Grapple

[Big Dog]

Ok guys, I want everything you know about grapples. Primary use will be brush and trees. Bucket or root? Brand sugesstions and experience? Got pictures of yours? What size (60"-72") for my heavy Kioti DK45s? Tires are loaded (880#) and I'll use a HD BB for counter weight (700#). I'm done pi$$ing around with all this chit I got round here from the timbering and the well............ . This is what I've looked at............WR Long, AnBo, Borgford, QA, Addington, Piranha, Luden, Workforce

SpecificationEngineEngine Model4A220LXBEngine Gross Power45 hp(33.6kw) Rated Speed2600 rpm No. of Cylinder4 Fuel TypeDiesel AspirationNatural Displacement134.1cu.in.(2197cc) Fuel Tank Capacity15.3 gal(58 L) Pre-heating SystemGlow plugs TransmissionTransmission TypeManual ShuttleSynchronized Main GearSynchronized No. of Travel Speed Forward/Reverse12F/12R Min. Travel Speed of Forward w/ Ag1 @ Engine rated speed0.24 mph Max. Travel Speed of Forward w/ Ag1 @ Engine rated speed17.32 mph Power Take-OffPTO TypeHyd. Independent PTO Power34 hp(25kw) Rear PTO Speeds(1st)540 rpm @ 2507 Engine rpm Rear PTO Speeds(2nd)N/A Mid PTO SpeedsN/A Front PTO SpeedsSame as Engine Speed Brakes and ClutchBrakesWet Disc ClutchDry Single Plate Dimensions w/ AG TireLength w/ 3-point hitch127.7" (3242mm) Width61.5" (1564mm) Height from Top of ROPS101.9" Height from Top of ROPS Cab91.9" Height from Top of ROPS FoldedFrom Top of the Highest PointWheelbase74" (1880mm) Ground Clearance14.6" (370mm) Front Tread Ag Tires - Min47.5" (1208mm) Front Tread Ag Tires - MaxRear Tread Ag Tires - Min39.9" (1014mm) Rear Tread Ag Tires - MaxTurning Radius w/ Brake88" (2680mm) Turning Radius w/o BrakeHydraulicsTotal Pump Flow14.2 gpm Main Pump Capacity9.9gpm(14.4cc/rev) Power Steering Pump Capacity4.3gpm(6.3cc/rev)

3-Point HitchStandard Category (Optional Category)1(2) Lift Capacity, 24" aft of hitch, lb(kg)2654lbs.(1204kg) Control TypePosition,Draft and Mixed

WeightWeight w/ Ag Tires w/ ROPS4299lb (1950kg) Weight w/ Ag Tires w/ Cab4585lb (2080kg)

 

[BigAl]

Big Dog ,

I built a grapple for my Kioti DK45 . That is the "best" tractor in the world. No matter what anyone else with a lesser tractor brand says.

Ok, Now that I have insulted all the other tractor owners , I feel better .

My grapple is for "very extreme duty" and there is nothing on the market that can touch it . It attaches to my standard Kioti bucket with 6 -1/2" bolts and has a built in tooth bar .

I have about $1200-1400 in steel and hydraulics in it . It is made from 3/4" T-1 steel and you can't hurt it . I will try and snap some pictures later today . I also have my plans and the computer cut drawings that were used at the metal fabicator when he cut out my arms .

 

[Big Dog]

Big Dog ,

I built a grapple for my Kioti DK45 . That is the "best" tractor in the world. No matter what anyone else with a lesser tractor brand says.

Ok, Now that I have insulted all the other tractor owners , I feel better .

My grapple is for "very extreme duty" and there is nothing on the market that can touch it . It attaches to my standard Kioti bucket with 6 -1/2" bolts and has a built in tooth bar .

I have about $1200-1400 in steel and hydraulics in it . It is made from 3/4" T-1 steel and you can't hurt it . I will try and snap some pictures later today . I also have my plans and the computer cut drawings that were used at the metal fabicator when he cut out my arms .

Great..thanks! Look forward to seeing it............

 

[XeVfTEUtaAqJHTqq]

What is it with you "Big" guys and your Kioti's? Must be a mental thing. Is "Bigger" always better?

Looking forward to your pictures BigAl. Sounds like a nice project.

 

[Dargo]

What is it with you "Big" guys and your Kioti's? Must be a mental thing. Is "Bigger" always better?

Looking forward to your pictures BigAl. Sounds like a nice project.

