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: 22476
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
