My very own grapples!

[EddieWalker]

Hi Loretta,

Seeing the pics of the paint going on and the fact that you named your tractor Honey Bee, makes me think that you could have some fun with your paint. Add some eyes to the sides of your bucket kind of like those WWII fighter planes. Seems that I remember a muscle car from the 60's or 70's that had a Bee as it's theme. There was a sticker that was on it that looked really cool. I just don't remember the type of car. LOL

The grapple looks awesome!!!!!!

Eddie

 

[firefighter9208]

Eddie,

It was a Plymouth SuperBee.

Here is a pic of the 1971 model:

And here is a link to the decals:

And the 2007 model:


Chris

 

[3RRL]

While Loretta was busy with painting, I had a chance to work on the true third function solenoid valve. I have it nearly all plumbed and wired now, just a few more connections before it's operational. Those pictures don't show the Hirshman wiring connectors yet. I still need to get hoses running to the front, but it is starting to look pretty cool.
It sits on the left side of the tractor.

 

[kennyd]

Het Rob, any chance you can get some 45* or 90* fittings off that subplate? There is a lot of stress on those hoses bent like that.

 

[3RRL]

Loretta got her Scorpion joystick handle and it sure looks good! It has a rocker switch in it to control the solenoid valve. Only thing was since it is a lot longer than the other handle, it stuck way out from the valve. I had to cut the handle bar down a little.



She also had me change the position on the valve so it would be closer to her grasp and vertical instead of horizontal. There's a funny story about when it was horizontal and the functions were opposite of what she wanted, but there's a change to it coming. I had to change the mounting bracket a little for this, but will make another one next time up. This 45 degree mounting also allows her to enter the tractor from the right side now.
Anyway, here's what the new Scorpion handle looks like.

 

[IXLR8]

nice job, I would not have been able to tell that the grapple was not professionally made. I think this sets the bar a little higher for all of us. I know I will struggle to meet that kind of quality!

I am not going to have any issues struggling to meet this kind of quality... I have no illusions of being able to even come close... so I am not even going to try.
That is some NICE work!

 

[3RRL]

Het Rob, any chance you can get some 45* or 90* fittings off that subplate? There is a lot of stress on those hoses bent like that.

Good catch Kenny! I saw that when I fit the hoses.
Actually, there are 90 degree elbows coming out of the subplate already.
Dang, I need another set to get me vertical again.

 

[dfkrug]

Seems that I remember a muscle car from the 60's or 70's that had a Bee as it's theme.

I don't think you mean this one! (76-77 Datsun B210 Honey Bee, aka
Nissan Sunny)

 

[jgendr]

I just finish mine 2 weeks ago, but I got to say I didn't spend nearly as much time on mine as you have!!! That Is AWSOME looking. The only problem I see is If you do decide to start selling them no-one could afford it. It looks more like something the goes to the space shuttle rather than on a piece of farm equipment! but that is what these project are all about. Show us what your building and how you build it!!!


Great job, by far one of the best projects I've seen on here!!!! An you really pay attention to the details!!!!!!

 

[silverdollar6]

I was going to start on mine but I am still trying to mount the horseshoe.