Repairing a Brush Grapple

repairing and modifying Dirt Perfects brush grapple to avoid future hydraulic fails. hope you enjoy!
Be sure to follow our other social media to see more progress photos of our projects.
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DISCLAIMER'. this is not a how to video and I am not responsible for any actions you take on your equipment.
#captainkleeman
#dirtperfect
#welding

[@michaelmullins1290]

You get me every time. When you backhand a hot piece of metal, be sure to say hi-yah! Like everyone else!

[@richmill6043]

You not worried about your wheel cylinders leaking with that big grapple on you tractor! 😁😁👌👌your welding is spot on! 👍

[@pinwizz69]

Pretty darn ingenious of you there Captain. See problem before catastrophe happens and brainstorm up a solution. Then a little bit cutting, welding, more cutting and welding then one more or so round and you got those hoses nicely mounted and safe from future damage. Now why couldn't the manufacturer have thought of your design. After all they got all those big dollar engineers who's job it I'd to do it to begin with. But then you'd miss all the fun times doing what you did to save the day. And feed us some entertainment watching you handle the struggle bus 🚌 operators face almost daily with their equipment.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey thanks Ronnie, had a good time working on it

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great job welding Mike

[@franz357]

Hey Lt Cpt Mike ! Your French sub, here. Haven't been commenting much lately but you just drove me nuts there: when you were done with this great box and hit on it with your fist, you totally jinxed it by not saying the magical mandatory words: "that ain't going nowhere" ! 🤣 Love your content, Mike. Thanks for it all !!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey glad to see ya back in the comments

[@Camping814]

I tell you what, I saved SO much time with the shorter outro. Thank you for giving me my life back.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey anything I can do to help

[@oddtechman]

Nice workshop project there Mike. Good fix and turned out nice! That 70 looked a bit light on it's feet with that grapple attached lol. Thanks for sharing... as as for that outro.. omg too funny

[@smacfe]

I went through so many hoses on my grapple until I finally took fixing it seriously like you did here. Good job!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Looks great Mike

[@williammills5111]

Good thinking and follow-through on this one. Welds are looking good too, bud. And the outro….. :-)

[@VorlonFrog]

Great video Cap'n. Brief, clear, concise, and humorous at the end. Great start to a great day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you!

[@OgleBilly]

C Kleeman 1st place MVP ( most valuable piddler) ! Your really a pretty good fabricator buddy!

[@genesispuredeaf2390]

There is so much that I like about your channel. I freaking love your sense of humor and self talk …just the right amount of goofiness and clever. You totally got me on the outro …Boom Baby

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol thanks!

[@kopenhagenkid]

Great video Mike

[@danielpullum1907]

Excellent weld screen, really good to see the rod and weld pool. I'd call your leaking steering spindle the result of 1000+ hrs of loving use!!!! The spindles on both of my Kubota's began to leak at about a 1000 hrs. of use. Did I lift some heavy loads, yes. John Deere and Kubota expected them to fail from general wear, so they made them replaceable. You Go Dude!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Exactly!

[@maxobara1496]

Nice job Captain, welding is coming along nicely too!! Good thing you’re in the fire service, that old fire hose is becoming standard parts on equipment💪 On to the next project, can’t wait to see how your saving DP next😂👍🇺🇸

[@bobbydawson7706]

Good morning Sir . ( BUD ) I think you missed your calling! I think you should be an engineer for kobata. Dirt Perfect would appreciate this! I'm am truly impressed with how your mind works! And I am talking about the many things you have done! You have so much knowledge in your brain that I believe you will Excel in whatever you want to do! Keep the videos coming!❤️❤️

[@claytonl.covell2634]

Awesome idea Captain. The welding skills are looking good. 👍😎

[@Losttoanyreason]

I wondered if you were going to use some firehose in the pipe to protect the hydraulic hoses, and yes you did. 😉. Fun build Mike. Your welds are getting better and better. You almost had a perfect row of nickels. Aaron be proud of you. 👍

[@MikeTorrini]

Good job Captain ! Your good at that fabrication thing I'm building something myself. I'd say your better at it than me.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Cap’n… it is true… one can blow the seals out of the front with too much weight. But, I’ve been keeping an eye on you for years. You’ve approached the limit a few times but, never gone overboard. I mean a quick attach grants super powers to the front end of any tractor. Once Neil grafted that one on… the 755 became darn near invincible! As a famous Derby KZbinr always says… “It’ll be fine. It’ll be just fine!” You asked about drilling and tapping instead of welding the nut in… another option is to drill the flange, insert the bolt, weld it solid and use it as a stud instead. It’s a lot less complicated. But… then again, when has it ever been about simplicity? And… once again a chunk of fire hose saves the day! I’m gonna have to put it right up there with baling wire, WD-40, duct tape and zip ties!!!! Thumbs up bud!

