Hi Guys - So I've touted the Ground Force ATV system on a couple of my threads. Its not a tractor or skidsteer, but you can get a lot of work done with it. The only thing missing (IMO) in their system is an actual grapple attachment. I said to myself, "self, you're a mechanical engineer, make one." So I did. As an FYI, I am not an employee of GF (nor am I getting compensated for this fiasco monstrosity). I just thought it'd be a fun project. Introducing, for your consideration, JPP Engineering Grapple 3000. (or maybe 3001, haven't decided yet) I still have some work to do on it, adding the 3rd function to cycle the jaw and some other small pieces. Then finish welding all the pieces together as they are all just tacked in. But, its coming along nicely. Hopefully will have it out in the wood for its maiden voyage in a couple of weeks. I'll be posting the build videos on my YT channel. I don't normally do content, so they are a little rough, but they'll get the idea across.
What did you use to cut all those plates, CNC plasma cutter or waterjet? Looks like you've got shoulder bolts on your pivot points? I'm digging it
Nice build...what's the weight on that? My only reservation would be the one that probably stops any OEM from making one...the quad is maxed out on weight with just the attachment on the front...or at most, with a very small log on it...
It weights about 100lbs. It was supposed to be made with 3/16 plate, which would put it at about 72 lbs, but the steel yard gave me the wrong stuff and I didn't notice it until I got it home and cut up. I used a CNC laser cutter that we have at work. Original plan was to just plasma cut them out using templates, but when we got that new toy at work I just had to play with it . I've lifted 450 lbs with the forks without issue (although a little more counterweight would have been good). I'm mostly planning on using it to move brush which isn't going to weigh much. We are clearing invasive species off our woodlot and are generating a ton of brush for the chipper.
I like the design, you should get a patent, if it’s a possibility. It reminds me of the Frostbite grapple. I have a fork grapple and a root grapple for my Kubota. The root grapple gets the most use, but I like the fork grapple for grabbing brush.
