Log Grapple Test!!!

[@FabbedFun]

I was logging with a guy years ago who had a John Deere 720 (narrow front end) and log tongs. He drove the tractor. I locked in the tongs. He backed up a little far on one and I hooked up the tongs without realizing the end of this log was under his drawbar. When he raised it up, the log caught and the front of the tractor went up. He shrugged and popped the clutch out anyway. He just used his steering brakes and took it all the way back to the processing area. He crossed creeks and went up and down banks I wouldn't have tried in my Massey. All with the tricycle front end off the ground and a 20'+ long hickory log slapping the ground like an angry teeter totter. Thanks for sparking that memory! Great job on the grapple and smooth work with the forks. Keep up the great content, Mitch!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks for the story Logan that sounds crazy if that happens to me now I know what to do😂Have a great weekend😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Boy, that would have been something to see Logan.

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

There was so much to take in on this video Mitch. It's snowing. It's sunny. There's bugs. You're on a boat. You're log rolling. You're golfing!. 🤣🤣🤣 Grapple looks like a great tool for log dragging. Take care.

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Brad 😂 I did not realize all that was going on. Thanks for pointing that out. Have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@bj.roberts6410]

Hey Mitch.... way to fork it up...😜...the log grapple did its job and more......👍... Good job man...I see your on the sunny side of the water ...great video...

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks 😁 just enjoying summer while it is still here😂 thanks for checking out the video. Have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@TonysCoolTools]

Hey that grapple is way cool. Nice job Mitch.

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Tony 😁 I am happy with the way it turned out. Thanks for checking out the video 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@PeeksPeakHobbyHomestead]

I’ve been waiting for this demonstration! I loved this build and I think there is a lot of potential there. I’d say with practice, it would be very useful without any improvements. If you can add a line lock / check valve to hold pressure on the grip, that will add a lot of functionality. Thanks for sharing!

[@MJADoingStuff]

I agree Lucas 😁 It is a lot stronger then I anticipated it definitely needs a double piloted check valve or(locking block) I also need to have the control buttons in the same location. Right now one is on the loader nob and the other on the fender. Thanks for checking out the video 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Wow Mitch, that’s fantastic! I love the “crunch” sound every time you closed it. I also loved the fork skills. Pretty fancy stuff there! 😄

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Ed 😁 I love the pallet forks. I need to tinker on the log grapple this coming winter. But I am happy with what it can do. I also need more practice using it. Thanks for checking out the video😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@InTheWoodyard]

That is so cool! Did Tony offer to buy it from you yet!!!????HA!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks 😁 I still got some tinkering to do but I am happy with it so far.😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@tcmits3699]

One of the finest if not the finest grapple I've seen. The way you placed one end of the log under drawbar or cross bar and lifting the the log for cutting was so simple. Great job, you should be proud! PS you must be really good at getting those stuffed animals on those boardwalk machines. Thanks again for sharing 😊

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks 😁I appreciate the kind words. Have a great day 🚜💨🍳

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

You have gotten really good with those pallet forks Mitch. Reigning World Champion.

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Gary I think the forks are my favorite you can do a lot with them. Have a great day 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@TKCL]

Add some teeth to very bottom of the square tubing so you don't have to worry about trees swinging side to side. I'm talking about where the butt end of the tree is at the 7 minute mark. I love that option for cutting logs off of the ground. Very nice, I hope this video blows up for you.

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks I hope so too but most of our videos take time to get views. I will be doing some modifications to this attachment this winter. I am in the busy season at work til November-December and We are still trying to get the pole barn done😁👍 you can check back this winter to see the upgraded version. Thanks again for watching. 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@russellg5849]

Fancy work with them forks and logs. That was cool 😎

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Russell 😁 I am glad you liked it. I was just playing around learned that in 1994 when I worked at a steel tubing warehouse. Thanks for checking out the video.😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@PetersonFarmsofNashvillePFON]

I like the Grapple and the Boat !

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Phil I was on the lake editing and needed a intro and outro so there it is Have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@marquette36]

Great Demo, That looks like such a handy tool for getting trees to the work area. My guess is with green wood you may need the end loader, loaded with dirt or something. Enjoy your weekend Mitch. John, I met you at the Frenzy

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks John 😁 I still got some minor upgrades to do but for the first try it did good 👍 yeah definitely need front ballast for the heavy stuff. You have a great weekend too.😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@chriselliott2364]

That's a cool implement you made good job!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks 😁 I got some improvements to do but I think it is a good start. Have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@sameaston1301]

Can't believe that lifted that long log like it did! That would be very convenient for bucking rounds. Very nice invention 👌

[@MJADoingStuff]

I am happy with what it can do. It was just pine but still was impressive. Thanks for checking out the video have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@rcguymike]

I saw Summit has check valves you can add onto their valve block now, that should be helpful! TTWT has a video on them with links. Nice work!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks for the info 😁but I went to Bailey hydraulics and got the parts for one rear remote last summer and I have not had a chance to make a video yet. Have a good weekend.😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@OrangeismyNewGreen]

I think the test was a success Mitch 👍🏻, and now for your next trick I want to see you juggle 3 logs 😉🤣🤣. Have a great weekend 🙋🏼‍♂️🙂👍🏻

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Luc😁 I thought someone would like to see the log roll trick😂 you have a great weekend too.😁👍🚜💨🍳🙋🏻‍♂️

