changing a pulp grapple to bypass

EricR · May 27, 2011, 06:34:35 PM

I know is is sort of an odd question but i have a small pulp grapple which is on what was determined to be a gafner loader, and want to turn it into a bypass. I dont have a picture of it. from what i see its a big process to change it and will require a lot of cutting and welding and some new pistons which almost seems not worth it, but was wondering if anyone on here has done it and may have a simpler approach to it then i am thinking.

Maine372 · May 27, 2011, 08:16:58 PM

if you arent worried about the capacity of the grapple some guys have welded a peice of steel on the inside of each half so the grapple will close tighter on smaller wood.

if theres a used equipment yard around they might have a bypass grapple that will go inplace of your pulp grapple, or the jaws might swap over. my dad had a prentice grapple with two sets of jaws, one butt type the other bypass.

Taylortractornut · May 27, 2011, 08:24:19 PM

I just cut out a set of jaws and a frame for a bypass type grapple. Im keeping the patterns for it so I can burn more. When its tested Ill post a few pics.

EricR · May 27, 2011, 10:19:31 PM

some pics would be great. I tried a few things with plating but i didnt cut the arch right and still wasnt working. so after i wasted some nice stock i figured i would see if i could see some pictures before i tried again. Something to insert that could be removed with some bolts would be great because i do move 4 footers for firewood from time to time.

bill m · May 28, 2011, 07:34:44 AM

Is this what you want to build?

EricR · May 28, 2011, 08:08:38 AM

bill m thats what i want. i know you have if for sale and i was really tempted to write you a message about it and come take a look, i just dont know if i can swing it right now. about how small will it close up to?

a old timberjack · May 28, 2011, 08:09:16 AM

Quote from: bill m on May 28, 2011, 07:34:44 AM
Is this what you want to build?

i just scraped one of them :D i see them around for 3 to 500 bucks complete.

Jeff · May 28, 2011, 10:46:48 AM

You couldn't get a worn out broken down grapple around here for 3 to 500. Maybe just the iron needing re-pinned and bushed you might.

treefarmer87 · May 28, 2011, 05:52:59 PM

there is a used one like that on a 110 that is at the junkyard around here for about $200. its not in as good of shape as bill m's though. all the hoses would have to be replaced. i should have got it but i already have one

bill m · May 28, 2011, 07:55:06 PM

I'm guessing it will close to about 4 inches maybe 5.

tapper2 · May 28, 2011, 08:46:14 PM

I have that exact grapple and it will close to around7"-8". Usually you can find a decent truck mounted grapple crane, grab the grapple off it and try to resell the crane. There are some around.... Just may have to work a bit. I picked up mine for a decent price, it was mounted on a c60 truck. Took it off and mounted the whole assembly on my trailer.
If you're a Craigslist fan, try using www.searchtempest.com You can search many areas at one time. That's how I found my skidder, truck, trailer....etc.

bill m · May 28, 2011, 09:10:34 PM

Tapper2, I don't think you have an exact duplicate because I have changed most of this grapple. The original tines on the near side were 1/2 inch plate and the new ones I made are 3/4. The round tube where the cylinder attaches is 4 inch o.d. and 1 inch i.d. It did have 8 inch channel iron that kept breaking. The cylinders were tie rod with 3.5 inch bore X 1.5 inch rods. I bent three of them before I got 4 inch bore with 2 inch rods.

tapper2 · May 29, 2011, 10:10:03 PM

....Looks the same, guess the devil's in the details. Looks good!! ;)

Regardless,........spend some time and "Google is your friend", you should be able to find a decent replacement.

a old timberjack · May 30, 2011, 08:25:28 AM

those old ones are around, keep looking, agian, they are not worth much. , no offence but they are way old school. good luck, they are around!

EricR · May 30, 2011, 09:42:51 PM

old timberjack. Im on the south coast of mass so im not too far from you. if you see any for sale, if you think if it let me know. Thanks, Eric

Taylortractornut · June 03, 2011, 08:02:57 PM

Making my arches for grapples I use scrap plywood an boards and dowels t o make mock ups so not to waste iron. I need to post a few pics in another post once i get some pics loaded. All the little grapples here are gone to scrap. Im working on a pattern now for a single cylinder grapple like Barbender has.

tapper2 · September 14, 2011, 07:50:26 PM

I know it's been a while on this topic but check this out.

Log Grapel - $800 (Pattersonville)

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Date: 2011-09-14, 9:24AM EDT
Reply to: see below [Errors when replying to ads?]
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I have a log grapel that woorks good. It opens upto 25+ inches. In fair shape for $800 If interested you can call (518) 878-5021 or (518) 337-6853

Location: Pattersonville
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

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