Grapple --- 1 Lid or 2

[HCJtractor]

Oh, as far as getting the right tilt or angle, I wouldn't worry about that. With use, you will quickly get a feel for this. I had the same problem at first but now it's second nature

 

[IslandTractor]

View attachment 414066
Here is a picture

That V shaped plate also serves as gussets for the upper tines. Nice.

 

[HCJtractor]

Good points guys and thanks. I don't think I will grab trees by the end but I'm sure my uses will evolve and maybe I will have a need for something like that in the future. Got to give that some thought. I got the wiring done to a temporary toggle switch and tried it out today. This will take a little getting used to but I like it. I pulled some piles of small trees, that I cut down and stacked for future wood chipping, from under the snow and shook the snow off, then proceeded to chip them. I don't like where I have the switch and will find some way to get a permanent set up on the loader joystick. I can see where this could easily get abused and I think I will use it for a while before painting, to see if there are any areas that look like they may need bracing. I'm taking the rest of the day off to enjoy some adult beverages.:drink:

WR Long sells an electric switch kit with the appropriate harness and solenoid (or whatever it's called) to control the upper cylinder. I have one on mine. It's just a toggle switch taped to my loader control lever.

 

[Underdog57]

I saw mention of a mirror being added to the FEL arms in another search looking for rear view mirror options. I thought it sounded like a good idea. Use one of the convex mirrors like they have on box trucks to see the area behind the truck, only put it up front so you can see down and forward.

I really like that idea!! :thumbsup: Quick, cheap, and effective!

 

[Jim Timber]

I also like the camera idea. I just haven't looked into what a monitor and camera rig would cost to rig up yet. I know it can be done on the uber cheap, but a mirror is cheaper yet.

 

[IslandTractor]

I also like the camera idea. I just haven't looked into what a monitor and camera rig would cost to rig up yet. I know it can be done on the uber cheap, but a mirror is cheaper yet.

I'm pretty sure you can get the parts for under $100 these days. Trick is figuring out where to mount it so it gives a useful perspective/view but is not in a vulnerable spot. It could be wireless or wired but even if wireless it would need to be powered so mounting it in an armored cage at the end of a FEL arm would probably be the most convenient even if it doesn't give a midline view. I've thought about doing it but honestly have never really needed it as I can just stand up to look over the mount and see the tine locations if it is really critical (usually it isn't critical: horse shoes, grenades and grapple position etc).

 

[Jim Timber]

Looks like under $50 with a 7" monitor isn't difficult from a quick scan on amazon.

I like the idea of a wireless camera I could put where it was most needed - like the back of a hay wagon, or on the FEL for placing poles. I haven't committed to trying it though.

 

[Hilbilly]

I can see mine fairly well.. Do you have a bucket level indicator rod on your tractor?View attachment 414059

No I don't have one of those and have thought about adding one but on uneven ground I would really like to see the tines. How are you able to see yours? Where do you look?

 

[IslandTractor]

No I don't have one of those and have thought about adding one but on uneven ground I would really like to see the tines. How are you able to see yours? Where do you look?

Why do you want to see the precise location of the tines? Can you see the precise location of your standard bucket edge? I too wish I could see the exact positioning better but I have been able to function quite effectively without that sort of precision.

 

[Hilbilly]

That is an amazing project! I'm impressed. I would offer three suggestions. I would add a "V" shaped plate between the top two teeth to add a center grip and in case you pick up a tree by the trunk parallel to the tractor. I do this very frequently. I have also use it in a similar fashion to pick up a long post and transport it or to stand it up in a pre dug hole ( as in building a pole barn". But my point is, I often pick up things longitudinally, not crosswise.

I would also add a protective plate, or mesh in the rear to keep limbs from poking through to the front of your tractor.

And perhaps spacers midway between the main bottom tines to keep debris from falling out, for instance when picking up smaller stuff or rocks.

But overall, that's a piece of art! Great job.

Thanks for the compliments.

I did add some more bracing on the lid and between the front and rear of the lower tines. I don't think I will need the additional tines like you have, since I don't expect to be picking up rocks with my grapple. I hope not because it will be much harder to add the tines now that I have welded in the extra cross tubes. I forgot about the mesh at the rear of the grapple and don't have any so I may just wait until I go to the City again or add the mesh to the front guard on the tractor.

I got the grapple sand blasted today and ready to paint but it is still pretty cold out so I will wait for a sunny day to actually paint it.

Here is a pic of the pieces all blasted, showing the additional bracing. Note the lid is laying upside down on the lower tines.



I like the camera idea too but may give the mirror a try first, since I have one of those already. Got to wait until I get it painted though.