

Once this is done, the fabrication will only require drilling holes and welding.

So far the cost will be $90(metal)+$10(bolts and pins)+$70(cylinder). That puts me at $170 for this phase of the project.

Next phase is figuring out the hydraulics...switch I will bring up in another thread called My First Grapple - Hydraulics

Thank you for all your help so far!
Marcus

 

[MadReferee]

As I said earlier 1/2" steel is way overkill for this project and will add unnecessary weight to your loader which, from looking at your other pics, appears to be on the lightweight side. The heavier steel on the grapple will not add any strength or capacity or performance to the grapple.

I have no idea what another shop would charge to have the arms plasma cut. If I would be doing it in my shop, expect to pay at least $20-$25 per leg. Time is money and my equipment is expensive.

 

[MarcusCarr]

I will look into going 3/8" steel. I come from a woodworking background, so I have very little idea what it would take to bend steel.

 

[kossetx]

Marcus, Good for you. I recently bought a middle buster for 120.00 because I figured it was cheaper than buying the steel and my time. Watching your post causes me to intend to build a complete root grapple on my own rather than buy it, when I get a tractor that will handle one. Sometimes building something has a value worth much more than the cost savings that may be experienced by buying retail. Experience gained has a value also. Good luck and keep us posted on the progress. MP

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( so I have very little idea what it would take to bend steel. )</font>

Lots of heat and plenty of muscle. Along with the right tools and equipment.

 

[MarcusCarr]

Here is the revised part list...I will come back with the cost quote when I get it. I also just ordered this cylinder...

Cylinder

Brian,

After discussing this project with some others who have done one, I found that I was over building this. Here are the scaled down dimensions. Can I get a quote on this?

QTY SIZE
6 1/4"x3"x4"
4 1/4"x3"x8"
1 3/8"x3"x17.5"
2 3/8"x3"x24"
1 3/8"x3"x47.25"

The 24" pieces would need to be plasma cut to a DXF file that I can provide to you. I would also need a 1" hole drilled in eight of the 1/4" pieces.

Thank you for your help with this.

Marcus

 

[MarcusCarr]

Here is the final cut list. As you can see from the picture attached, I have changed the design. My original design would not have held much due to the straight arms. I was also able to do away with the plasma cutting, saving some money.

Part # QTY SIZE Instructions
A 1 .25x3x3 Cut diagonally to create two triangles.
B 2 .25x3x4 Drill one 1" hole located 1.5" down and 1.5" over from top corner.
C 4 .25x3x5 Drill one 1" hole located 1.5" down and 1.5" over from top corner.
D 2 .25x3x8 Drill one 1" hole located 1.5" down and 1.5" over from top corner.
E 2 .25x3x8 Leave as is.

F 2 .5x2x18 Drill one 1" hole located 1" down and 1" over from top corner.
G 2 .5x2x12.5 Leave as is.

H 1 .5x3x47.25 Leave as is
I 2 .5x3x17.25 Leave as is

 

[MarcusCarr]

It turns out the steel shop does not do drilling or punching holes so I had to come up with a way to do the 1" holes myself. I checked with a local machine shop and they said they would punch all the holes with a special press for about $50. My second option was to buy a 1" drill bit and do the drilling myself.

Here is the drill bit I purchased...

Drill bit
The photo attached shows the steel and pins. The following photos show the drilling process.