[@joeromanak8797]

I took your advice and searched out the testing video. It seems to work amazingly well to me. One sort of manual fix to the hold it up problem might be as simple as adding a ball valve to the return line. When you under normal operation, you leave the valve open and do your lifting and pulling. When you want to park the tractor and do your chainsawing, lift it where you want it and the close the valve. Then you could shut off the tractor and no drift can occur if the return line is closed. You’ve probably already addressed it but that was my thought. I’m still mighty impressed with your machineology! 🥸👍✅

[@MJADoingStuff]

I agree about the ball valve idea it would work and be a affordable option. I do have parts that I ordered and are sitting on the shelf for a upcoming video. The fix will be good for two different functions that I want to do but using one rear remote. I am in the middle of doing a repair on our grocery getter so that video might be later this spring. Thanks for checking out the video😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@TKCL]

I'd definitely add a plate to protect the back of the tractor so the butt end of the logs don't come swinging in. I might be commenting early, but did you see any bending of the hooks? Looks like odd twisting force on them. A simple single hook either side like log tongs might be the ticket. Either way I love the build and ingenuity, great job. Now you have me thinking 🤔🤔

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Andrew 😁 I still got some tinkering to do😂 looks like you got some great ideas. I agree a plate would be a great addition. One of the hooks has a slight bend but not sure if it was there when I welded the reinforcement plate on the inside🤷🏻‍♂️ thanks for checking out the video😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@JustCaidsDayFarm]

Well that looked like a success to me! Looks like it works great for moving logs on narrow trails. I agree that the jaws loosening would bother me as well. Im really interested to see how you correct that if you do. As I was watching I thought that it would be cool if you could swing the grapple side to side like a backhoe. The B2601 is small and maneuverable enough that it portably isn't needed but it would be cool. I love the log roll with the forks! That is some smooth operating! Can't wait to see the next one!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks for checking out the video Justin😁I think it did what I originally wanted but now that I know it can left logs I want to make it safe so I can buck up logs too. All in all I am happy with it so far. A swing boom would be a good idea. Have a great weekend 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@JustCaidsDayFarm]

@@MJADoingStuff Just another idea but if you are planing to lift the logs, could you add an arm off the lower 3 point bar towards the grapple so you don't have to have the logs so far under the back of the tractor? Just a thought. You did a great job that build!

[@MJADoingStuff]

@@JustCaidsDayFarm yep I will be making some adjustments this winter and that will be on the list 🥶👍

[@GardenTractorBoy]

I thought the grapple worked really well. Finding a way to maintain the pressure would be a good improvement and I wondered if it would be helpful to have a plate to act as a graddle on the hitch so it did not go under the tractor but could still be lifted fully off the ground. I would say it is a success, great job building this

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Joseph😁 I got some plans for it this winter 🥶 and the cradle is on the list. And locking block is a must have. Thanks for checking out the video. 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@HuserHelpers]

I believe you are right Mitch. A load check valve would help reduce cylinder drift. You could potentially remote mount it if you have limited space. The downside to remote mounting is if your hydraulic hose between the valve and cylinder bursts, it won't offer any protection.

[@MJADoingStuff]

Very true I am thinking about just putting a check valve between the loader valve and summit manifold to see were the fluid is going😁👍

[@WhoDaBoss-dc4or]

You could do a lot of voice over about what you were testing, what you were thinking, your observations etc ... Your videos are great but I want more info ! 😀

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thank you for your comment and feedback😁👍 in person. I talk a lot, but on camera I try not to talk as much I will try to do better in the future. I do have a fix for the hydraulic pressure letting go in a future video. Thanks for checking it out.😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@peacefieldfarm_mn]

I love your log dragger! Nice job on the video. Looks like you are on the St. Croix? Cheers!

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Mike 😁The property is pretty close to the St. Croix. We pass it on the way. Thanks for checking out the video. Have a great weekend😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@RossOnTheLand]

Hello Mitch, love the grapple! Well done as usual. I guess a check valve on the clamping line would help it to hold when tractor is off. What about serrated edges on some of the grapple teeth?

[@MJADoingStuff]

Thanks Ross 😁Yep I am going to have some tinkering to do this winter😂 thanks for checking out the video 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@watershedoverlook]

Great stuff Mitch! That full lift feels like it could potentially be damaging to the rear end/3 point but I'm not sure how or why? Probably just me being a worrier! 😉👍😎 Look forward to what comes next!

[@MJADoingStuff]

I am glad you brought that up. I did not even think of that. I will have to look into it. If it makes you feel better it was a pine tree so not extremely heavy but it was sticking way out there😂 have a great weekend😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@watershedoverlook]

Either way it was pretty damn impressive! 💪👍😎

[@davidmartin7660]

Nice job Mitch. Would it be beneficial if the design allowed the boom to swing to the sides rather than swinging the tractor? It would self center when traveling. Just a thought. Love the attachment!

[@MJADoingStuff]

I think your on to something with the boom idea🤔 I can see it being very beneficial and I could control it with the top link pivot it back and forth. Thanks for your input 😁👍🚜💨🍳

[@TheTorkerman]

Ok, so is nobody gunnaask about the suit and face mask?

[@MJADoingStuff]

Ha!😂👍I don’t like bugs. I think 🤔 every bug in Wisconsin bites😂 thanks for checking out the video. 😁👍🚜💨🍳