Grapple

[metalbender]

Got a new project on the go. Building a small grapple using material salvaged from a couple of old rod weeders left on the property. Taking them apart is a major pia. Surprising how easy the old square nuts and bolts are to undo. The one has been in the bush more than forty years, steel wheels and all. Lots of good stuff to repurpose. Progress so far, time for some seat of the pants engineering. Made it forty-five inches wide to keep digging forces in line with the loader arms.

 

[Xfaxman]

Watching with interest :thumbsup:.

 

[fried1765]

Watching with interest :thumbsup:.

^^^^^ me too!!

 

[Hiptfarms]

Count me in!

 

[Stomper]

Looks like a great start and a very interesting build. I like it.

 

[metalbender]

Some progress, need to mock up a cylinder and mounts for the claw.

 

[texasranger556]

It looks to me like your upper jaws curve in too much toward the bottom. I know you're using scrap that is driving the design but I'd still cut and weld them straighter so that biting down packs stuff in rather than push it away.

Otherwise looks pretty good.

 

[metalbender]

The pleasure of working with scrap. The cut and weld to change the angle idea has been part of the design from the start. Once it's in the testing stage, changes may be required. Some dental work on the underbite, easy to do. Possibly adding the cut offs to extend the uppers.

 

[metalbender]

All done except the paint. Not perfect but does the job. Lighter than I thought. Only cost is paint, cylinder and hoses. Roughly $175.

 

[Hiptfarms]

Nice job. I've been planning on ordering a grapple from MTL but your build has inspired me to pull out my Miller welder and give it a go.

 

[metalbender]

Working with heavy old iron, no place for the average mig. This project was done utilizing the stick function of my Linc 210 mp. Did use a good quantity of 6014 and some 6011. There were a couple of hard spots in the curved bars, ate two porta band blades. Watched plenty of tube videos. Ted's my you tube grapple hero. Buying one wasn't really an option, as having a decent inventory of tools required makes a diy project like this viable. Also the cost of new steel now is insane. Lots of meat in those old implements.Good luck on your version. Pics are required.

 

[metalbender]

No paint yet but earning it痴 keep.

 

[Xfaxman]

For better pictures, hold your phone sideways when taking this kind of picture.

That is the Landscape Mode.

 

[Gofast]

I love to seeing a DIY tool being put to work.

 

[Stomper]

Looks like it's working great. Nice work

 

[metalbender]

Part of the reason I made it only 48”. Keep the digging forces in line with the loader arms. The 3/4” bottom tines are plenty stout for the job.