ronjhall
Super Star Member
Mike
When are we going to see some action shots of the grapple. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
When are we going to see some action shots of the grapple. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Question about a grapple
- Thread starter PineRidge
- Start date
- Views: 23678
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
Ron it's just too muddy here right now. I started out into the woods yesterday and saw that I was pushing mud, so I did a 180 and headed back to the barn before I got stuck up to my axle.
Once it dries up a bit I promise to post a few action shots..... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Once it dries up a bit I promise to post a few action shots..... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
ronjhall
Super Star Member
Still got 12" of snow on ground. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
It's snowing off and on between bits of sunshine. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Glad it's starting to thaw someplace.
I'm sure we will all be looking forward to your pic's. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
It's snowing off and on between bits of sunshine. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Glad it's starting to thaw someplace.
I'm sure we will all be looking forward to your pic's. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
Well I promised you all a picture when I was finally able to put my grapple to work. For those of you that might think these bucket grapples have no hydraulic holding force I grabbed a tree that would tax my 17LA loader.
Once I grabbed it and curled the bucket up the tree came up with no problems. You may remember when I started thinking about a grapple that I was also concerned about adding a double piloted check valve when I started this project. Now that I have had a chance to you the grapple I really think the check valve would be overkill.
I have run across some pretty uneven ground to my burn pile and have yet to lose a log, tree, or other debris. I also think it helps the fact that I curl my load to the top of the bucket before making a move.
I have tried the grapple with and without rear ballast. I don't recommend using a grapple without proper ballast because when you grab something with some weight behind it and you hit a dip things get unstable really quick. The tractor is much, much more stable with the 950 pounds of cast iron that I use when you grab a big load up front.
I did eliminate the latching solenoid that I originally installed on the joystick button. It was much too easy to forget if the circuit to the electric diverter valve was energized or bypassed.
I simply wired the joystick button to a 12 Volt DC relay with a set of NO contacts. Now when ever I hold the joystick button in I am controlling the grapple and when I release it I am controlling the curl function. It is much easier to operate the grapple in this manner.
Once I grabbed it and curled the bucket up the tree came up with no problems. You may remember when I started thinking about a grapple that I was also concerned about adding a double piloted check valve when I started this project. Now that I have had a chance to you the grapple I really think the check valve would be overkill.
I have run across some pretty uneven ground to my burn pile and have yet to lose a log, tree, or other debris. I also think it helps the fact that I curl my load to the top of the bucket before making a move.
I have tried the grapple with and without rear ballast. I don't recommend using a grapple without proper ballast because when you grab something with some weight behind it and you hit a dip things get unstable really quick. The tractor is much, much more stable with the 950 pounds of cast iron that I use when you grab a big load up front.
I did eliminate the latching solenoid that I originally installed on the joystick button. It was much too easy to forget if the circuit to the electric diverter valve was energized or bypassed.
I simply wired the joystick button to a 12 Volt DC relay with a set of NO contacts. Now when ever I hold the joystick button in I am controlling the grapple and when I release it I am controlling the curl function. It is much easier to operate the grapple in this manner.
Attachments
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
3 final working shot. I took this shot to show you how the tooth-bar works in conjunction with shape of the grapple lift arms to securely hold trees in it's grasp.
This has been a fun project to put together and add to the TC-40D SS. I couldn't be happier with the end results. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you are seriously thinking about adding a grapple to your tractor, but wondering if one would work for you I for one don't think you'll ever be sorry that you did. The grapple really makes moving, stacking, and even holding trees for final cutting, kid's play.
This has been a fun project to put together and add to the TC-40D SS. I couldn't be happier with the end results. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
If you are seriously thinking about adding a grapple to your tractor, but wondering if one would work for you I for one don't think you'll ever be sorry that you did. The grapple really makes moving, stacking, and even holding trees for final cutting, kid's play.
Attachments
kennyd
Advertiser
Yeah Buddy!
You the MAN!
Great follow up to a great project.
You the MAN!
Great follow up to a great project.
notamustang
Gold Member
Looks great !!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Looking at those trees around I am trying to figure how the heck youll get out of there /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
I wish I had your slick style joy stick on my Kubota BX. That whole set up looks great and am glad it works well for you.
Great info on your build up lots of detail and pictures thanks for it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I wish I had your slick style joy stick on my Kubota BX. That whole set up looks great and am glad it works well for you.
Great info on your build up lots of detail and pictures thanks for it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
We are working in an area where there are a lot of trees. I just wrap a grade 70 chain around any tree and skid it out of the wooded area so that I can easily maneuver between the close trees.
Once I get to the edge of the woods I spin around and bite the complete tree with the grapple and run up to the cut pile. There I stack whole trees or I can use the grapple to hold the trunk while I chop it into manageable lengths.
Kenny thanks! Can you see me smiling from ear to ear? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's really nice to have a project go as planned and it's also a big plus if it actually works too......
Anybody have any ideas for a new project? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Once I get to the edge of the woods I spin around and bite the complete tree with the grapple and run up to the cut pile. There I stack whole trees or I can use the grapple to hold the trunk while I chop it into manageable lengths.
