4570Man
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2015
- Messages
- 17,834
- Location
- Crossville, TN
- Tractor
- Kubota M59, Kubota L3800, Grasshopper 428D, Topkick dump truck, 3500 dump truck, 10 ton trailer, more lighter trailers.
The "eggs out" issue that you mention, has been a concern of mine when perusing their design.
There obviously is no provision for greasing, but I believe I may be able to remedy that.
I think I can bore a small hole down through the center of each pivot bolt head, drill a small cross hole in the bolt, and install a zerk fitting in the bolt head, thus allowing that bolt to pivot on a greased surface.
The other thought I have is, before using, bore the pivot bolt hole out larger, and install a bronze (or steel?) bushing.
When/if the bushing wears, just push it out, and install a new one.
I am leaning toward the bushing idea.
The weight difference between the 60" #1 & #2 units is approximately 300 pounds.
I really do not want to deal with that extra weight.
If I have something really nasty/heavy to grab, My hoe is very powerful, so I can use the hoe with thumb instead, and not put unnecessary stress on my loader frame.
I have zero rocks, and really only do need a light duty grapple.
On recommendation from here on TBN, I will also modify the top clam with 2 inside corner angle welded pieces of 3/8 flat plate, to prevent racking/twisting of the grapple top.
I can outdo you by about 7 years.
My last college engineering design/drafting class was in 1961, and I was employed in a completely different field!
If I remember correctly the grapple in discussion just has a laser cut hole with a bolt through it. No amount of grease is going to prevent an inadequate pivot from wearing out. Although it might help a little the hole is mostly stretching not wearing. My M59 lifts twice as much with the loader as what the backhoe will handle. I suspect yours is about the same.