Grapple Grapple research and tentative conclusion what may be best for me; what do YOU think?

[beppington]

Connie from Wildcat called me last night. They are going to ship me some shims to have welded on. :thumbsup:

Sounds like that's the same thing I'll be getting.

 

[dustinfox]

Finaly got it scheduled for next week! I'm having the WR Long system installed. Can't wait to try out my new grapple!

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

More important than the gap is how far the retaining pins protrude below the mount when locked. If they are lower than the gap distance it is pretty hard to dismount the grapple accidently.

If there is almost no gap then mounting the grapple can be a bit tricky as it might not move all the way flush unless you lift it and tilt it backwards. That is a hassle and presents its own problems in reaching the locking lever safely etc.

Bottom line is that some gap is desirable and I'd imagine a minimum of 1/4 inch or so. Again, the key issue is how far the retaining pins protrude from under the mount when locked.

The 1/4" or so gap I found (after reading this thread) between the retaining pin and mount on mt 48" WildKat grapple certainly explains the "grapple flap" I have when crossing a bumpy field. Even though the pin extends well below the hole and falling off is not a problem, I'm considering a shim to reduce the gap. Need to check the stock bucket if I ever put it back on as it too will flap under the same circumstances.

 

[jimmysisson]

Grapple flap, I love it!
Jim

 

[beppington]

Sounds like that's the same thing I'll be getting.

Received mine today. Rather than "shims", they sent me another set of the exact same piece that Wild Kat uses for the pin securing mount tabs. I had a local welder cut those into rectangular pieces & weld them on to take up the ~7/16" gap I had with mine. Now the pins fit very tight & the play is eliminated.

 

[dstig1]

Bep - That is exactly what they mean by shims - and exactly what you need.

 

[k0ua]

Received mine today. Rather than "shims", they sent me another set of the exact same piece that Wild Kat uses for the pin securing mount tabs. I had a local welder cut those into rectangular pieces & weld them to that take up the ~7/16" gap I had with mine. Now the pins fit very tight & they play is eliminated.

Bep how long did it take the welder to make this repair/modification?

James K0UA

 

[beppington]

Bep how long did it take the welder to make this repair/modification?

James K0UA

10 minutes of actual work, ~35 other minutes of shootin' the breeze

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

10 minutes of actual work, ~35 other minutes of shootin' the breeze

Could you post a pic when you get a chance? I'm having trouble visualizing the fix....

 

[beppington]

Could you post a pic when you get a chance? I'm having trouble visualizing the fix....

Sure, meantime here's a sketch of it: