Hay Grapple hooks

[Anonymous-0]

I've started to build our grapple, but can't find anyone around with one that I can copy the hooks from. I figure I'll cut them out of steel plate with a torch, but how heavy is the steel? 1/4"? 5/8"? Thicker?

I sure could use a good description of size, shape and material, and maybe a close-up picture. I was going to buy one as a pattern, but no one around here in MD sells 'em!
Thanks, sure would appreciate a hand.

 

[Larry NE IL]

The grapples on my Netherex are cast and fitted on a square bar.

 

[randallinMo]

What you're looking for is part #1D6483 for the Farm Hand model H118 bale grapple. S&H Farm Supply in Lockwood Mo. sells them. Their phone number is 417-232-4543. The hooks are $19.67 each.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Wow. At $20, that's $560 clams just for hooks.
Thanks for the tip, but there's gotta be a better way.

 

[justanothercase]

If someone has one maybe they could make a cardboard cut out of one and scan it and e-mail it to you as a template. just an idea hope it helps.

 

[randallinMo]

THe hooks on my grabber are 3/4 inch wide at the base. They taper down to a fine point. Unless you're REAL good with a torch??? Also remember that you'll need mounting brackets for each hook.
You might try Cook's tractor salvage in Clinton Mo. 660-885-2287

 

[Anonymous-0]

Came across another idea from a grapple manufactured in NZ. Looks like a curved length of 1/2" round stock, sharpened and welded to a piece of flat stock which is then either welded or bolted to a flange on the rotating bar on the grapple. Looks kind of like a pick with one end cut off at the handle.
I suppose I could heat the round stock up and quench it to harden it some. Have to heat it to put the curve in it anyway.

Looks simple, neat and above all cheap.

 

[Chris in SK]

What are you building? We ran a Farmhand flat 8 grab. I'm sure it only had 2 hooks per bale so 16 in total.
Chris

 

[Anonymous-0]

"Reverse-engineering" a Steffens 5510 ten bale model. 86"x86" frame, 4 bars with 7 hooks each. Does 10 bales flat or 12 on edge. I figure on using 3x3x3/8 for the frame, 1x1x1/8 for the hook bars.

 

[Cub n M in OR]

The ones I've seen are cast. That's what has me shied from making my own. I like the round bar idea. Just like oversized hay hooks. If you are much of a black smith, I'd think it best to forge the point on the end of the bar, and have some kind of a jig so you get the same curve on all the teeth. Maybe you could find some high strength bar stock to give you some help in the battle. I'll bet those things have some pretty good stress on them.
Keep us posted on your progress!

Ben

 

[Chris in SK]

Do you have a sledge / accumulator to drop the bales in flat 10"s? We found flat 8"s easier because the pack was square so you could stack the 8"s alternate ways so the stacks stayed together better.
Chris