Kenny thanks! Can you see me smiling from ear to ear? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif It's really nice to have a project go as planned and it's also a big plus if it actually works too......
Anybody have any ideas for a new project? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
kubotabilly
Gold Member
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Anybody have any ideas for a new project? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )</font>
PR,
Let's get are heads together for a tree shear /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.
BTW, I have my grapple completed and just need a few more pictures and I will be ready to post the project.
Bill
PR,
Let's get are heads together for a tree shear /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.
BTW, I have my grapple completed and just need a few more pictures and I will be ready to post the project.
Bill
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
Bill way to go on the grapple! I'll look forward to your thread.
I have thought from time to time about a tree shear. However I have never used one and I can't grasp the concept of how you know there is a tree in the blasted thing if it's below your line of sight.
Ideally one mounted on a QA plate and powered by my front hydraulics might be a super project............................yeah I'm thinking here..........
Gotta do a snow plow first.
I have thought from time to time about a tree shear. However I have never used one and I can't grasp the concept of how you know there is a tree in the blasted thing if it's below your line of sight.
Ideally one mounted on a QA plate and powered by my front hydraulics might be a super project............................yeah I'm thinking here..........
Gotta do a snow plow first.
notamustang
Gold Member
<font color="blue"> Anybody have any ideas for a new project? </font>
How about a backhoe mounted grapple, to easy now ? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
How about a backhoe mounted grapple, to easy now ? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
kubotabilly
Gold Member
PR,
I think the part of knowing where the tree is could be figured out easily enough, but the scary part is how do you control the direction it's going to fall. My cab would not look nice with a big old oak laying on top of it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.
Bill
I think the part of knowing where the tree is could be figured out easily enough, but the scary part is how do you control the direction it's going to fall. My cab would not look nice with a big old oak laying on top of it /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif.
Bill
kensfarm
Veteran Member
"The grapple really makes moving, stacking, and even holding trees for final cutting, kid's play. "
Very nice.. better then nice.. gotta love it! I want one too!
I think the one you built for your 17LA.. would fit just perfect on my 17LA. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Great job!!
Very nice.. better then nice.. gotta love it! I want one too!
I think the one you built for your 17LA.. would fit just perfect on my 17LA. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Great job!!
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Kenny thanks! Can you see me smiling from ear to ear? It's really nice to have a project go as planned and it's also a big plus if it actually works too......)</font>
Well it really turned out great. That is a good feeling. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this great project. John
Well it really turned out great. That is a good feeling. Thanks for keeping us up to date on this great project. John
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 21,059
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
Great job, Mike. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I'm glad you finally got to use your grapple and post some pictures. I was getting ready to ask you when you were gonna take that barn queen out and actually put it to work. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
Seriously, I know your weather has been a limiting factor and I'm just looking for a way to rub it in. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I also know that there are a lot of things we think we need that in the end turn out to be more trouble than they are worth. That latching relay is a good example. In my hose routing, I thought I'd use a lot more 90° fittings, so I have a few "spares" in my inventory for now. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I definitely overspent on fittings, but I guess I'll be prepared for my next project.
What about the open/close speed? Do you have good control? Can you make the grapple go nice and slow using the joystick?
Seriously, I know your weather has been a limiting factor and I'm just looking for a way to rub it in. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I also know that there are a lot of things we think we need that in the end turn out to be more trouble than they are worth. That latching relay is a good example. In my hose routing, I thought I'd use a lot more 90° fittings, so I have a few "spares" in my inventory for now. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I definitely overspent on fittings, but I guess I'll be prepared for my next project.
What about the open/close speed? Do you have good control? Can you make the grapple go nice and slow using the joystick?
SkogenMe
Silver Member
PineRidge wrote: I did eliminate the latching solenoid that I originally installed on the joystick button. It was much too easy to forget if the circuit to the electric diverter valve was energized or bypassed.
I simply wired the joystick button to a 12 Volt DC relay with a set of NO contacts. Now when ever I hold the joystick button in I am controlling the grapple and when I release it I am controlling the curl function. It is much easier to operate the grapple in this manner.
<font color="red"> </font>
OK OK /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif my last tractor didn't have a fel ...the new one does and I am getting drool all over it reading the various TBN grapple discussions.
I had wired lights on the FOPS of old one ...and now I have lights on the new one. Wired somewhat differently due to the good thoughts here.
So before I went to order the selector valve from the SurplusCenter I was interested in trying to understand the wiring alittle better. Does the valve direct flow to one circuit in an unpowered state and the other in the powered state?
thanks for the thoughts
I simply wired the joystick button to a 12 Volt DC relay with a set of NO contacts. Now when ever I hold the joystick button in I am controlling the grapple and when I release it I am controlling the curl function. It is much easier to operate the grapple in this manner.
<font color="red"> </font>
OK OK /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif my last tractor didn't have a fel ...the new one does and I am getting drool all over it reading the various TBN grapple discussions.
