What thickness and opening size expanded metal are you guys running? Our local metal yard has standard, flattened, 7,9,13 with 1/2 or 3/4 holes. I have a whimpy welder so I'm thinking 9 or 13. Not sure about the hole size.
Grill Guard - Simple & Cheap?
- Thread starter LarryBud
- Start date
I did not make a front guard, but did make a hood guard, and head guard, that you can see in my avatar to the left. (I guess avatar might be the correct word in this case, normally I would just say picture...LOL)
I used flattened expanded metal, I thought it was 10 gauge, but it might be 9. I would think for protection of the radiator, smaller holes would be better. I used probably the 1/2 inch size for the hood protection, and slightly larger for the overhead protection.
It does not take much to weld the expanded metal to an existing frame. So I think your question would apply more to whether your welder could weld heavier material you might use to make the frame you are going to weld the expanded metal to.
If you are going to use an existing guard, and just weld the expanded metal to it, even a wimpy welder should work I would think.
Edit: I guess the ability of the weldor might also might come into play...
Someone else here suggested expanded metal at Home depot that was between 25-30 dollars for a sheet big enough to do mine. I made a frame out of some bed frame angle and welded to the back of that. Then drilled some holes thru to bolt it to the oem guard. The object in the middle with the bolts is a backup camera that is set up for forward view I am experimenting with for seeing my forks when using them. I can move it around on the grill and found higher works better so far.
Bill
Bill
Everbilt 24 in. x 3/4 in. x 24 in. Plain Expanded Metal Sheet 801427 - The Home Depot
This expanded sheet metal can be altered in shape and cut with proper equipment. Commonly used for small metal repair, duct work, patching, and flashing. Expanded angle comes with several different size
www.homedepot.com
Last edited:
Quarry screen is 1/4” wires is extra tough. Scrapyard find. Good time to add some hooks.
stainless steel expanded metal was also a scrapyard find almost cut to size. <$5. 3x5” angle at bottom blocks stick from coming up.
Just some expanded metal attached using some Jbolts. Pic is of the dry fit before I painted it. Don't have a welder but still wanted some protection.
BigG
Well-known member
Equipment
l2501, FEL, BB, Rotary cutter, rake,spreader, roller, etc. New Holland TL80 A
Trapper Bob
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L4701, Wicked grapple, 6’ bush hog, pallet forks, 7’ box blade, 6’ Wicked bucket
I went a different way, used sheet steel. I wanted max protection on my L4701, for my grapple work. It is showing some wear (did it’s job). I chose to bolt it to the grill guard, so it is removable, if I so choose.
jyoutz
Well-known member
Equipment
MX6000 HST open station, FEL, 6’ cutter, forks, 8’ rear blade, 7’ cultivator
Why don't you put the expanded metal on the front of the existing guard? Same bolts and more distance to the hood if a small stick gets through!
I placed it on the front as well to see which way it fit better. When on the front it left a lot of the sharp edges exposed and didn't look like it fit as well as when it was on the back. I really like Trapper Bob's set up. I also like these fasteners. Does anyone know what type they are? I haven't been able to find them.
Attachments
Trapper Bob
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L4701, Wicked grapple, 6’ bush hog, pallet forks, 7’ box blade, 6’ Wicked bucket
i believe the bolts are called “J-bolts”. A good hardware store should have them.
I do not have a welder or the skill to use one I used a pc of 3/8" hardboard that my wood stove was packed in and wire ties I realize it will not stop a hard maple branch at bull dozer speed but a it will deflect a spruce branch or small branches from damaging the grill. and it took about 5 minutes to make. Hopefully anyway.
I used a "511 Design" guard on this little guy and love it. It fit perfectly and is well made.
Since headlights don’t shine just straight ahead, the large portions that are not perforated block a lot of light. I have the same grille and grapple as you.
I plan on adding LED light bars for front and rear on the ROPS when I get a chance. I doubt I'll ever use the lights but you never know.
I added lights to the ROPS and replaced the bulbs in the headlights with LEDs. If only the darn grapple was capable of being operated in an upright position, I would be happy.I plan on adding LED light bars for front and rear on the ROPS when I get a chance. I doubt I'll ever use the lights but you never know.
Glad I found this thread. Had been thinking about it after finding a branch that went through the grapple and passed just under anything vulnerable without me having any idea it was there until I got off the machine.
Priced the ready made ones - Ouch!
Ended up ordering 18G perforated carbon steel (24x36") = $75 with tax and shipping. Krylon New Kubota Orange (2) @ $12 on Amazon. 1 can spray primer ($7) and 10 heavy duty zip ties ($3). I don't know how to weld and don't have a welder but the zip ties look like they'll hold up OK - time will tell.
I was a little worried about being able to move the guard forward for opening the hood, but the sheet is flexible enough to bend without distorting.
My "paint booth" could have used some sides and a top!
Priced the ready made ones - Ouch!
Ended up ordering 18G perforated carbon steel (24x36") = $75 with tax and shipping. Krylon New Kubota Orange (2) @ $12 on Amazon. 1 can spray primer ($7) and 10 heavy duty zip ties ($3). I don't know how to weld and don't have a welder but the zip ties look like they'll hold up OK - time will tell.
I was a little worried about being able to move the guard forward for opening the hood, but the sheet is flexible enough to bend without distorting.
My "paint booth" could have used some sides and a top!
fried1765
Well-known member
Equipment
Kubota L48 TLB, Ford 1920 FEL, Ford 8N, SCAG Liberty Z, Gravely Pro.
There's a good deal of space between the guard and hood. I'll keep an eye on the temp and adjust as (and if) needed. It runs fairly cool at all times so far.