Going to build a Grapple Bucket!

rebeltect · Jun 24, 2012

I'm thinking about building a "Grapple Bucket" for my Cub Yanmar Ex2900. I just recently finished install a diverter valve for the third function. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions, before I start this build. I have enough steel to build a 52" wide bucket, which I think will be good since the front track on my front tire's is 48", and I figured that since there will be a grapple on top of the bucket, this should help reduce some of the weight. Also I posted some drawings I did, let me know what you guy's think?

chad22 · Jun 24, 2012

Looks good. Looking forward to seeing the finished project.

Chad

Artisan · Jun 24, 2012

Nice looking machine, I think it looks like this;

I added a grapple to my bucket, do a search for "GrappleOmatic' .

www.greensmachine.com sells the major components.

swick1 · Jun 26, 2012

I'm working on my build too: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/246742-grapple-hydraulic-setup-1026r.html

I think you should cut the sides back about twice as much and add another plate around the outside edge to stiffen it up.

Like this: http://www.hunttractor.com/images/inventory pics/Attachment pics/41519 - 17in backhoe bucket.JPG

rebeltect · Jun 29, 2012

Thanks Artisan, your BX "GrappleOmatic" build is awsome. That's exactly what I'm going for ultimatetly. Thanks for the link to the "Greensmachine" grapple. I originally thought about building a grapple for the bucket I'm building, but once I saw their grapples and calculating the cost of the materials I would need, it is definatley cheaper to buy from them, Thank You!

rebeltect · Jun 29, 2012

Looks good swick1, that looks like a ton of work! How do you like that Deere 1026R? My uncle just bought one a few weeks ago and this weekend used a old 60" brush hog on it....wow that little thing has some power, impressive for sure! Oh yeah and thanks for the advice, I will definatley add some steel to the edge's of my bucket! Ultimatley this is what I'm going for GP

swick1 · Jun 29, 2012

Keep monitoring my thread. Things are going to get interesting next week. I struggled with building a bucket like you are doing vs a root grapple setup because I liked your lower weight design. I ultimately went with my style as I am in need of a bucket to sort material and I figured I could add a grate to the bottom of my design for that purpose. I may even add a land leveler attachment to it like they have for skid steers. I could pin it off / on in just a few seconds and it would replace a land plane and material sorter.

Regarding the 1026r, it was the best tractor in its class by far. I should have got a mini ex instead of the backhoe though but it beats a shovel by a long shot!

rebeltect · Jul 9, 2012

Here's some pic's of my diverter valve all setup on my Ex2900!

swick1 · Jul 9, 2012

Sweet! That looks good. I can't wait until my fittings come in from their 2 week backorder

Dana Warner · Jul 10, 2012

I am wondering if there is a reason you are using a diverter valve. My loader valve has a power beyond port that allowed me to add a valve to the circuit. The valve I bought from Surplus Center also has a power beyond port which runs to the 3PH.

rebeltect · Jul 10, 2012

Dana Warner said:
I am wondering if there is a reason you are using a diverter valve. My loader valve has a power beyond port that allowed me to add a valve to the circuit. The valve I bought from Surplus Center also has a power beyond port which runs to the 3PH.

Thanks for the input Dana! The reason I chose to use the diverter valve is mostly convenience. I had previously installed two "remote" ports on my tractor and I used the power beyond port from the loader valve to power those (checkout pics). I thought about just using one of my remotes to power a grapple, but when I thought about it, trying to reach from FEL joystick and grabbing the Remote joystick, I thought could become cumbersome for me. So I just decided to put the diverter valve on and plumbed it through my Dump & Curl circuit with a momentary switch on the FEL joystick.

swick1 · Jul 10, 2012

We are anxiously awaiting grapple pics!

Artisan · Jul 10, 2012

Swick perhaps the OP has not seen your thread and would like to?
Whats is the link?

( I so wish I could sort Subscriptions )

rebeltect · Jun 11, 2013

Sorry I haven't been able to post anything on here in awhile. I suffered a Brain Injury (TBI), that I'm still recovering from and I had to outsource some of my grapple bucket project to some friends, but here it is in all it's metallic glory! Very pleased with it!