Follow-up on Grapple

[Skeptic]

Mike, I am working on putting the plans down so that I can send them to anyone who wants them (probably in pdf format with dxf files for the cutouts).
It sure works well picking up the branches that came down in our storms this winter.
Next project is fork lift forks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sassafraspete]

Shari, I spent all weekend looking at the Miller website. When you said you used dual shielding....does that mean you used both a flux cored wire as well as the argon/co2 mixture? I am trying to figure out how I justify a purchase of a new welder to my wife....having just gone thru a tractor purchase...I may have a rough time explaining this one.

 

[Skeptic]

Sassafraspete,
That is exactly what dual shield means. You have a flux cored wire that you also use with a shielding gas. Not all flux cored wires use shielding gas (they splatter a lot). Set right, it gives a very nice deep penetrating splatter free weld.
Since I needed some time on projects in the welding class I was taking, it was a perfect opportunity to try out the machines in class. So I was able to use a .052 diameter wire (bigger than my machine at home could do). It gives a really nice profile welding bead.
I saw a grapple similar to this one when I first bought my tractor, the price was close to $2200! With a little bit of planning and rationalization I got a welder and materials to make my grapple for about the same price /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif so, after it is all done, I still have the welder. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
There are lots of things to build with the welder, tell your wife that she can take welding classes to learn how to use it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I have sure enjoyed learning to weld.

 

[40Kchicks]

Skeptic

I have been reading about your progress for awhile now. I am impressed. I love these kinds of projects. If your serious about making the plans and dxf files available I would be very interested. In fact I have a friend that has a metal cutting business. He still owes me a big favor because I helped him build his shop.

Nice job Skeptic
Eric

 

[kennyd]

They are found on JD Parts. Look up your tractor model, then click on the alphabetical index, then the B's for "bucket"

Here are the part numers for my bucket (410 Loader), but I think they are the same for most tractors...


W43359 HOOK, BUCKET $9.35ea.
W47211 PIN $5.50ea.
W45253 STRAP(HEAVY DUTY) $4.29ea.


That is $38.28 for the parts, not bad IMHO.

Hope this helps...

 

[ns_in_tex]

Where did you pick up these square tapered tines?
Are they expensive?
Do they have a special name?

 

[Taylortractornut]

Neal I got mine from a local fork lift sales/ service yard they are called block forks or block tines they wear down from the cinder blocks sliding on them. when they get 1/8 af an inch wear they wont pass an OSHA test. Usually a person can get them for 75 to 100 dollars a set. I buy thme every chance i get they come in handy for manure forks with some modifications. Some times they are replced one at a time and you can get them super cheap. The dealer will give you a line about not being able to sell them but a little side money changes this attitude alot. I just let a friend have some for a 3 point stone fork to pry flat stones out of his pasture with. They are called cubing forks for the propber name.

 

[Skeptic]

Okay, I finally got the pdf files that explain most of the project done (I hope I can post them in here).
I also have dxf files of the parts that I had plasma cut too.
There are still instructions and parts that aren't described, I promise to get to the parts list soon.
I will send the dxf files to the people that requested them (unless people want them in here).

 

[Skeptic]

Here is a pdf of the back of the grapple (hydraulics are missing) that should explain the rest.
Aren't you glad that pictures should be worth 1000 words. (of course I may be missing a few of those).

 

[leaddog]

Thanks for posting, I would like the dxf files but if you post them here everyone can use them. Thanks for your efforts. The project looks like a very worthwhile project that I want to start on as I got a new plasma cutter. I'll have to change the location of the cyl's as my quick attach is different but that should be a doable thing.
Have you had any problems with the tines bending or wanting to twist?
Thanks
leaddog

 

[Skeptic]

I have worked up the materials list now. I will post it here in a few hours. In the mean time, I took a video of my mom trying out the grapple yesterday.
Ignore the cheesey theme, but here is a quick little movie. http://homepage.mac.com/sharic/iMovieTheater3.html

 

[dummy]

I didn't think it was cheesy. Pretty cool!

 

[tcmike]

Skeptic,
I would love to have the dxf file for this. A friend is taking a welding course and offered to build it for me.
Thanks, Mike
mdautomo@twcny.rr.com