Input on grapple mod

[skeets]

OK you guys know I have the LP grapple and I like it but as with anything there is always room for a mod.
So with that in mind, we know that gathering brush limbs ect. they sometimes push trough the openings in the grapple, getting very close to a very expencive radiator! So I was contemplating expanded metal maybe 1/2 inch opening, welded to the grapple closing these opening off on the top and bottom jaws and protecting the hoses and other things. I know I am not conveying my thought very clearly, but if you look at a grapple open and closed you will understand what I am thinking,,,, So input yea or nay and reasons.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

no need to weld, just use ty-raps

 

[The Evil Twin]

Why not just use plate steel? It's not like ot needs airflow.

 

[WFM]

Or radiator protection on the grill guard

 

[Daferris]

I don't see why it would not work... I would think that a series of tack welds would hold it fine.
Also it's unlikely anything thicker than 16 or 14 gauge steel would be needed. If it's like my EA grapple it's only about 8-9" between the tines.

 

[RCW]

Or radiator protection on the grill guard

I’m with WFM. He’s a great fabricator that deserves heed.

Expanded metal or anything else on the grapple could still pop out and hit the radiator.

Maybe make the grill guard bulletproof and be damned what pops out of the grapple?!?

 

[ken erickson]

I think it's a worthwhile mod for your grapple. I have a Landpride SGC0660, which I happened to have used today for 3 hours moving dead Scot pines. One of the things that a grill guard would not help with but this mod would, is when branches poke thru and try and unlatch the SSQA levers, it has happened to me twice now, and yes I know there are mods to prevent this from happening.

The other thing that happens quite often is branches will poke thru, then get hung up when opening the jaws to place on a brush pile preventing the tree from falling free. Both of these issues are not a huge deal but I see no reason not to add expanded metal and make the operating experience that much more pleasant.

 

[D2Cat]

Skeets, you could experiment by using some sheet metal (like discarded duct work) tied where you think it would do the most good. Then improve in that!

 

[GrizBota]

I suspect what you’re contemplating would help. But I don’t know if it’d keep all of it from poking through the upper/lower jaw “hinge points” (not really a hinge, since there just one on each end).

Since your stated primary concern is the radiator, I’d start with a grill guard, if you don’t already have one. There are many threads on OTT discussing home brew versions as well as commercial versions. Heck I’ve even showed mine off at me or two.

 

[Kennyd4110]

Why not just use plate steel? It's not like ot needs airflow.

But you need visibility right?

One issue with expand metal is that small branches my get stuck in it all the time, but otherwise its a fine idea.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

It sounds like it would work to me.

It's seems like it would be easy to fab up and your not out a lot of time or money if it doesn't.

I have had sticks trip my SSQA arms and man that's annoying.

 

[Yooper]

I like the idea. Keep the openings on the small side so things won’t get stuck in them. I would recommend using the flattened style expanded in 1/2 x 13 size.

 

[Trapper Bob]

I’d say go with a grill guard. Your radiator/front end would be protected no matter what attachment you have on your loader. That’s what I did.

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I’d say go with a grill guard. Your radiator/front end would be protected no matter what attachment you have on your loader. That’s what I did. View attachment 113326

I also like a grill guard for "general purpose" protection, but the whole "not unlocking my SSQA arms" thing is kinda nice.

 

[rc51stierhoff]

My two cents…something is better than nothing. Not much harm in trying the idea. To the OP…Which model is it this for? If thinking for BX…I don’t remember how the underside and front end on my BX was, but I’d check if also need think about a skid plate or chin guard. Depending on your uses may need a combination? I do know that I had a stick pop up through bottom of the chin on MX pushing battery into radiator…I was going in reverse…—it can happen in both directions….in my failure, a brush guard would not have helped…I need a chin guard and found out that KTAC is nice to have when oopsies happen.

 

[The Evil Twin]

But you need visibility right?

One issue with expand metal is that small branches my get stuck in it all the time, but otherwise its a fine idea.

That is an excellent point.

 

[WFM]

I saw this a few years ago at a local dealer...nothing I'd use more the once every ten yrs ...but I'd still like to own one !

 

[Trimley]

OK you guys know I have the LP grapple and I like it but as with anything there is always room for a mod.
So with that in mind, we know that gathering brush limbs ect. they sometimes push trough the openings in the grapple, getting very close to a very expencive radiator! So I was contemplating expanded metal maybe 1/2 inch opening, welded to the grapple closing these opening off on the top and bottom jaws and protecting the hoses and other things. I know I am not conveying my thought very clearly, but if you look at a grapple open and closed you will understand what I am thinking,,,, So input yea or nay and reasons.

You got my vote. Anything to alleviate a potential issue is worthy. I say do it.

 

[Trimley]

I also like a grill guard for "general purpose" protection, but the whole "not unlocking my SSQA arms" thing is kinda nice.

Ever hear of a safety cable and a snap clip? Integrate one (or a lynch pin) to each SSQA Lever. Or run a rod from lever-to-lever with lynch pins.

Me and my ideas. Now I'm going to do this!!

Solve = +1
Resolve = +1

 

[Nicfin36]

One of you fellows here gave me the idea of drilling a hole in each SSQA lever and using a bungee to hold the levers down. You can get it really tight with a bungee. Of course, a grill guard is a a good idea too, even without the grapple.