Grapple Mods

/ Grapple Mods #1  

dtd24

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2006
Messages
412
Location
Schenectady, NY
Tractor
98 JD 1070
I had to make a few changes to my grapple. I bent up the bucket pretty good. I took a 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 1/2" angle and welded it along the entire bottom side of the bucket. The arm connection at the bucket braket bent a bit as well. I tried ti get away with only (2) large bolts on the end. I have added (2) more 5/8" bolts on each side of the arm connection. I think that should solve the arm connection from bending. I will post some pics soon.
 
/ Grapple Mods
  • Thread Starter
#3  
I'll get some oics today, but yesterday I tested my new fix and bent her again. Design Flaw! I have an idea which I will share with the damage pics.
 
/ Grapple Mods #4  
Theres lots of members here including myself that have put together grapples. I'm sure that if you post a few pictures you'll get some recommendations.
 
/ Grapple Mods #5  
DTD,

Show some pics when you get a chance. On mine the base plate flexes a bit where the cylinder bracket connects, but so far, no permanent bending.

I was using the grapple yesterday to clear a dead tree that had fallen.
Cut it up in 5 foot lengths, and away it went to the woods. The grapple is work-saving beast, that is for sure. I thought back to the days of cutting into pieces, loading in the utility trailer, hauling, unloading by hand, etc, etc.

I am curious as to where your bend is occuring , and what forces are causing it. When I was designing mine, it appeared that varying the height of the cylinder brackets could make a marked difference in not only down force (squeezing ability) but also forces on the bucket brackets.

I wimped out, and made mine less severe in that department, given I'm using a small machine, and lightweight grapple, by most comparisons.

Let us know.

Good Luck with it!
 
/ Grapple Mods #6  
Your killin' us man!
We NEED pictures!
 
/ Grapple Mods #11  
I'VE GOT A FEVER! :eek:

and the only prescription.....is...

....pictures of bent steel. ;)


At this point I think dtd is toying with us. or perhaps ignoring us. :rolleyes:
 

Marketplace Items

2003 VOLVO VNL 6X4 T/A SLEEPER TRUCK TRACTOR (A59908)
2003 VOLVO VNL 6X4...
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Crew Cab Pickup Truck (A61568)
2012 Chevrolet...
2009 FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA (A60736)
2009 FREIGHTLINER...
2018 Toyota Tundra Pickup Truck, VIN # 5TFRM5F11JX133691 (A61165)
2018 Toyota Tundra...
2019 PJ TRAILER 32FT GOOSENECK (A58214)
2019 PJ TRAILER...
Hercules safe 53x 40 (A61569)
Hercules safe 53x...
 
Top