Homebrew Grill Guard

valleydweller1 · Mar 2, 2006

Hi all,

I recently broke out the grill on my BX2230 with a log that fell from the FEL. I have ordered the replacement parts for the grill, and have decided that a grill guard is in order. I would buy one, but they're expensive and I'd rather weld up my own.

Does anyone have any thoughts/experiences/pictures of what they've done or seen done with grill guards?

LBrown59 · Mar 2, 2006

Do a search on grill guard.
There was a guy on here making and selling them.

RonR · Mar 2, 2006

Here's one I made from what I had on hand.

RonR · Mar 2, 2006

Second pic of lower part.

Don't pay no attention to the impromptu spacer. I'll correct the close tolerances later.

ron

valleydweller1 · Mar 2, 2006

Ron,

Thanks for the pics. I had planned on using flat plate for the bottom, but I like your use of the angle with the shackle. What are the dimensions of your parts? I have some 1/4"x2 1/2" bar for the uprights and some 1/4" wall 1 1/2" diameter tubing for the crossbars.

RonR · Mar 2, 2006

I think the bar is 1/2 x 2 and the angle at the bottom is 3x3x3/8"

It's what I had on hand. I haven't tested it yet, but hope it is strong enough to protect the grill.

Ron

LBrown59 · Mar 2, 2006

web page BX Grill Guard

valleydweller1 · Mar 2, 2006

Brown,

That looks like a good unit. In truth I just want to get some more time on my welder. It's new, you see...

3RRL · Mar 2, 2006

Ron,
How did you manage to get those nice bends on that ½" steel? Did you have to heat it? Use a press or a brake?

RonR · Mar 2, 2006

Ok I wish I had a press brake. I drool over those, but at $5K for a cheapy one, I use the old stand by oxy acetelene rosebud with the iron in a vise.

I've done enough iron stuff to try to learn to control the runout. I made the bends, checking with a square to get them close, and let the runout show up on the legs.

Then I cut the legs to length so it would look nice and square.

Still pondering whether to fab a big "R" to put on the cross piece to personalize my tractor......................

HAve fun,
ron

Soundguy · Mar 2, 2006

I used angle iron and perferated metal ( not expanded.. perf metal is about 1/16 thick and has holes in it.. kinda like strainer material ).. for a NH 1920.. worked nice..

Soundguy

3RRL · Mar 3, 2006

Ron,
Ah, the run-out...good tip 'cause I ALWAYS screw up there! In my case I'd have to make the tractor shorter...Ha! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

In your case, definitely go with the big "R"!

brewdog · Mar 4, 2006

I made this one from 1" square tubing and angle iron. It does keep the brush away from the grill screen.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/data/532/24751000_0585-med.jpg

Syncro · Mar 5, 2006

This is the one I made for my MF 1240 just before painting. I used 1/4 x 2" and drew up the dimensioned layout on my computer, thats the sheet next to the new grill.

RobJ · Mar 5, 2006

I just made one from 3" channel. The heavy stuff, 6# if I recall. It goes above the headlights (and above the hood), then has an opening for the lights. The bumper is also 3" channel. I don't have a FEL so the bumper keeps the junk off the axle a bit. While at the scrap yard they had a 4' piece of 4" channel. For added weight I welded the 4" over the 3". You can only tell there are 2 from the sides or back. Not as pretty as a curved piece if flat metal and pipe but it'll work ok I hope. I'll post a pic tomorrow, all my pics are at eh office.
Rob