Yeah. Mine weighs over 400 pounds less, has more engine power, more hydro pump power, more FEL lift capacity, more 3 pt. hitch lift capacity, hydro transmission and is faster on top end!

 

[Big Dog]

Is "Bigger" always better?

My wife always implies so...........

 

[Big Dog]

Yeah. Mine weighs over 400 pounds less, has more engine power, more hydro pump power, more FEL lift capacity, more 3 pt. hitch lift capacity, hydro transmission and is faster on top end!

Ah.........Don't you have a L5030, so much for apples to bananas!

 

[BigAl]

Big Dog ,
I did not get out and get the pictures of the grapple taken . I promise to try tomorrow . Here are the computer cut outs drawings that were used at the local metal fabicator . T-1 3/4 " steel was used . The two long ones form the ends and the shorter ones are spaced thur the middle . In the closed position the grapple rest against the bucket cutting edge and I can then use the tooth bar setup to rip with .Replacable teeth can be inserted on the ends of the rippers. The holes in the grapple pieces is where I have installed and welded a solid steel tube to keep the rippers evenly spaced . It has one center ram for opening and closing . I will get pictures of the completed set up tomorrow .

 

[Big Dog]

Big Dog ,
I did not get out and get the pictures of the grapple taken . I promise to try tomorrow . Here are the computer cut outs drawings that were used at the local metal fabicator . T-1 3/4 " steel was used . The two long ones form the ends and the shorter ones are spaced thur the middle . In the closed position the grapple rest against the bucket cutting edge and I can then use the tooth bar setup to rip with .Replacable teeth can be inserted on the ends of the rippers. The holes in the grapple pieces is where I have installed and welded a solid steel tube to keep the rippers evenly spaced . It has one center ram for opening and closing . I will get pictures of the completed set up tomorrow .

Man I can't wait to see this........Have any idea what it weights? Is it on a QA?

 

[BigAl]

Man I can't wait to see this........Have any idea what it weights? Is it on a QA?

My guess is it weighs in at about 150- 200 pounds max . I have it off the tractor right now, but my nieghbor also has a DK45 and I'll see if I can borrow it to give you a better picture as my tractor is in Idaho right now .He has offered to pay me $2000 for mine ,if I would sell it to him . He has seen what it can do . I used it to take out 6 " oak trees on his place ,with no problem . No, it is not on a quick connect , but I don't see any reason why it could not be . It only takes about 5 minutes to install it anyway .Just 6-1/2" bolts and one pin for the ram .
I had intended to originally market these ,but I have to many other projects going on . I need to redesign the Hydraulic Ram position or put on a "adjustable relief valve " as it has too much closing strength .

The nice thing about the tooth bar design is you have it when you need it or you can flip open the grapple and have a straight cutting edge to back drag without leaving teeth marks .

 

[XeVfTEUtaAqJHTqq]

Big Al - get those pictures! Stop teasing us!

 

[BigAl]

OK,
Here are a couple pictures I just took of the grapple unattached to the tractor .The neighbor is not home , The center ram goes behind my bucket and pins in . The hoses are quick connected to the remotes ,I have set up on the loader frame of my DK45.

The big round bar on top is solid 2” and the two lower ones on 1 ½” round bar .It is 72” wide ,but can be made you fit any width bucket .

The serrated inside edge of the jaw helps to grip without needing a ton of hydraulic pressure . The serrated edge design is intended to grip easily and it does . With the grapple closed and the bucket tilted over it makes a great root rake or small brush rake . It could also be used the rake small boulders out of a pasture .If I want to pick up fill dirt that has a lot of big rock and I don't want the big rock ,I keep the jaws closed and let the dirt and small rock pass through the spacing in the jaws .This works best on loose fill .

It mounts to my Kioti 72” bucket by the side plates with 3 -½” bolts .
The bottom of the jaw rest in the cutting edge notch so there is NO pressure on the grapple when you use it in a forward ripping mode . The grapple can not move sideways in the “closed position” because the two end jaws rest outside the bucket , locking everything in place .Replaceable ripper teeth (not added yet) will fit on the ends of the computer cut grapple jaws . I have them but have not put them on yet . As it sits ,it will open to about 27” on the jaws. This can easily be increased and made larger by changing the ram set up , which is my intentions .

That is why it is not painted yet . I was still experimenting with it .

Hope this helps . I can send a detailed plan if you need one after I work out the last few bugs .
Allen