Newbie Grapple build Questions

[koolken]

Its going to be used for a nursery lots but will definetly see some heavy rocks. Around the farm you never know what it will be needed for just want it to hold up whatever it will come across.

 

[Xfaxman]

Hi guys and girls. New here and am amazed at the information thats on here. been looking around and figured this is the perfect place to ask for some pointers. Been playing with solidworks for a few months now and after looking around for ideas on building a grapple i came up the this idea ..so far. Going to make it out of 1/2 plate as im making it for a 90 hp loader..but my biggest question is what angle do i make the back where the quick attach goes to and what effect does having the angle too much or not enough have.. Any ideas what i should change or add is welcomed and appreciated.
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Here is a drawing of the Loflin Monster Grapple that shows the QA plate and the raised hinges, to give it the large opening.

The rollback angle works well for me.

Maximum curl down: :thumbsup:

 

[koolken]

Thanx for the pictures. My drawing gives me 51 inch opening. Looking through the pictures and comparing them to what i drew.. im wondering if i should put in a extra tubing in the back where it hooks up..from 2 like i got now to 3..and put in the extra pipe or shift in the bottom ..from 1 to 2. From the suggestions iv gotten i think going with the stronger material is a must

 

[ovrszd]

Here's a pic of the Grapple I built. Used 1/2"x4" mild steel for the claws. Bent the tips so had to add more bracing.

A Grapple exerts tremendous forces. And they come from all directions.

Sorry I couldn't find a better pic after adding the bracing. Look at the tips of the claws and you can see I added bracing to stop them from bending sideways. It's the unpainted part out toward the end of the claws. I don't think I would have had this problem if I used better metal.

I believe your design would likely fail in the apron area. I agree your ideas of adding more bracing there would help. I guess my concern is, if it fails, it will be a ***** to repair after it's bent out of shape......