Here we go again.....Grapple

nasdaqsam · Aug 10, 2005

Hey folks,

Been busy so haven't posted to much.

Well, she is at the fabricators again. This time for a grapple. It should be done by the end of the week. And I just got my permit to work on the beach from the D.E.C. so good timing.

What I have had to purchase so far.

I went with the Elec/hydraulic kit that WRLong sells. It is a bit expensive but WOW what a slick operation this is. Easy (I mean real easy) installation. I had maybe an hour into it including the wiring. It comes with a mounting plate and all needed hoses, including the QD to cylinder ones needed to actually run the grapple. That was a surprise to see in the kit.

Piston. I went back to Surpluscenter for this. Great company. I am using a 1 1/2" X 6" throw cylinder.

Everything else is custom from the fabricator. I left this one up to him. I gave him picturs of every grapple I could find and said have a ball.

Should have pics by the end of the week. While it was there we did a little modifying on the thumb to correct some minor issues and the rest of the hydraulic pieces and hoses just came in so I can finish that also.

For those of you just tuning in. This is for a Kubota BX23.

VT_Kioti · Aug 10, 2005

Don't forget the pictures when you get it back. The WR Long setup is a great way to go. You get a very professional look when it is mounted.
You will find the grapple will open a whole new area of what can be done with the tractor. And the great thing is two hoses and three pins and it is off for dirt work. Pretty slick.
Looking forward to the picts.

Al

nasdaqsam · Aug 10, 2005

( Don't forget the pictures when you get it back. The WR Long setup is a great way to go. You get a very professional look when it is mounted.
You will find the grapple will open a whole new area of what can be done with the tractor. And the great thing is two hoses and three pins and it is off for dirt work. Pretty slick.
Looking forward to the picts.

Al

)Al,

We used just the hydraulics from WRLong and are building the actual grapple. It will be quick discoonect style though. I will be putting pics up as soon as I get it back

Take Care

PineRidge · Aug 10, 2005

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Did somebody say grapple? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OK you have my attention now. Take lots of pictures including those of the WR Long kit so that we can all get a better idea of your project as it progresses.

The grapple will open up a whole new set of things that you'll be able to do once it's in operation.

In my opinion the addition of a bucket grapple was the most valuable change that we made to our rig bar none, and I think you will feel the same once you have had a chance to use yours.

nasdaqsam · Aug 10, 2005

Mike,

Oh ya, the grapple is going to be sweet (assuming it works when we are done /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). It's funny, I am building it for a specific use but have since seen many areas it will come in handy.

PineRidge · Aug 10, 2005

Well if you do come up against a brick wall for some reason, and need some extra help just yell. There are more than a few TBN members that have 1st hand knowledge on this subject that will be more than willing to help you out.

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

A couple of preliminary pics. Building stage. Grapple closed.

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

Grapple Open

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

Electric / Hydraulic valve shot

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

Same valve different angle

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

This a shot of the joy stick mounted switch. I like it on top as that is the natural postion of my fingures when using the loader.

VT_Kioti · Aug 11, 2005

nasdaqsam, Looking very good. It appears from the pictures that the diverter valve is stays on the tractor when the loader comes off. That would require a third set of QD's. Is that correct? On the setup I recieved the valve is mounted on the loader arm and the wires are disconnected when removing the loader.

Al

nasdaqsam · Aug 11, 2005

( nasdaqsam, Looking very good. It appears from the pictures that the diverter valve is stays on the tractor when the loader comes off. That would require a third set of QD's. Is that correct? On the setup I recieved the valve is mounted on the loader arm and the wires are disconnected when removing the loader.)

Al,

Yes the valve stays on the tractor, no electrical to unhook.

There are only two sets of QD's. One that connects the grapple to the bucket for removing the grapple from the bucket and one that connects those to the valve.

So in essence, if I leave the grapple hooked to the bucket and just remove the FEL all together there is just one set of QD's to unhook.

PineRidge · Aug 11, 2005

Very nice looking grapple nasdaqsam. Might suggest using some gussets on the lower part of the 3 lift arms where they come to a point. Not absolutely necessary but we found out from practical experience that the lift arms are most prone to flex and bend in that particular area without them.

AntrimMan · Aug 12, 2005

Looking very nice indeed. You make it look so professional.
I want one too. I just need to win the plasma cutter contest I entered.
Thanks for the pics and the big ideas.
Martin

nasdaqsam · Aug 13, 2005

( Very nice looking grapple nasdaqsam. Might suggest using some gussets on the lower part of the 3 lift arms where they come to a point. Not absolutely necessary but we found out from practical experience that the lift arms are most prone to flex and bend in that particular area without them. )Thanks for the tip. I will have to keep an eye on them.