Added a couple teeth to my grapple

[Old Machinist]

I bought this Iron Craft economy grapple a couple of weeks back. I didn't have a current need but I had a pile of small limbs I cut off an azalea bush. I tried to pick the pile up with it and they kept falling out the front. I decided at minimum it needed two more teeth.

I made templates of the outer plates and gussets out of cardboard and transferred those to some fiber board to use as guides for my plasma cutter. I bought some 3/8" X 4" flat bar and cut the shapes out of that. I zip tied a couple boards to the front to act as a guide to position the pieces while I tacked them on. My welding isn't pretty but it is usually strong enough.

I might enclose it all with some expanded metal if I think I need to when I find a use for it. I didn't really need another grapple but my John Deere and grapple is on loan to my daughter and I might decide to downsize and make the Bota my only tractor.

 

[John T]

looks good.
plasma makes things so much easier.

not sure if Id use expanded metal.... seems like it would just be a place for sticks and crap to get stuck to.

I mostly use my grapple for moving logs.
It's actually only a grapple "thumb"
works good though.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Looks great man!

I love using/having a plasma cutter.

It has made my “projects” so much easier/better.

Mine is just an “El Cheapo” from the Big A, and if/when it craps out, I will spring for a “name brand” model.

 

[Old Machinist]

Yeah my plasma cutter is a $250 eBay special. I'm not very good with it but I have a nice DeWalt grinder.