Someone build an...

[Dan Hunter]

...adapter that allows me to hang pin-on loader attachments from my iMatch. That way, I could use my tree sheer and the grapple hanging on the back as ballast and when I've cut enough trees that I need to clean up, I just swap 'em around.

I've contacted M & M to see what they think and if they don't respond I'll build my own.

 

[Piston]

How ironic! I just posted a question about using a tree shear on my tractor, about a minute or two before you posted this. I'll be interested to see the replies for using your shear on the back of your tractor.

Would you mind commenting about your setup here
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/246690-tree-shear-my-little-ole.html

-Matt

 

[Runner]

Like this?


http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/177819-jd-three-point-pallet-fork.html

 

[Dan Hunter]

Exactly! Does calling you a genius make me any less the moron? Hey, what is the angle it cants?

 

[Runner]

Not exactly sure on the angle, just made it to match the angle on the forks. I think it was about 15 degrees.

 

[SSdoxie]

Not exactly sure on the angle, just made it to match the angle on the forks. I think it was about 15 degrees.

Add a hydraulic top link and get plenty of adjustment on the go.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Not exactly sure on the angle, just made it to match the angle on the forks. I think it was about 15 degrees.

Got it. I'm on it.

 

[Dan Hunter]

OK, I had a slowdown as the quickhitch I was sold didn't match the iMatch pattern that my MX5 and chipper are set up for and it won't be here for about two weeks. I'll wait until it arrives to connect all the bits but here's the progress I've made.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Here's where I'm at now. It took some doing but I finally have it fitting both the shear and the grapple. Strangely, there was enough variance to require some slop. The top mount for the iMatch will get adjusted for a bit less angularity. I want to be able to drop it and drive away as well as pick it up on the top pawls and have it fall on the pins and as it is with the current angularity I think I'd be giving up unnecessary ground clearance. It'll connect the top cross bar to the vertical tube with a spacer once I'm comfortable with the fitment.

 

[Dan Hunter]

I de-burred the edges to make it a little safer when handling. I'm waiting on the iMatch to show up before I finish the vertical piece for the toplink. Then it's off to powdercoat. It's surprisingly heavy.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Here's the assembled unit. My iMatch came in yesterday and this morning I hung it and tacked the final part in place with all the pins in contact. It hangs about 1/4 inch low on one side but the pawls are deep and it's not like I'll be using it on level ground anyway.

Tomorrow, I'll pull the trailer out and finish setting up the trailer brakes then weigh it with the hitch scale. I'm going to try swapping the shear and grapple then loading it on the trailer to come up with the best distribution and mark the trailer for tire placement. Then I'll take the adapter to powdercoat and be ready to head out this weekend.

 

[jmc]

Nice job, Dan. If I had your fab skills, I'd run a triangular brace from near the 3PH top point down to the upper horizontal tube. (oriented for front to back strength) That's the only structure resisting the load's torque around the lower pins. Someday this might be used on a bigger tractor.

John

 

[Dan Hunter]

Someday this might be used on a bigger tractor.

Only if it's stolen.

I did talk to a friend that has decades of experience with similar fabrication about just that and he didn't see a need. It's at powdercoat anyway. If it ever bends, I'll cut it out and replace it with gusseting added.

 

[Dan Hunter]

I'm done. It works. Thanks for the inspiration. The photos don't do the local powdercoater justice. They blasted it well and the surface is quite elegant for a piece of equipment I'll likely bash without remorse.

 

[Dan Hunter]

Seems to work just fine. The three point has enough range to drop it on level ground with about three inches for mounting/dismounting clearance. The photos have it at the highest point.