Linear Actuator for ct120 grapple

[roadhunter]

Maybe an electric winch could be used to close the grapple and a couple of heavy springs could open it?

Very good idea.

 

[Joe Malovich]

small compressor with tank and pneumatic cylinders? a 1.75" bore cylinder at 100psi with 1:4 ratio will net you 200 lbs and tighten as the load shifts. much easier plumbing and the air might be useful elsewhere on the tractor.

 

[4570Man]

Maybe an electric winch could be used to close the grapple and a couple of heavy springs could open it?

I like this idea the best of anything yet. It might be easier to use the springs to close the grapple and the winch to open it.

 

[Dave M7040]

I like this idea the best of anything yet. It might be easier to use the springs to close the grapple and the winch to open it.

Sounds like you are going to build not a mouse trap but a person trap.

Having the energy of the springs holding the jaws open when someone might be near it is deadly.

I know you don`t intend to allow anyone near it when open but it will happen.

Dave M7040

 

[4570Man]

Sounds like you are going to build not a mouse trap but a person trap. Having the energy of the springs holding the jaws open when someone might be near it is deadly. I know you don`t intend to allow anyone near it when open but it will happen. Dave M7040

There is the possibility of danger there, but i would feel safe enough around it. There's still the possibility of danger using a spring to open it.

 

[roadhunter]

There may be advantages of spring open and winch close. Safer not having energy waiting to be released at any moment all the time versus just when clamping something.

Harbor Freight winches are cheap and some even have wireless controllers. Plus in a pinch you could unhook the winch from the thumb and use the winch for other stuff.

 

[roadhunter]

small compressor with tank and pneumatic cylinders? a 1.75" bore cylinder at 100psi with 1:4 ratio will net you 200 lbs and tighten as the load shifts. much easier plumbing and the air might be useful elsewhere on the tractor.

Might be able to get more power using a suspension type air bag to control the thumb. Would work great for holding pressure against something even if it shifted.

 

[4570Man]

There may be advantages of spring open and winch close. Safer not having energy waiting to be released at any moment all the time versus just when clamping something. Harbor Freight winches are cheap and some even have wireless controllers. Plus in a pinch you could unhook the winch from the thumb and use the winch for other stuff.

The possible problem that I was trying to avoid is the only way I can think of to close the grapple with a winch would be having a cumbersome lever extending out the back of the grapple or run the cable in front of the the thumb which would create problems.

 

[BelarusBulldog]

This is just one idea that you may find helpful. Removable tines could be added to bottom of bucket. :2cents:

 

[ticolawnllc]

This is just one idea that you may find helpful. Removable tines could be added to bottom of bucket. :2cents:

Good idea and thanks for the pic

 

[ticolawnllc]

I just don't know any one that does this kind of work in my area. I would happily put $1,200 buck into the tractor. But I if I do it my self I'm afraid of f-ing it up or taking a long time

 

[ticolawnllc]

I put a call into Bob Cat to see what they're going to charge me to put in some auxiliaries.

 

[BelarusBulldog]

I put a call into Bob Cat to see what they're going to charge me to put in some auxiliaries.

Check with Kioti also, may be cheaper and same kit should fit.

 

[BelarusBulldog]

Rear valve ports are the way to go. So much you can do from there.

 

[ticolawnllc]

Bob Cat quoted me 1500 to do the plumbing

 

[BelarusBulldog]

Bob Cat quoted me 1500 to do the plumbing

Have you checked with a Kioti dealer, should be the same kit?

 

[ticolawnllc]

Have you checked with a Kioti dealer, should be the same kit?

I looked online but my nearest guy is almost by Maryland. I'm over at the Jersey shore. If anyone knows of a dealer near here please let me know

 

[ticolawnllc]

Honestly I'm looking to get a mini ex. And the truth is with 1500 I could almost put that towards a grapple for the mini ex. I would still have to buy the grout for the tractor. If I'm going to have all the plumbing done might as will get it legitimate grapple. All said and done I could be looking at three grand that I would much rather invest in something else.

I don't know I'm gonna have to really think about this. But hooking that actuator up to that quick attach seems like the best idea I've heard from you guys

 

[aeblank]

It's a worthwhile investment in your equipment if you are doing this professionally. Either add a rear port and run a hose to the front or put a diverter valve on the curl function.

My diverter was $100 and another $200 in fittings and hoses. So, $300 all-in.

This grapple would be too big, but maybe a 48" Wicked...
Tomahawk Attachments :: Tomahawk 66" One-Cylinder Brush Grapple

Sub Compact BX Tractor Mini Wicked Root Grapple 33"

Seems like a lot of functionality for $1500-ish.

 

[ticolawnllc]

Hydraulic Multiplier, SCV Splitter / Diverter Manifold Valve with Couplers and Command Switch, Turn 1 Circuit into 2 Circuits! Amazon.com: Hydraulic Multiplier, SCV Splitter / Diverter Manifold Valve with Couplers and Command Switch, Turn 1 Circuit into 2 Circuits!: Home Improvement
I found this on Amazon. Looked easy enough to install. Are the specks right?