Skid loader Stump Bucket w/Grapple

[Palmetto]

I agree with Dale. Im pretty sure what I have sketched is what he is talking about as well.

As you have already seen, it doesent take much to bend that plate. Especially when the pivot point is so far away from the bucket. It needs plenty of strongbacks to stiffen it up.

Good job, and thanks for keeping us posted. The real test is going to be when you start digging.

[Saltgrass Mikerr]

Great bucket....you can't beat hydraulic power !!

[Dale Moser]

[ATTACH]512882[/ATTACH]

[Dale Moser]

Those 1/2" plates will have to twist in order to bend. A plate across the back should stop that. Then I'd spread the load from that hydro mount across the back of that plate with 2 of the really bad triangle gussets I drew in.

[HainesNYT]

Getting ready to beef up the grapple mount. 2x12x 1/4 square tubing. The large bottom plate is 3/8, and the verticals are 1/2 x 3x3.

[HainesNYT]

Dale & palmetto,
You guys are right...back end still needs more support. I have a few ideas, inline with how you guys are thinking.

Almost out of gas.!.. Be heading to town soon.

[HainesNYT]

Ok, the bucket side mount has been heavily reinforced. Some 2.5" and 2" square tubing, both 1/4" wall. Another piece of 1/2 plate as well (thanks Dale).

[HainesNYT]

Cycled the hydraulics, don't see any movement.

Hindsight 20/20, I would have built a frame out of square tubing then the plate on the back, and the bucket on the front. ...or just added the quick attach mounts to the square tubing.

[HainesNYT]

She got a coat of Ospho yesterday.
At the last minute I decided to add a piece of pipe for the hoses to runt through. Just sprayed her with heavily rusted metal primer. She's going to get a coat of Cat yellow next.

[HainesNYT]

In Caterpillar Yellow

[HainesNYT]

All hooked up with hydraulics.
After working it back and forth including the jaw/grapple, I realized my hose protecting pipe was not working the way I needed it to and had to do some surgery, a little at a time till the hoses moved safely back and forth.


Jaw fully open.

[HainesNYT]

This boulder has got to be close to 1000lbs.

[HainesNYT]

Pulled this dead cedar elm straight out of the ground.

[HainesNYT]

3 cedar elms

[HainesNYT]

Here she is buried in the ground. This was her real purpose...deliver lots of digging force in a smaller area. Jaw opens plenty wide to burry itself up to the mounting plate.

I inspected it and found no signs of bending or cracks in/around welds. Pretty happy right now.