Root Grapple Drawings?

[avc8130]

I have been searching and I see a lot of guys have designed and produced their own root grapples. Does anyone have CAD drawings they would be willing to share? Any tips/pointers as I approach the design/fabrication?

ac

 

[gwiley]

I ended up buying a great one from rootgrapple.com for my skid steer - pretty sure I couldn't put something together this nice for much less $$.

 

[avc8130]

I ended up buying a great one from rootgrapple.com for my skid steer - pretty sure I couldn't put something together this nice for much less $$.

I've done the shopping, I'd prefer to fab. I need a winter project anyways.

I'm not a huge fan of the offerings on that site. I want a grapple that has hydraulics along the back like a 4 in 1 bucket. I already have a grapple bucket where the tops touch only the tip of the bucket and I don't like it. I want something more like a clam shell so I can pick up and squeeze logs and brush.

ac

 

[woodstacker]

I built my own with the help of my two sons. One does computor drawings and the other has a weld shop.
The tractor is a Dk55 and i can load logs or pick up about anything.

 

[srs]

I have been searching and I see a lot of guys have designed and produced their own root grapples. Does anyone have CAD drawings they would be willing to share? Any tips/pointers as I approach the design/fabrication?

ac

ac, I don't have any plans but TBN member swick1 did an outstanding job making his own grapple. Hopefully here is the link to his build here on TBN. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/246742-grapple-hydraulic-setup-1026r.html

 

[woodstacker]

It takes a lot to put one together.
I used AR400 3/8 material then had the drawing and the plate sent out for lazer cutting. The plate was over $600. and the cutting was $175. We layed the drawing out so I could get everything out of a 4x9 ft sheet.
I bought two cylinders and other materials , Plate, tubing, welding supplys.
The easy part was welding it together.
The hyd. hoses are 3/8 from the valve in the rear of the tractor.
Hope this helps.