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Log Grapples Log Loader Rotators Adding Grapples to Backhoes and Excavators Home

 

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How to add grapples to backhoes, excavators, boom trucks and grapple trucks.

Example of grapple used on mini-excavator, and Gradall Loader

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How to put a grapple and a rotator on a backhoes and excavators.

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Valby Grapples and Rotators have been put on backhoes for the handling of logs, stones, beams and other materials.  A complete setup includes a hanger, a rotator, and a grapple.  The rotator is fastened to the hanger, and it is a continuous rotator, where the rotation is unlimited in either direction.   The grapple is fastened to the rotator.  The bypass grapples support the material to be handled from top and bottom, so they have a secure grip of the material.

Hook-up requirements:

The grapple and rotator combination requires two sets of oil circuits.  One opens and closes the grapple, and the other operates the rotator.  The oil flow that would normally operate the scoop can be used to open and close the grapple.  The operator must then add a second set of hoses to run the rotator.  The rotator requires very little oil flow, so 3/8" hoses can be used.  If the backhoe has extra hydraulic outlets, the hoses can run from there.

If your machine has an extend-a-hoe, you can put quick couplers on the lines, and use the circuit to control one function of the grapple. 

 

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The black hoses added to work the rotator can be seen in the middle of the boom.

 

The grapple and rotation operation requires two oil circuits.  The added rotator function can be operated by adding a control valve, which controls the rotation.  To split one oil circuit into two, a soloniod operated diverter valve can be installed.  This is operated with an electric selector, such as the one with the red knob shown in the picture to your right.   In most excavator applications a foot switch would be used which enables the excavator operator to operate the grapple and rotator function without removing their hands from the controls. wpe19.jpg (23200 bytes)

 

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If one is planning to switch back and forth between the grapple and a scoop, one can put in quick couplers in the oil hoses.   This makes the switching of the hydraulics easier.  In this case, 1/2" hoses were used, but the opening and the closing of the jaws will work with 3/8" hoses and rotation will work with 1/4" hoses. 

Hangers:

The hanger is essentially a block with holes in two directions.  The hangers enable the grapple to freely swing in 4 directions.   The hangers will have to be fabricated to accommodate the backhoes' hole size, and width. The hanger is fastened onto the backhoe's boom, and it enables the grapple to swing freely in four directions.  If you do not have a hanger that fits your boom, we offer a half hanger, which fits our rotators.  You will need to have a fabricator attach ears to accomodate the width of your boom if you choose to use a half hanger.  Click here for more information.

For long term service, the hanger material should be 11/16" or heavier.

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Click here to see examples of what a hanger looks like.

Northeast Implement, 460 Halsey Valley Road, Spencer, NY 14883.  Telephone: (607) 589-6160.