[@ronalddavis439]

You are becoming a good fabricator. Welds getting good also.

[@Fatamus]

You have come lightyears with your welding and cutting skills.👍 That lil grapple project turned out OK. Seemed like you worked it out . The water hose might could have been a lil longer and a 1/4"x20 nut welded to the backing plate and a T bracket bolted to hold the hoses tight agents the backing plate to keep the hoses from vibrating.

[@lorenmeeker111]

From experience check the hose length when in full dump to skid steer connection. Further from pivot point longer hoses need to be. But the are fun when they pop😝

[@tomnugent845]

Captain, I like your shop, the roof leaks a little, but at least you have plenty of room! I think the old fire hose a great for abrasion resistance. Keep up the good work.

[@scottnelson2667]

Good Job! Just food for thought on this: I'd put a hunk of fire hose through that whole pipe that you put on so the hoses don't ware through on the top part as well! Love the work!!

[@MatthewJRedmond]

Very nicely done Capt. Simple but effective. A tapped plate would be nice but if you don't have therans for that the next best if not just as good thing is to drill an oversized hole in a plate and weld a nut to the backside. Not only does it look good but it's nice and strong as you get Weld all the way around the nut. Speaking of welds yours are looking great. Definitely come a long wY in a short time. Same as your Torch skills. Can't wait for the next one. Keep up the great work my man 😁 👍 P.S. loved the OEM scraper, a little more pricey but worth it in the end for performance 🤣

[@martinedelius]

Mike, you did a bang-up job with the fabrication - looks great. I also want to thank you for spending time on shooting and edit the videos, personally I greatly prefer this style to the channels that post videos with a ton of filler content and a hand-held camera going all over the place. :)

[@jester-gq9jq]

A little tip when welding a nut to something try to put a bolt in it before you weld it. Having the bolt in there will help the heat from warping the nut. Great job great fixes.

[@daviddelaney5180]

MBTS look out! Captain Kleeman is knocking these repairs out of the park! Keep up the adventures! Thanks for sharing!

[@garrysgarage1958]

Good job on the grapple … going to need to use your attachments now that the tractor is back in service and catch up on the shop yard there !

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup

[@martingillard6572]

Great outro... more professional every time! Great work Capt!

[@russellp4160]

Good morning Mike. Got my coffee, ready for today's video.

[@dougcausey7266]

outstanding job young man. I can only imagine what this job would've turned out had Mike and A-Ron done it

[@fhuber7507]

Looks like a lot more upgrading than repairing... Controlling the hoses and protecting the hoses and fittings is a very good plan.

[@kenmccall8051]

Great job captain 👍 you did a great job on it. Wouldn't change a thing beauty not everything it worked 🤙👌✌️😎😎👍🇺🇲

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Ken

[@ianh9772]

I honestly thought you'd forgotten this job, recall you mentioning it when you first used the grapple, but no mention at the end, but then a hint in the video prior to this. Nice job, as always

[@dansevern3291]

Very nice job, Captain. Great design, great execution. By the way, the "outro" was well done, I agree that brevity in those things is very impo

[@firesurfer]

Planning ahead is very

[@JShep-yu3ki]

@@firesurfer but never forget to remind your viewers to

[@firesurfer]

@@JShep-yu3ki proofread before

[@gwbuilder5779]

And cut...😆😂🤣🤪 The grapple solution is perfect.👍 The welded nut is actually stronger than threaded flat stock. As far as the overloaded front axles, if the front lift cylinders can lift it, it's not too heavy. Period.... Welds are lookin good by the way.👌

[@craigculver1933]

Not often a fella makes something better than when he used it. Thanks for the video : )

[@sydneymcconnaughhay5947]

Good morning Mike, you are a hoot to watch!!! Love your vids.

[@longcaster]

I think you done a great job. Showing your learning steps is important, for all of us to learn. If you use it with your smaller greenie, I suggest a counter-weight consisting of a large cooler, adult type beverages (for refreshment after all the work is done), water, gator ade type drinks, energy drinks , and ice. Strap it down well so you can still access it without taking your straps loose, cause you will be standing it up on 2 wheels, either the fronts or the rears. Extra credit for seat belt and a roll bar. YEA HAW hang on

[@royordway9157]

Nice job Mike. You asked so I'll tell, the net welded to the plate works great and it doesn't look patched in at all. It looks like the way a lot of things are built today. I don't know if that is good or bad in your view. I would have drilled and taped it though. The DP&MBTS Welding and Fabrication Company better watch out, you're going to put them out of business. You welding skills have come a long way buddy.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Roy

[@tbix1963]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and videos. The outtro had me laughing, running over, just cut it. Very nice job on the line protection. Was expecting to see some fire hose make its appearance. Was a little surprised you didn’t cover the lines to the hookup’s like Mike did with the tile plow. Wishing you and your family the best.

