Well I've been abusing it and having fun.
A few things need fixing, redoing and strengthening, but overall, it's working good. My biggest mistake was using tractor pins for the pivot points. I thought the 3/4 inch pins would be strong enough and easy to take out. Unfortunately they all bent pretty bad. Now I've got grade 8 bolts. A little more effort to install and remove, but it's still pretty easy.
One thing I didnt realize was how much better it is to stack logs for burning with it. I just put them on top of each other and build up a stack. Before I either dragged them there with a chain, than lifted them up with the bucket. This was a pain hooking and unhooking the chain, but also hard to get the trees into a pile without a bunch of dirt.
With the dozer, I pile everything up, but they get twisted, busted and tangled up real bad. This leaves voids and it's much harder to get the fire going.
Piloon,
You got it. When one thing moves, it causes other things to move. I just took advantage of what's already happening. The angles and distances made a difference as to how well it worked.
In fact, my first attempt with my wood model failed to work at all!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Renze,
I agree that a hydraulic grapple is better. This is just a cheap way to get similar results that is easier to build than a full grapple setup, plus you don't have to add or change your hydraulics.
HGM,
I really don't like working with metal, welding or fabricating things. It's something that I do when I have to, but if I can avoid it, than I will. No way in the world do I want to get into the buisiness of building these things. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Chairman,
Welcome to TBN! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
The original thread was about how to get a patent in this same section of threads. Do a recent search, or just go back a few pages looking under the title for Patent or under my name as the poster.
Thanks for the info about still being able to get a patent. I still might, but I still think somebody is going to come up with a picture or link of it someplace else. It's too simple a tool to think nobody else has thought of it before.
Slowzuki,
I don't know about drag buckets or pulp loaders, but I'm sure your right. I got the idea from a pair of sissors. If I have a fixed point and a moving one, than I should be able to open and close on an object.
Greatrandini,
People will get hurt on just about anything. It's sad, but the mentality is if somebody is selling it, they must be rich and should be willing to give there earnings away to everyone who wants it. Liability insurance is just one more reason to not get into the manufacturing buisiness. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Marlowe,
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Jinman,
Thanks. For me it's been very handy picking up logs and brush and carrying it to the burn pile. I can pick up a stump, a branch and even a small sapling. Then it's just a ride to the burn pile!!!
It might be useful for the loggers, but I think they would need it to be allot bigger and stronger. I'm thinking of guys with CUT's who can weld and have the need for a way to move material, but don't want to spend a grand or two on a grapple.
Your also right there is allot of room for improvement and modifications. I'd also like to be able to add zirk fittins and make it more ajustable.
But in all honesty, just having something that picks up material for under $200 is pretty cool!!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
Renze & Nat
Sounds like you guys answered each other. Thanks.
As for small CUT's and self levelers, there may be an issue depending on the way it works. I have no experience with them, so this could be an issue.
Really small CUT's have a different setup on their buckets too and this wont work with them either. Or at least I haven't figured it out yet. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Btownacres,
I still have delusions of making a buck or two by selling plans on how guys can make their own. Might be worthwhile, or it might be a distraction and a headache. I'm still testing and modifying, so it's still too early to tell.
It does work. Can I put together a set of plans that you or anybody else can read and build their own remains to be seen.
Thank you everyone for your comments,
Eddie