Grapple --- 1 Lid or 2

[Scott65]

IT"S DONE!!!!!!!! and it works too. :cool2:

Now what am I going to make?

I'd say just make more of those for tbn members, ought to sell like hotcakes!

That turned out really nice! Your craftsmanship is fantastic! I agree I think you would appreciate having the tines line up when it's closed. I use mine to grab things like that all the time.

 

[TomSeller]

Very nice. I see you didn't waste any time tackling a boulder. I would caution against picking up a log from the end. Balance is important, not only to your grapple but also to the tractor's stability.

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

. . . Now what am I going to make?

Make one for your neighbor and charge him enough to recoup some of the costs on yours. Heck, you could have the makings of a cottage industry.

 

[IslandTractor]

Really. Nice job Hilbilly. Congratulations.

 

[Xfaxman]

Gooder-un! :thumbsup:

 

[HCJtractor]

That is really an amazing project! It's really satisfying to see your project from the brainstorming stage to fruition.

It really shows how someone could build these designed for CUTs and sell a bunch. When I bought mine, Markham Welding filled that niche, for under a grand. I think there is a market for these. Hey. Maybe a new career?

You have great skills!!

 

[k0ua]

Yes, you did good. You should be very proud. Heck we all are proud of you.:thumbsup:

 

[Hilbilly]

Yes, you did good. You should be very proud. Heck we all are proud of you.:thumbsup:

Awwweee geeee thanks. Seriously though, thanks for the compliments.

It's great to have a new implement but the best part of this has been the journey. I really enjoyed all the new challenges it presented for me and I'm kind of sad it's over.:frown:

But on a positive note, I got some new tools in the process.:cool2:

 

[alancamby]

I just read through the whole thread. Well some of it I skimmed

For the 35 to 50hp tractor range,
what is the recommended tine thickness when using A36. Ends 1/2" and centers 3/8"???

What is the square tube on top and bottom? the tube that runs horizontal above and below the quick attach. Thickness and size.

I understand that the gussets and design is the key. Still need a idea on materials.

Seems like I remember a bunch of value grapples that were, or are, on the market where the top square tube would stress crack after just a few months of use. Seems like some of these were only 1/8" thick square tube.

If the OP could make up a Grocery list, that would be awesome.
Anyone else that could give some material ideas would be great.

Excellent job Hilbilly.

 

[Hilbilly]

If you read the whole thread you know that I am new to welding and fabrication. This is by far the biggest welding and fab project I have ever taken on and I just kind of winged it when it came to bar sizes, thicknesses and grapple dimensions. I am also ignorant about steel grades. I have only used the grapple a few time so far so can't tell you how it will hold up. Having said this I can provide you with what I used to build my grapple for my 47 hp tractor. Given that I am not experienced at this sort of thing you may want to confirm steel sizes and grapple dimensions with someone having more experience. If you use this information you do so at your own risk.

Ok, the cover your ***** part is done. Here is a list of what I used, to the best of my memory. The back cross tubes are made of 3" x 3" x 0.25" HSS tubing. The tines and the vertical members between the back cross tubes are 3" x 3/8" flat bar. The top part of the SSQA bracket is made of 3/8" flat bar. I can't remember the width but you can check your SSQA for that dim. The bottom SSQA bracket is made of 1/4" flat bar as are the side braces. The tine cross tubes are 2" schedule 40 black pipe. All the steel is "mild steel". At least that is what I asked the guy at the steel yard for. The SSQA mounting plates on the back are 1/4" plate. I think that covers all the pieces but if I missed something let me know.

The tines are 32" long and the vertical tines between the the back cross tubes are 16" long. The grapple is 50" wide and the lid is 24" wide. The opening is 43 3/4". The mounts for the hydraulic cylinder are also made from 3/8" x 3" flat bar. The cylinder mount on the back cross tube is 3 pieces of flat bar welded together.

Well that's how I built mine. If it breaks into a bunch of pieces during some real use, I suggest you build yours stronger.:laughing:

Oh, I forgot to say good luck with your build and don't forget to post pics.