Started my first grapple project

[J_J]

I would use square tubing or round tubing. That was a quick project. A root rake and grapple in one.

Just about any cyl will work and it might be to fast. You get more power with a larger cyl, and if I know the angle, I can compute the force. You could also add a needle valve to slow it down.

Are you going to use a diverter valve for the grapple, using the curl hyd? A switch on the joystick lever will switch between the two operations.

Yes, I have a tab for each scarifier, with grade 8 bolts.

 

[Keddowes]

Update on my grapple project attached are some new pictures of where I'm at.
I need help on the hydraulic location
I was thinking of mounting the hydraulic cylinder on the back side of the bucket and using a pivot arm on top of the grapple. How do I figure out what cylinder size to use and how much power it would generate. Also if I weld a bar on the top to a pivot pin to the back of the bucket will that be too weak or will it be strong enough. So many questions just don't know where to begin with the cylinder issue. Thanks in advance for all your help

 

[Keddowes]

Here is a picture of 1 of my welds thanks to my neighbor who is a welder who is also my teacher. Only going to show my best weld not going to show you the bubble gum welds.

 

[J_J]

Most people who build their grapples seem to put their cyl on the top of the grapple. A lot of the brand names put their cyl on the back of the grapple and connect it to an extension to two of the grapple arms. If you are thinking on the back sidw idea, use two cyl.

The force is calculated by the geometry of the cyl to the pivot pin and the length of the grapple teeth.

A 2 in cyl with 1 in rod, and 2500 psi will push at a force of 7854 lbs with a straight on push. If you are pushing on a 5 in leg, then you have the same force on the other side of the leg at 5 in, but at 10 in on the grapple side, , you have less force,and at 20 in you have even less force, but still enough to operate the grapple and hold things in place.

I think this is correct. Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

5 in on grapple side of pivot, the force is 7485 lbs
10------------------------------------------3742 lbs
15------------------------------------------2495 lbs
20------------------------------------------1871 lbs

 

[Keddowes]

Had a chance to work with a skid steer with a grapple
I'm now worried about my grapple not being strong enough need to beef it up some how.

 

[ak9]

Here are some pics of when i built my grapple ... I reinforced the entire top of the bucket w/a piece of 6" x 3" x 1/2" angle welded in & bolted & even with this angle I can still see a little flex when clamping the grapple .My set up weighs @ 250 lbs w/3" hyd cyl. The goemetry of the cylinder is important
you are doing good with your build . Grapples are so handy to have & well worth the time a effort to build one!!! hope these pics help

 

[Keddowes]

Need suggestions for hydraulic position ... Have valves And manifold 2 cylinders 2 1/2 X 8 X 1 1/2 - Retracted length 16 inches across tube rod 2 inches

Would like to use 2 cylinders 1 on either side of grapple possibly mount them to the existing bucket welds for tilt note in picture available room at the top of tilt bracket mounted to bucket. Here are some pictures of the grapple project to date.

 

[nybirdman]

Nice job on the build,why do you need two cylinders?I would think they would be fighting each other (with a one piece grapple) .I don't think you need two for strengh or power.

 

[Keddowes]

I was told the manifold will help with the hydraulics from competing. Going with 2 cylinders my thought is I will prevent racking or twisting.

 

[Keddowes]

I was told when mounting cylinders on the rear of the bucket two would be better