I had wired lights on the FOPS of old one ...and now I have lights on the new one. Wired somewhat differently due to the good thoughts here.
So before I went to order the selector valve from the SurplusCenter I was interested in trying to understand the wiring alittle better. Does the valve direct flow to one circuit in an unpowered state and the other in the powered state?
thanks for the thoughts
notamustang
Gold Member
<font color="blue"> Does the valve direct flow to one circuit in an unpowered state and the other in the powered state </font>
Yes, that is exactly what it does.
Yes, that is exactly what it does.
SkogenMe
Silver Member
Thanks much...Now I guess I will have to try to come up with a mounting/plumbing solution that is half as smooth as some of the others discussed /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I didn't feel bad tapping into my 20 year-old Longs hydraulics to add remote circuits but the thought of doing it to a new tractor is alittle more of a mental project....nice to hear others successful experiences.
thanks
I didn't feel bad tapping into my 20 year-old Longs hydraulics to add remote circuits but the thought of doing it to a new tractor is alittle more of a mental project....nice to hear others successful experiences.
thanks
OP
PineRidge
Super Member
Jim yes Mother Nature finally decided to smile and send us Ohio folks some nice weather. I quickly put the grapple to work and I am thrilled with the results but I'm sure you already know that since you purchased a grapple almost identical in design to mine.
When I first used the grapple it was too fast on open/close to suit me so I purchased an inexpensive fixed orifice restrictor from where else but TSC. I think the thing set me back a whole 4 bucks and some change. Once I installed it the grapple became much more manageable and I can still slow it down further by feathering the joystick some. NEAT! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Speaking of joysticks once you get tired of using your rear remote to open/close your grapple we are going to make a convert out of you. The more you use your grapple the more you will miss not being able to keep your hand on the joystick to open/close it. Just think of it as a pay me now or pay me later thing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Yep, the latching solenoid sounded a lot better than it actually worked. I quickly found out that as I was sneaking up to a brush pile or tree that I had to look down at the LED to determine if the grapple circuit was energized, so there was a loss of productivity, it just wasn't smooth.
Once I removed the latching relay and the LED it all became much more automatic. When sneaking up on the tree and curling the bucket down it was just a matter of depressing the joystick button with my thumb and I immediately knew, even without looking, that at that point I had full control of the grapple. It was smooth and didn't require a visual from the light emitting diode either. And when my thumb released the small joystick button everything reverted back and I again had normal curl function. Sometimes simple is good!
Jim how's your grapple working out for you so far on the chase lounge rock bucket? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll just bet the combination of the rock bucket/grapple is saving you lots of time & effort. You have a winning combination there my friend.
SkogenMe the first time that you make a modification to your new tractor is probably the hardest. Then it gets much easier from that point forward until you turn into a junkie like me looking for one new project after another to build and add. There are more than a few of us gadget junkies here at the TBN site. We share ideas and pictures so that others can learn, improve on, and repost their projects.
It's all about members helping other members in my opinion.
EDIT: I had another TBN member contact me today regarding the part number of the electric diverting valve that we purchased from Surplus Center. I just couldn't put a finger on my old receipt so if any others have added a similar electric valve please post the information here with the correct part number. Thanks!
When I first used the grapple it was too fast on open/close to suit me so I purchased an inexpensive fixed orifice restrictor from where else but TSC. I think the thing set me back a whole 4 bucks and some change. Once I installed it the grapple became much more manageable and I can still slow it down further by feathering the joystick some. NEAT! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Speaking of joysticks once you get tired of using your rear remote to open/close your grapple we are going to make a convert out of you. The more you use your grapple the more you will miss not being able to keep your hand on the joystick to open/close it. Just think of it as a pay me now or pay me later thing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Yep, the latching solenoid sounded a lot better than it actually worked. I quickly found out that as I was sneaking up to a brush pile or tree that I had to look down at the LED to determine if the grapple circuit was energized, so there was a loss of productivity, it just wasn't smooth.
Once I removed the latching relay and the LED it all became much more automatic. When sneaking up on the tree and curling the bucket down it was just a matter of depressing the joystick button with my thumb and I immediately knew, even without looking, that at that point I had full control of the grapple. It was smooth and didn't require a visual from the light emitting diode either. And when my thumb released the small joystick button everything reverted back and I again had normal curl function. Sometimes simple is good!
Jim how's your grapple working out for you so far on the chase lounge rock bucket? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I'll just bet the combination of the rock bucket/grapple is saving you lots of time & effort. You have a winning combination there my friend.
SkogenMe the first time that you make a modification to your new tractor is probably the hardest. Then it gets much easier from that point forward until you turn into a junkie like me looking for one new project after another to build and add. There are more than a few of us gadget junkies here at the TBN site. We share ideas and pictures so that others can learn, improve on, and repost their projects.
It's all about members helping other members in my opinion.
EDIT: I had another TBN member contact me today regarding the part number of the electric diverting valve that we purchased from Surplus Center. I just couldn't put a finger on my old receipt so if any others have added a similar electric valve please post the information here with the correct part number. Thanks!
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