Root Rake/Grapple For Kubota B2910

[rswyan]

Got the pieces/parts for the mast/tower assemblies all ground and ready to tack up:

There are 4 more holes (2", one in each assembly) that have to be drilled right on the weld between the top and middle pieces ... so those will get welded up first, then all tacked together for drilling, then split apart for the weld to the bottom pieces.

So that's what's on the menu for tonight.

 

[rswyan]

Yep, this type is also the best way to mow, IMHO!

The 4 wheel drive traction unit. 28hp 3 cylinder Kubota diesel, hydrostat.
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The 6' recycler deck.
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Nice ... :thumbsup:

We have a Simplicity CFC 18 (Commercial Front Cut 18) which is kinda similar ... but only one wheel in the rear and not 4WD (obviously), just 2WD ... it has a number of flaws and shortcomings (a double reduction chain final drive - which is PITA to keep adjusted) ... but I still love it.

Very easy to mow with ... especially trimming around obstacles. Unfortunately ours only has the 46" deck ... would have loved to have the one with the 60" deck. We use it mainly for mowing around the house ... and pulling a little wagon.

 

[rswyan]

After better than a year's hiatus from this project, it's time to get back on it ... before another summer goes by ... :laughing:

Finally got around to welding those pieces together the other day:

 

[rswyan]

With welds ground flush:

 

[rswyan]

Yesterday I got all of the lower jaw/frame welded up, except for the two outside mast/upright plates which I did earlier today:

 

[rswyan]

Another angle:

 

[rswyan]

Front side:

 

[rswyan]

Late this afternoon I gave U. B. a call and asked him if could spare a couple of minutes to help me lift the upper jaw up and set it on the table. He was down in five minutes ... and bearing gifts from his wife to boot: turkey paprikash and navy bean and ham soup (both delicious)

We set the upper jaw up and then stuck the pins and bushings in for the jaw hinges and cylinders just to test fit:

 

[rswyan]

A few more, from various angles:

 

[rswyan]

Ran into a couple of issues, both are shown in the image below.

First one is that there is an interference issue with the hydraulic ports on the side of the cylinders ... so I need to cut the mounts on the base end off and rotate them 90 degrees and weld 'em back on, so the ports are on the top of the cylinders, rather than the side.

Second one is there are two pieces of 1/4" x 2" flat stock welded on the top of each arm of the upper jaws to protect the cylinders ... they're mebbe a little longer than they should be ... and might be keeping the upper jaw from closing as far as it should. Won't know for sure until I get the rake placed and welded on to the bottom of the grapple, check cylinder extension, etc.

It's a fairly simple fix if so ... just get out the grinder and trim 'em down a bit.