Grapple --- 1 Lid or 2

[IslandTractor]

I have a single lid. Never wanted two lids. Just adds cost and weight. Never had any load that I couldn't secure with one lid. In an open bottom grapple, the lid is typically just holding the load from bouncing around. Pulling out rocks is a bit different but is best done with single lid as load will be centered not offset.

I've also pulled big rocks out of the ground with the 48" light duty grapple.

 

[HCJtractor]

I'll go to my farm this weekend and measure, and take some close ups. This was made by Markham Welders who is now out of business.

 

[HCJtractor]

I'm glad Island Tractor jumped in. He was my source of info when I was shopping and he always had great advice! I've read most grapple threads here and he knows his grapples!!!

 

[IslandTractor]

I'll go to my farm this weekend and measure, and take some close ups. This was made by Markham Welders who is now out of business.

Markham is out of business but I believe the shop is still producing grapples under another business name. Same grapple basically as I recall. Markham was in Denton NC. I know if you google grapple and Denton NC you will get at least two or three manufacturers. Gotta believe they are probably related to the old Markham shop.

 

[IslandTractor]

Here are some photos with measuring tape that I took of my grapple sometime back. I do like the slight curvature of the bottom tines. I'd beef up the upper jaw though, especially if you are planning to dig out rocks with it. Mine got a little snaggle toothed so I had to heat, straighten and add gussets. Bottom is fine after 8 years.

I think it looks pretty much like HCJ's Markham grapple. Pretty standard design.

 

[Msamt]

Wow, that's a huge rock to dig out with a grapple and the grapple looks undamaged. Either a well built grapple or excellent operator skills. Maybe both.

Lack of skill actually, when I got it loose and grabbed it, I ended up getting it jammed oblong in the teeth, and had to cut the grapple loose to go get my counterweight on. Then it was lifting the loose grapple with a chain, to slip the rock out!
Fun day indeed.

 

[HCJtractor]

Island Tractors pictures are good and clear. I had Markham add some additional steel in between the tines to close the gaps.

 

[IslandTractor]

Island Tractors pictures are good and clear. I had Markham add some additional steel in between the tines to close the gaps.

Excellent idea. If the intermediate tines are just below the surface level of the main tines, they could be 1/4" and still do a great job for keeping smaller rocks and sticks from falling through. Easy to add after purchase too.

 

[Hilbilly]

Thanks so much for all the help and the pics are great. You guys have convinced me. I'm going with a 48" single lid grapple.

IslandTractor; those pics are great. The only dimension missing for me was the length of the tines but I think they are 24" based on some info I gleaned from one of the other pics. The good news for me is that the tines are 3" deep, which is the same as the steel I picked up today. I won't have a curve on my tines but if I find that they would be a big help, then I will weld on some extra pieces to the ends later on.

Really looking forward to this build. Off to the doc's tomorrow morning then back to work on my mock up with the new info you all provided. Hopefully I can get started on some cutting tomorrow. I know it's going to take me a while because I always over think everything. Plus my oxy/acet cutting skills suck. At least this will give me some much needed practice.:laughing:

 

[HCJtractor]

hilbilly, you won't be disappointed! Please keep us informed with progress reports. The grapple is my most used implement. I never use my bucket.