[@dennis2376]

Very cool solution to a problem. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Dennis

[@brucehuff5566]

Every good plan has a modification or two. Great job and the welding has become much better. Stay safe

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Bruce

[@Tom-sr1hb]

Captain ... I'm not sure what you mean about the look of the mounting nut.... I can't see it when its installed... You might want to ask DP if he can see it from the drivers seat ..... Nice job sir....

[@mikethedirtjunkie1601]

your outros kill me lol. pretty cool seeing our Fab skills increasing over the past year or so . keep up the good work captain

[@DavidB-Scotland]

Always enjoy your tips for generating comments! The outro was a marked improvement too! 😂😂

[@robertboehle4473]

That outro was great. Might want to protect the hydraulic hoses where they exit the pipe on the top to prevent them from chafing.

[@cheeto4493]

Loved the outro. You took the painting two steps farther than I would have. I just usually grind off the slag, blow it off, and then spray paint it while the metal is still hot from welding. Self baking paint that I don't have to wait on for it to dry.

[@dfusit]

I like your problem solving skills. Your welding and cutting have improved immensely. A feller might want to add some of that fire hose protection on the outlet of that hose routing pipe as well. Snark level has reached Expert Level, up next is Snark Master. Great video Mike.

[@robertheine9723]

Captain, Great job the only thing I would change is buy a pool "floatie". You can get them at a dolor store for a buck or two. They are round foam tubes that are hollow can be cut to fit hydraulic hose and if you cut them length wise they will wrap around the hoses. Bonus they come in high visible colors.

[@alexosborne5629]

Vast improvement there Captain!!! You let your welding do the talking in this installment, and it didn't fail to impress!! 😃 Outro was cut short, who said 20 seconds was about right ???? I think they are sadly mistaken, make it as long as what you wa-....... 🤣

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hey cool new profile pic man!

[@alexosborne5629]

@@CaptainKleeman Thank you Sir !! Queens platinum jubilee medal, next one will be 20 years service!! 😁

[@rbtractorman]

Nice Job Captain! Yes, Pinch Points... #1 Killer of Hydraulic lines. On Average we get about 3-4 Rentals of our Grapples before I have to replace the Hydraulic Lines. If they don't get pinched, the ends get busted out at the fittings, or the lines get chamfered from rubbing on the frame. I think that will work great for D.P.

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Absolutely awesome Captain Kleeman, your welding is doing awesome I do think that Dirt Perfect should be happy that you fixed a major problem. Awesome channel Mike cause you are awesome take care my friend stay safe and God bless.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Donald

[@bmw1894]

One thing to watch out for with the chop saw is that the discs have an expiry date, usually less then 3 years, on them as they absorb moisture and the risk of them exploding increases exponentially. This date is usually printed on the metal reinforcement ring. This also applies to cut off wheels and grinding discs.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Oh definitely, just figured I would make sure it actually worked before I bought a new blade. Appreciate ya looking out!

[@thomasleahy3767]

I did not know that! Good to know.

[@splatterize]

You can also buy a carbide blade for metal cutting. They last a long time and cut very clean.

[@bmw1894]

@@splatterize Yes but they operate at 1300 RPM unlike an abrasive saw at 4000 RPM.

[@Stevestractoradventures]

Huh well I just learned something there. Never realized or thought about it

[@thomasmorse6692]

I thought I would wait until the end of the video to comment. Ok, I might have said out loud "What the heck are you doing?". But hey, you're teaching me patience. Just kidding. You have some great ideas and with your new skills it's got to be fun to see them work out. It not only benefits you but also Mr. Dirt Perfect. Nice.

[@seanparchim9165]

Just a question,should the top of the pipe have a piece of house to prevent chafing the hose✌️ Napa California

[@TGSamantha091]

I am sure all of us have noticed that you always seem to return DP's equipment in much better condition than you received it.. My Grandma taught me that concept.. LOVE her.. Miss her

[@markkenes4848]

You going to finish the ending ?????? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Nicely done Cpt !

[@donmadere4237]

Your welding skills have greatly improved!!!! That’s how to learn just keep doing it!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I would have scored the side of the C channel and bent it out, welded it and used it as a flange lip to screw it down to the units plate. But bottom line if it works it’s a good job!

[@jimputnam2044]

I worked in a mechanic shop with some fabricating of components for different truck applications, I never started a job without some one like you coming along and telling me how they would have done it. Just saying.

[@MatthewJRedmond]

Hey there Jim... Capt. Kinda asked how others would have done it differently there bud 👍

[@richardellis3141]

I had the same problem with mine but took a different approach, nice fix there,

[@robbieeades1956]

Very nice modification on the grapple Captain. Everything looked factory built. Thanks for the video.

