Grapple Grill modifications & new grapple

[oosik]

/Users/rolfstrickland/Desktop/IMG_0005 copy.JPG /Users/rolfstrickland/Desktop/IMG_0001 copy.JPG I had a professional welding shop do the grill mods. The tractor with grapple plumbed in was returned today.

Specs - 60" wide, weight - 820 lbs. Land Pride - GSC1560.

 

[murphy1244]

Where's the pic??

 

[oosik]

Well, as you can tell by post #1, my skills in attaching pics are really wanting. I'll keep trying.

 

[oosik]

SNOT - - this is not working at all. I'll take more pics and download them to the computer with different software.

 

[oosik]

This had better do it. Finally, there be pics.

View attachment 373455View attachment 373456

 

[k0ua]

Wow, that is a big tough looking grapple. Nice grill protector too!:thumbsup:

 

[oosik]

Yea, James. I've seen just enough posts to know that an "OOPS" without adequate radiator protection is costly. When I figured it all out - subtracting the grapple weight from max lift capacity about 18" forward of the fulcrum pin and around 24" off the ground it said I would have around 3380 pounds lift capacity.
Its an expensive attachment but will allow me to start & complete many projects. I tried a couple projects(building a dry stone rock wall) with just the bucket on the FEL and soon realized I would surely smash a hand or fingers going at it that way.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

I want that grill protector. Will the guy build and ship?

 

[oosik]

KiotiKowboy - The frame was purchased from Kubota. The welding shop added the expanded metal and the "tongue". A suggestion - if you want something like the pics in post #5. Print a picture of the grill guard. And find a welding shop in your area that can do the job. When completed the grill guard weighed 62 pounds. The logistics of having something welded up here will make this item cost prohibitive. The Kubota frame is $196.00 and the welding job was another $250.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Thanks. It doesn't take much grapple work to realize the Kioti factory grill bars are not gonna get it done!

 

[oosik]

Same with the Kubota grill guard frame. It might stop or deflect a really mad charging bear but we don't have too many of those around here. I'm thinking with the expanded metal added, the grill guard now at least stands a chance of deflecting a limb, branch etc.

 

[ebbkubota]

Do you think the expanded metal could be added to the backside of the grapple directly? This what I'm thinking of doing to try and keep errant sticks from holing my radiator.

 

[UTCenturion]

That grill guard would have saved be from getting a hole in my mesh. It buffed out ok with some pliers and hammering but that is a definite need for grapple work with trees. that have limbs more than about 1/2 inch.

 

[TripleR]

Very nice grapple and grill guard, I had my brother build a bolt on one for my L5740 and probably will do the same with our M8540. Have you seen the one ovrszd made for his?

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ng/266010-m9540-belly-skid-plate-brush-2.html