Grapple Bucket

[stray]

I am getting ready to fabricate a grapple on my small OEM bucket with rock teeth(the 5 cub ft one). Can any one tell me the size and length of the cylinder I will need.

 

[J_J]

I think you have to determine where the pivot point will be, and how much force you want to apply. That will determine the size and length. and whether you want one or two cyl to apply force. See attachments.

 

[J_J]

PIC 2

 

[J_J]

PIC 3

 

[PowerTrom425]

This looks like a nice grapple fork....Who's is it? It looks like it may fit the 10' bucket on the PT425....? Merry Christmas Stray and J.J. ......Tom

 

[J_J]

Don't know the manufacturer. I did an internet search looking for grapple forks and saved ever picture that looked interesting. I will eventually build one using ideas that have worked for others.

 

[pequeajim]

I am very interested in finding out how you do. I am wanting to do the same thing for my winter/spring cleanup.

Here's the link to the ebay guy with the "Thumb".

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=74988&item=3862506802&rd=1

 

[stray]

Thanks JJ that grapple concept is one I haven't seen or thought of. It looks very interesting. Simple too.

 

[J_J]

If you are good with a cutting torch or plasma torch, and welder, and I am sure you are, you should be able to build that Thumb Grapple for about $100 plus what ever the cyl will run. You could even add extra legs to expand gripping area.

 

[PowerTrom425]

Thanks for the link! Merry Christmas.....now back to cooking /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

I've had a grapple half built for a couple years now. I just need to put a cylinder on it and it will be done. I have not yet determined where to mount my cylinder, so therefore I cannot determine cylinder length. One way is to make a cardboard mock-up. Then you can manipulate it and determinne the length of the cylinder and length of the throw that you will need and adjust the mounnts to fit. Someday when I need it, I will finish it. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Here's a picture of what I have completed.

And here's a link to a long discussion about it.

 

[stray]

Looks like I have about 110 dollars in this one. The cost was for the cylinder, hoses and connection. The rest i had laying around. The prongs were from and old horse drawn 4 foot plow.

 

[cqaigy]

Man that thing looks tough!!

 

[J_J]

That is a heavy duty Grapple. Good job.

 

[stray]

thanks guys, I'll post another pic when i get it painted.