W.R. Long Grapple to Rock Bucket Conversion

JohnnyMX · Mar 16, 2021

I have a OBG-2 grapple from W.R. Long. When I bought it from the dealer no one asked if I wanted any extra tines added to the bottom, which I later found out is an option from the company. The normal spacing is 8" apart which works great for picking large rocks, but allows plenty to fall through for my tiller to eat. I didn't know if anyone made a conversion kit or had any ideas how best to go about it. It would be nice if I could take it on/off for picking rocks and leave it off when doing normal grapple work to reduce the weight. It wouldn't need to be perfect, just good enough for the amount of times it is needed. I don't need a full-time rock bucket sitting around. Here are some photos from their site. It probably needs sides and spacing down to at least 3" from what I've seen on other buckets.

JohnnyMX · Mar 16, 2021

I was thinking something like this. Just was thinking some angle notched to fit down on the existing tines, add some ends to help collect the rock and keep it on with a few welded nuts and bolts to tighten the add-on portion to the frame front/rear. Would rebar hold up to this as my extra tines?? Maybe use the angle upside down to add some strength. I am not great at what material size is needed for what yet. I am just learning.

JohnnyMX · Mar 18, 2021

Looks like I better plan on making something. Would a piece of expanded metal hold up vs. rebar. I may have this in the wrong forum.

Xfaxman · Mar 18, 2021

I think it is in the right forum. It has had over 100 views.
Sometimes it takes awhile for someone with the right experience to see the thread.

I am watching to see what you come up with because I need it for my grapple also.

3Lfarms · Mar 18, 2021

Have you called WR Long? If there was an option for narrower tines for your grapple, maybe they could send you a set to weld up.

JohnnyMX · Mar 19, 2021

I haven't reached out to them and probably should just to see what the cost would be. I figured I have some stuff laying around that could be used and I'm assuming their option will be more, but it is always good to know.

JohnnyMX · Mar 19, 2021

For the parts for the bottom/back I'd be looking at a couple hundred bucks and that wouldn't be removable. I will look to make something that is...

JohnnyMX · Jun 1, 2021

Made this finally. Made out of some angle found on the marketplace, my crate from my stump bucket, and some rebar I had laying around. I can pull the handle and the unit pulls out like it is hinged in the front. About $20 into it, most of that was u-bolts to hold it in place for now. It worked fine for picking up debris piles, now I need to test it out for sifting rocks. Fingers crossed.

ning · Jun 1, 2021

JohnnyMX said:
Made this finally. Made out of some angle found on the marketplace, my crate from my stump bucket, and some rebar I had laying around. I can pull the handle and the unit pulls out like it is hinged in the front. About $20 into it, most of that was u-bolts to hold it in place for now. It worked fine for picking up debris piles, now I need to test it out for sifting rocks. Fingers crossed.

I like the general concept but I think the rebar is a serious weak point and it'll deform substantially. Perhaps some angle iron or square tubing set up diamond-shaped with a corner on top?

JohnnyMX · Jun 1, 2021

It might be a weak spot. It surely is weaker than the angle, but I had it and it was free. I had about 400 pieces of 24" rebar kicking around. I don't know if something is in it and the jaws close just right what might happen. This is partly why I made it removable. If I'm out lifting logs and such this piece won't be in, only when I'm clearing off some ground. I hope to find out soon.