Grapple Kit for BX22?????

Junkman · Sep 17, 2003

While reading other posts, I came across this. Was wondering if it could be adapted to the bucket on a BX22? Has anyone ever seen one on a BX or possibly made one for their tractor?????? thanks

manufacturers web page

jrlichina · Sep 17, 2003

Sure it can, you just need the fabrication skills and if you do you can probably make one cheaper yourself.

Junkman · Sep 17, 2003

Where would you take the power for the cylinder from? Wouldn't another valve be needed to operate it???? Just coming up to speed on all this new fangled equipment and am still in first gear....... thanks

DieselD · Sep 17, 2003

What would it weigh, the bx only lifts 460lbs or so now, Add 150~200, I don't think worth it .
Danny

Junkman · Sep 17, 2003

I was thinking of it for brush removal...... don't know how much it would weigh, but it sure looks like it would make live easy........

Seat_Time · Sep 18, 2003

Hi All, New to the board, but have been lurking for some time. I have a grapple on my B7200...best money I ever spent. I've been clearing about an acre of WAY overgrown, neglected, and abused pasture (prickers, rocks, garbage dump, stumps, etc.). It's excellent for grabbing a large pile of debris for relocation, but I also use it for "raking" when I'm clearing: I fully open the grapple and tilt the bucket forward so the tines of the grapple penetrate the ground, then reverse to pull everything along, then finesse the bucket and close the grapple to collect all the debris. I get the added benefit if tilling the ground as well with this method. My installed cost for the unit was about $900.00. I'll pull together some pics of the set up (valve & lines) over the weekend.

jrlichina · Sep 18, 2003

Junkman.

You would use a 1 spool 4 way valve powered via your rear hydraulics(your BH source). Extra weight can be avoided by making it yourself. I would guess you could build one that weighs around 60 lbs. including the hydraulic cylinder.

engineer · Sep 18, 2003

My father and I have had to opportunity to talk to the folks at ATI regarding the grapple hook installation on our BX2200. Unfortunately they do not recommend the grapple hook for use on the BX2200 because of interference of the center bucket hydraulic cylinder and the grapple hydraulic cylinder. When asked if they were going to develop a model for use on the BX2200, the response we got was "Well we haven't been asked for one yet, but we probably will have one eventually". We also asked if the bolt conections could be rotated towards the front of the bucket to minimize the interference. We were told "No" again. We would like to see ATI come up with a model for the BX2200 soon we are getting tried of hauling brush the old fashion way.

Just my thoughts,
engineer

Junkman · Sep 18, 2003

Next time you talk to them, tell them that you know of others that are interested. I for one would buy one and that makes two of us..... Possibly if enough people here see the benefit of it, they might do a small run for us?.....

jrlichina · Sep 18, 2003

You should be able to make one for around $200.00 including the valve and hydraulic cylinder. You can get a valve for $50 and a cylinder for $43 from Surplus Center, and the steel needed would only be around $50. The rest of the cost would be in the hoses needed to run from the valve to the bucket. But Surplus Center has good prices on pre-made lengths of hose. I can't see it taking much more than 8 hours to build and install.

Junkman · Sep 18, 2003

I would agree with you except for the fact that I don't have a welder and the eye sight isn't what it used to be. In old age, it is sometimes better to buy than to try to make. Not enough days, months, and years left in this old body to start new projects before the old ones are finished. At my age, you pick and choose your battles and projects carefully..... LOL...... the Junkman

jrlichina · Sep 18, 2003

Junkman, where do you live?

Junkman · Sep 18, 2003

Northeast corner of CT where it meets up with MA and RI. Woodstock to be specific....

jrlichina · Sep 18, 2003

Junkman, sent you a private message.

ronjhall · Sep 19, 2003

unkman
I built a small grapple for my B2910. It weighs about 140 lbs. that would cut almost ¼ of the capacity of the BX loader. But here is a link to the thread where there are some pictures of it.
Click Here
I built the grapple to hold branches and other items in the bucket when cleaning up the property. I have used it to pickup larger rocks and long logs.

jrlichina · Sep 19, 2003

Right, that is the biggest problem with the BXs. I would make it just as you did but use a slightly smaller tube and end plates that match the same gauge as the bucket to shave off a few pounds. Then move the hydraulic cylinder off to one side to clear the center bucket dump cylinder. Then learn to live with its limitations.

SethO · Sep 19, 2003

I think that with the overall limited capability of the BX, an off center cylinder will adequately lift the grapple and the weight of the contraption will provide most of the downforce needed. After all we are really talking about something to hold things inside the bucket.