HOMEMADE BUCKET GRAPPLE

[BIG DOOLEY]

Started making my bucket grapple today.
Bought some steel and started the grapple.
I still am waiting for the dual scv controls to arrive plus buy all the hydraulic fittings.
I will post pics as I have time to work on this project over the winter.
Tom

 

[swick1]

Noice

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Thanks

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Nice.

Did you build the cutting edge extender too? Most that I see are tooth bars.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Thanks
Yes I made the bucket edge.
It is for snowplowing. 2 layers of 3/8" steel stich welded together.
I will remove the bottom one when it is heavily worn and add a new strip.
I will most likely make a tooth bar later but will try and find high carbon steel for that and the cutting teeth.

 

[Agent Blue]

Owners pay in excess of a thousand dollars for a grapple only to be disappointed in the material thickness, design, or other details in their purchase. Building your own is the only way possible to get the maximum value and design one prefers. This is the reason I do many of my own projects in the shop. Glad to see your progress. When my idea gets to motion it is usually too late for the step by step progress.

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

Thanks
Your so right about the intended used and the cost.
I only plan on moving brush while cutting my yearly supply of fire wood and it is not wise to spend $1000+ for just that purpose.
It is worth a lesser amount to save my/wifes back bending over all the time.
I have a hard time with the steo-by-step myself once an idea is in my mind.
3 kids, 4 dogs ,chores , work , home repairs.... has tought me it has to be step by step now.
15 years ago this would have been a 2-3 day project (pencil sketch to dry paint).
Now you work on it as time/$ permits.
I added a few more pics.
Tom

 

[ovrszd]

I'll do a horrible job of explaining this,,, but I'll try. In regards to building it strong enough. Your intended use of only moving light brush does not make the stress on the claws or arms any less. When you activate the hydraulics to close the claws on whatever you are carrying maximum hydraulic pressure is exerted. Not much way to avoid that. So the construction has to be able to withstand the maximum hydraulic crushing power of the claw. Your flatbar claws are going to require extensive lateral bracing to keep them from folding sideways.

Secondly, your straight claw design limits the amount of material that can be gripped. Brush is very bulky. You might benefit from a curved claw to gain more space between the center of the closed claw and the bucket. I'm in no way saying my design is better than yours, only including the photos to support my point.

Keep us posted on your progress!!!!

 

[BIG DOOLEY]

My grapple arms will be made in sections like the ones in your photo's.
I have 1-1/4" sched. 80 pipe for lateral bracing as well as flat sheet steel.
The flat stock grapple pics I posted are just the tips of the arms. I still have much more fabrication work to do.
I am trying to use up as many small pieces in the shop as i can.
Very nice looking grapple by the way!
Tom

 

[Dr Dave]

I like your design, and the way you cut your teeth, I am building a similar setup, and would like to be able to switch it from my bucket to a fork asy. I think your tube setup would work, but may need another support or two in the center to prevent bending the tube. Looks good so far.

Dave