PT425 Grapple Build Project

[bubenberg]

Re: PT425 Grapple Build Project Picture

here is more of what i am looking for, but in a smaller version and watch the words, they do exist:
http://www.kmc-kootrac.com/models/1600.html

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT425 Grapple Build Project Picture

All right yous guys! I'm trying to keep this under $200.00. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

But I still look at the links for great ideas... thanks!! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[wasabi]

Re: PT425 Grapple Build Project Picture

Mossman,

Perhaps I missed it amongst your many posts /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif, but is your toothbar (looks quite stout) a homemace job, a PT option or did you acquire it elsewhere.

Through overly exhuberant newbie digging and dirt and heavy rock moving efforts, I've managed to bend my big bucket almost beyond recognition...it has to go to the welding hospital for reshaping and stiffening...., so now I am looking to add a toothbar to the small one before I trash it too! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Thanks for this grapple thread...I'm getting inspired!

 

[MossRoad]

Re: PT425 Grapple Build Project Picture

I don't think you can call it a tooth 'bar' as they are just teeth that are individually bolted onto the bucket. I ordered them through Power Trac for $100.00 installed.

 

[MossRoad]

I welded the 3point hitch ends onto the top rear of the small bucket. They look pretty good. I went out and bought a cheap 1/2 inch drill press and grinder at Harbor Frieght as well. I needed the drill press to drill the holes for the pins in the grapple arms and cylinder brackets and the grinder to clean up some of the tack welds and spatter. Harbor frieght sells some pretty cheap stuff, and it might not last too long, but a 4-1/2 grinder for $17.00 and a 1/2 inch benchtop drill press for $39.00 was just to good to pass up. Even it they only last for this project, they are well worth the price. It was too dark for pictures and it is supposed to rain until Saturday, so I'll take pictures ASAP this weekend. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[bubenberg]

i fully understand your desire to build a grapple bucket as soon as possible. what a geeat help for the rest of us. i and my two small businesses would be lost without the grapple bucket.

i hope that randy lackender will take my suggestion to incorporate a grapple like i found for atv log loaders ( i think i sent you a website address to you under separate cover and posted it on TBN). if the guys at lackender can somehow come up with a grapple at the end of the backhoe (not just a thumb) where you can control hyraulically both sides we/i am in seventh haven. at times the grapple bucket is too clumsy when you try to segregate different things

 

[MossRoad]

I saw that link. I agree that a grapple at the end of an arm could be quite usefull. And to make it interchangeable with a hoe bucket would be a dual purpose machine.

 

[MossRoad]

Drilled the holes in the end fingers to hold the 3pt hitch pins today. Also cut and tack welded one set of cross members. Test fit looks OK. Need to saw off some extra length from the rear of the fingers, true up the cross pieces, test fit again, then weld them in. Will try to post pictures in the next few days.

 

[MossRoad]

Here's what I have so far. Still need some bracing and have to figure out the hydraulic cylinder loaction and size.

 

[pajoube]

MR,
Looking very nice, thanks for the update.
PJ