New Grapple on BX2350 (pics)

[SkunkWerX]

Finally finished the plumbing and electrical on the new grapple.
I used the 2x6 FieldMate cylinder from Surplus Center This One as well as the Solonoid Selector Valve This Valve.
Besides the actual grapple mechanism, the rest is plumbing and electrical.
The BX2350 is quite compact, so, dealing with tight spaces was part of the project.
Being a 48" bucket with approx. 750 lb. lifting max, I wasn't worried about building a monstrous unit, just something that would hold logs and brush, without overpowering the bucket and brackets.

It has survived it's first outing, and now needs some fine tuning, like hose routing, and change a couple of fittings for overall better fit & finish.

The Approach

The GRAB

The Hoist

For anyone who is thinking of adding a grapple, it's great.
This device is such a time saver!! If you have logs or brush to move, you will be amazed at the efficiency.

I carried 6 or 7 logs to my woodpile without ever stopping, stayed in the seat the entire time. Never leaving your seat is such a bonus!

 

[VABlue]

Nicely done! I'll be wanting a grapple if I ever get around to clearing out most of the woods on my property (which is why I bought the tractor). Since I have a JD 2305, something of the same size you built would be perfect. I never thought about adding one to a machine so small, so I'll keep this in mind...

 

[dtd24]

Nice, I see you pulled it all together quite well. How about a few pics on the placement of that valve. I think I have come up with the placement of mine, but I have a bit more room than you do it seems. Nice Job!!!!

 

[SkunkWerX]

Nice, I see you pulled it all together quite well. How about a few pics on the placement of that valve. I think I have come up with the placement of mine, but I have a bit more room than you do it seems. Nice Job!!!!

Will do, should have a few extra fittings today or tomorrow, to tidy things up a bit more.

Allow plenty of slack in the hydr. lines to the cylinder.
Measure with bucket fully raised, and fully dumped forward, that is the Max. measurement needed. The hoses need to be able to flex, which mine do, but I don't like the fact they are going very very slack when bucket is lowered into normal position. Right now using 2 bungee cords, but, looking for a more permanent solution. Maybe Duct Tape??

 

[Ductape]

I love the Ductape idea ( Hmmmmm.... i wonder how this guy got his nickname??!!)!!

But, hey..... you are going to put some scratches in the paint on your bucket if you want us to believe you actually use your tractor !!!

Nice job !

 

[SkunkWerX]

I love the Ductape idea ( Hmmmmm.... i wonder how this guy got his nickname??!!)!!

But, hey..... you are going to put some scratches in the paint on your bucket if you want us to believe you actually use your tractor !!!

Nice job !

It has approx. 40 hrs on the machine, 30 hrs. of it is mowing. Give me a few more hours for dents and scratches.

 

[kennyd]

Nice job SW

What part of MD are you from?

 

[joes_427_vette]

Is that grapple a manufactured piece ? Looks like a very usable option. I was thinking about combining a rock fork with a grapple. This would eliminate the bucket sides blocking part of the load capacity. Nice job. NOW get some scratches on the bucket !!! Your making the rest of us look bad.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Nice job SW
What part of MD are you from?

Thanks for the compliment Kenny!

Spencerville/Ashton , a few miles east of Olney.

 

[SkunkWerX]

Is that grapple a manufactured piece ? Looks like a very usable option. I was thinking about combining a rock fork with a grapple. This would eliminate the bucket sides blocking part of the load capacity. Nice job. NOW get some scratches on the bucket !!! Your making the rest of us look bad.

Joe, I built it from the ground up. There are grapples available for purchase out there in www-land, but, the grapple piece that bolts to the bucket is pretty easy, it's the valving and hydraulics that's the challenging part.