Grapple heavier grapple or not

[IslandTractor]

sign me up for the $6000 'extend-a-grapple'.....at least i'd know i had the right grapple

It would certainly cost more than a LD48 Millonzi/Markham/Gator but realistically the core grapple could be fabricated for not much more and the add on wings are hardly a complex fabrication. The issue would be volume. They could certainly be sold for less than the Anbo if sold direct.

 

[ComeBye]

That said, I wanted to point out that weight centering with logs is not dependent on the grapple width at all. From the loaders perspective a perfectly balanced log on a one foot grapple would be the least likely to cause twisting. The wider the grapple the easier it is to lift an imbalanced load.

I think this is correct with respect to horizontal sheer forces, but probably does not consider rotational forces on an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the FEL. Such forces would be decreased by a wider grapple that stabilizes loads within the horizontal plane of the FEL.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think this is correct with respect to horizontal sheer forces, but probably does not consider rotational forces on an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the FEL. Such forces would be decreased by a wider grapple that stabilizes loads within the horizontal plane of the FEL.

You are probably right but I don't know whether those forces are as much of a practical issue as imbalanced loads when picking up logs with a grapple. If I understand your point the forces you are describing would be limited by the clenching force of the upper grapple. Of course we are actually talking about 48" vs larger grapples so the hypothetical very narrow grapple was just to demonstrate a point.

 

[G man466]

I would like to thank all u guys here at TBN for helping me decide on a grapple. I've ordered the LD 60" gator root rake...also wanted expanded metal for the front grill guard but couldn't bring myself to weld on a brand new tractor. So my solution was to build a light weight frame with the expanded metal welded to it...which fits over the original tractor guard and attach駸 with three bolts.

 

[IslandTractor]

Nice job.

 

[jcliburn]

G_man, is it much trouble reaching around your grill to pop the grill guard latch?

 

[G man466]

G_man, is it much trouble reaching around your grill to pop the grill guard latch


Hi jciburn, there is no trouble reaching the grill guard lacth....but I only had 1/8" clearance in order to open the hood.....too close for comfort. I'd shorten the bottom or lessen the curve at the bottom to allow for more clearance

 

[G man466]

Hey IslandTractor, your advice on grapples is truly amazing...thank you!

 

[jcliburn]

Hi jciburn, there is no trouble reaching the grill guard lacth....but I only had 1/8" clearance in order to open the hood.....too close for comfort. I'd shorten the bottom or lessen the curve at the bottom to allow for more clearance

Thanks.

Very nice work. Looks great. I punched a hole in my grill last year, so I'm seriously considering doing something like you did.

 

[G man466]

Thanks.

Very nice work. Looks great. I punched a hole in my grill last year, so I'm seriously considering doing something like you did.

$20 material and 1 1/2 hours labor may save ya a couple of dollars in the future...good luck!

 

[kattywumpus]

I would like to thank all u guys here at TBN for helping me decide on a grapple. I've ordered the LD 60" gator root rake...also wanted expanded metal for the front grill guard but couldn't bring myself to weld on a brand new tractor. So my solution was to build a light weight frame with the expanded metal welded to it...which fits over the original tractor guard and attach駸 with three bolts.

Very nice job! That's what I need to build.

 

[foggy1111]

If you operate in timber and brush....sooner or later you wont see a branch....and its gonna bite you. While I am not proud of this event.....it seems to instill a certain urgency in some folks (including myself) to build better brush guards.

After the incident in the first pic....I upgraded the guard on my old tractor. My new tractor (second pic) had a hole left unprotected by JD. A plate (in primer) solved that issue.

It's kinda a pay me now or pay me later deal IMO.

OH.....and protecting hydraulic lines can be worthwhile too.....don't ask me how I know.

 

[jake98]

If you operate in timber and brush....sooner or later you wont see a branch....and its gonna bite you. While I am not proud of this event.....it seems to instill a certain urgency in some folks (including myself) to build better brush guards.

After the incident in the first pic....I upgraded the guard on my old tractor. My new tractor (second pic) had a hole left unprotected by JD. A plate (in primer) solved that issue.

It's kinda a pay me now or pay me later deal IMO.

OH.....and protecting hydraulic lines can be worthwhile too.....don't ask me how I know.

You're right about that.. mine got a snout full of clay the other day when I was rolling a stump over, no damage but that was just luck. I may hook a piece of plywood up there untill I come up with a permanent guard cover. I think it ought to be solid, doubt if the ventilation is much of an issue, it's about six inches in front of the grill.

 

[Milton Burro]

I really like my WRLong.

 

[G man466]

I really like my WRLong.

nice pics Milton.......I'm jealous...mine won't be ready to go until next week.

 

[Milton Burro]

nice pics Milton.......I'm jealous...mine won't be ready to go until next week.

You're gonna get so much done, so fast, you'll run out of work and go see your buddies. I did, it earned me last years firewood and part of this years, having fun doing it.

 

[G man466]

hey felllas, would it be best for added protection to add more spacers on the back of the grapple or something like 1/8" plate? The 1/8" plate has a weight of about 5.5 to 6 pounds per sq. ft. I was thinking of running it for 48" across the center...just don't know if it's a wise move.

 

[Milton Burro]

What do you mean, "spacers"? Plates to close in the back of the fingers?

 

[G man466]

What do you mean, "spacers"? Plates to close in the back of the fingers?

The extra spacers to close in the rear of the grapple or steel plate to seal it off from wayward limbs.

 

[G man466]

The extra spacers to close in the rear of the grapple or steel plate to seal it off from wayward limbs.

sorry, not extra spacers...extra tines