The WICKED GRAPPLE for UTILITY TRACTORS!!!!!!!

[EverythingAttachments]

I really think the teeth cut in on the support brackets will cause problems with brush and twiggy material.

For customer lake shore clearing I bring a ground man to clear the grapple of twiggy material that hangs onto the existing grapple or my production falls to low. Low production is fine on my own project, but not when I'm billing $80 or $100 and hour.

We'll test it like that. I do not think it will be a problem because the angle of the blades promotes the shedding of material, rather than holding it in.

If it is a problem, we know the right people with the ability to change it in a jiffy!!
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

The inserts that will come bolted in are sharper and more aggressive, but they can be easily removed. Just a little icing on the Wicked Cake.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here's how the week finished up as of about 3:45 today. The Wicked Utility Grapple is almost completely tacked, still lacking the lid guards and pipe supports.
Travis

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Here's how the week finished up as of about 3:45 today. The Wicked Utility Grapple is almost completely tacked, still lacking the lid guards and pipe supports.
Travis

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Travis, did somebody run a material analysis or stress analysis on the lid ribs? The reason I ask is the top lid ribs look way, way too heavy for (what I presume) is the anticipated loading.

Only a concern if trying to keep weight down is a goal.

 

[k0ua]

We're getting closer! I'm told it should start going together in the next day or so!!

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"pallet-o-parts" Love it!:thumbsup:

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Travis, did somebody run a material analysis or stress analysis on the lid ribs? The reason I ask is the top lid ribs look way, way too heavy for (what I presume) is the anticipated loading.

Only a concern if trying to keep weight down is a goal.

If you are referring to the cylinder mounts, those things take a lot of punishment so we will not skimp. I'm pretty sure that the vertically extended posts consist of (2) 1/2" plates....it may net a few extra pounds, but it's well worth it. You'll notice that, instead of really thick plate(s), your grapple has triangular gussets on either side of the rear cylinder mounts for strength.

We do shave the weight where it makes sense, but IMO, there are 3 spots where a grapple should be extra strong. The Hitch, The Hinges, and The Cylinder Mounts. You'll notice that those important areas are ready for a beating, because we know that there are EricTheOracles out there! :laughing:
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

If you are referring to the cylinder mounts, those things take a lot of punishment so we will not skimp. I'm pretty sure that the vertically extended posts consist of (2) 1/2" plates....it may net a few extra pounds, but it's well worth it. You'll notice that, instead of really thick plate(s), your grapple has triangular gussets on either side of the rear cylinder mounts for strength.

We do shave the weight where it makes sense, but IMO, there are 3 spots where a grapple should be extra strong. The Hitch, The Hinges, and The Cylinder Mounts. You'll notice that those important areas are ready for a beating, because we know that there are EricTheOracles out there! :laughing:
Travis

Ted says you're talking about the actual skeleton of the lids....lid ribs...makes sense.

He is using what is pretty close to the same geometry lids as his brother's 1RG extreme grapple, which uses 3/4" lids. He's taking that grapple, which is over 1,200 pounds and transforming it into around 650 pounds of pure, useful Wickedness for Utility Tractors. Oh, and the reason for 1/2" lid ribs.....that's for said EricTheOracles of the world too!!

The extra strength/thickness is not so much for clamping....it's for those who abuse/misuse. Clamping and pulling back/down/sideways with the lids puts extra stress on the lids(of course) and on the hinges/cylinder mounts as previously stated.
Travis

 

[SPYDERLK]

I was torn between starting a new thread for this new grapple OR just mixing it into the compact Wicked Grapple thread. Finally, I decided on a new thread for this NEW ANIMAL!!!!

I'll start by describe the Wicked Utility Grapple since I can't post any photos. :confused2:
I do have some computer generated engineered drawings that I'll share when TBN returns the photo uploading luxury to us!

Three sizes will be offered. 52", 73" and 84". Dual Lids...I haven't talked to Ted about it, but I think the 52" should be a single lid.

This will be a Utility Grapple like no other!!!

How does it sound so far?
Travis

I hope you go for a single lid on the small one. In which case I would consider it for my Mahindra 7520.

Currently I have a grapple bucket based on a 60" Loader Buddy bucket and Tatro grapple attachment. I added about 2# strategic X bracing to render it rugged. It has 48" opening so I would miss that part. There are times tho that I would really appreciate a well built dedicated grapple. ... I would really like to see one where the jaw could conveniently tip way back out of the way as far as the loader curl interference constraints can allow.
,,,larry

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I hope you go for a single lid on the small one. In which case I would consider it for my Mahindra 7520.

Currently I have a grapple bucket based on a 60" Loader Buddy bucket and Tatro grapple attachment. I added about 2# strategic X bracing to render it rugged. It has 48" opening so I would miss that part. larry

The 52" will probably be offered with either a single or double lid. It sounds like the opening should be like 43", so there won't be much difference there for ya.

I think the grapple was painted yesterday, so we should have some good pics today!
Travis

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Wicked Grapple Lovers, I have news for you. It turns out that the new design is heavier than anticipated. It is strong and Wicked, but it just is not ideal for the targeted machine. We're all about ideal, you know!

The new grapple does hit the mark for larger utility tractors(80-90hp+) and skid steers, considering the 73" weighs over 800 pounds.



Now we are back to work on the Wicked Utility Grapple and will soon have two new grapples to test!!!

Travis