[@mikelskelley]

well Mike your welding skills have improved immensely, when if you ever decide to retire from the fir department you can work full time for DP as a mechanic, I would have put another support plate at the corner on the hidrotic fittings as if it is dented then in will not pinch down on the hoses, but love your video's keep them coming

[@billyshumate853]

Good morning Mike. Good job. You might wanna put some hose on the top where the lines come out. Take care and have a blessed day and I'll see you on your next video or as Wade says vidja 😂😂

[@ronaldvanotten6812]

Awesome fabrication! There is always more than one way to skin a cat, but your idea was great! Ron...

[@bobbrown6682]

Nice fabrication work Captain. Always enjoy your videos.

[@davidhill4711]

Man you are working on those welding skills. Nice job.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks david

[@gayle4804]

Job well done captain didn't get to laugh that much today but you are so good at engenuity DP is lucky to have you around

[@russellp4160]

Congratulations on the chop saw. That will come in real handy for a lot that You do.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely!

[@lonesomepine3]

Always enjoy your adventures. Thanks for sharing with us

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Ronnie

[@michaelmoran6861]

Nice work on designing an improved hose run. Loved the

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol thanks

[@likearockcm]

Looks good ,Cap. ! That grappler makes the coolest looking work table I've ever seen .

[@LilRedExpressLloyd]

Everyone always say " I guess it could be better" I think you did a great job with the design.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

Great job Captain and your welding is looking great. God bless

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thank you Thomas

[@JayCollins2013]

Your becoming a good fabricator. Your common sense is a must I really enjoy your videos.

[@adrianking8538]

I don’t think the mounting bolt nut really matters, I have seen it done both ways and at the end off the day only one thing matters, “as long as it works and does it’s job” so what what it looks like as long as it’s neat and tidy. Excellent work Mike

[@bluegrallis]

Watching the Captain fix something, when I should be out fixing my own stuff😎

[@CaptainKleeman]

Hahahah hey get to it!

[@bluegrallis]

@@CaptainKleeman Oh I did. I got almost done with the job I wanted to get done, but found 2 or 3 more little jobs that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. 🤨 And life goes on........

[@allensharlow7763]

Nice job Mike , on the hose rerouting👍👍👍😎😎😎🍮🍮☀️☀️☀️☀️

[@johnbourgeois1414]

Mike I know you love to save money and one really good way that I have done for 50 years and have never had a problem. I use regular rub alcohol to clean everything up before painting it does great and dries quickly and is much cheaper than anything I know of that will work

[@CaptainKleeman]

Good tip! Thanks

[@pamike4873]

You're improving every time you weld. It looks like you got good penetration and the cap looks great. Good job Captain!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@deanbarr5740]

Great Idea Mike. Should definitely be bumb free and out danger now.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Dean

[@brianorr7288]

Great outro, definitely got a laugh from me. Nice work !

[@glennwolfe1663]

Capt, GREAT OUTTRO👍👍👍👍👍😄😸🤗🐺

[@hollandduck79]

Hello from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Kleeman Family . nice fix Mike . thanks for the video Captain 👨‍🚒💪😉

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@richardhedrick5601]

Looks good you have improved on your welding and cutting did a great fab job keep up the great work

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Richard

[@Crewsy]

Great fix to protect the hoses however I am concerned that with the hose routed up through that pipe they will not be long enough to connect to the ports on that very fine Kubota that DP has when the grapple is tilted forward. Your welding and torch skills are getting much better. I hope mine aren’t too rusty since I have a small welding project to do at work today.

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣 yup, I believe you are right, I sent him a message and said it's coming back for warranty work. "It hasn't even been used yet". 🤣🤣🤣

[@Crewsy]

@@CaptainKleeman Technically it’s not warranty work yet. It’s just a “service advisory”. 😉

[@patrickcolahan7499]

Nice job Mike. Well thought out.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks

[@ibookgeek01]

Like I said on Facebook 10/10 high quality craftsmanship

[@leol1682]

Mike like way you repaire the Brush Grapple .

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks,Leo

[@chrissheathewoodguy]

good job mike, i might take your idea and fix mine close to the same way.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Chris

[@andysukosd8177]

I like the way you think ! Great video, great fab job. Love watching.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Andy

[@Richard-C]

Mike hindsight is always 20-20 👍👍👌

[@marknunya3035]

Hey bud I agree with you the tapped block would have been a little bit better. Although I think tapping it would be just a blast. Maybe the manufacturer will see this and address the problem. Anyways I gotta say I'm a little bit jealous of the lights at noon in your shop and what a great ventilation system too. It's like you planned it or something 😂😆😂. As always good luck and God Bless.

[@CaptainKleeman]

The out doors Definitely have there perks

[@bigpatrck2]

You've definitely upgraded your welding skills. No more plug nickels -- some nice dimes.

[@gslope1]

Perfectly timed outro. Keep up the good wor...........

[@CaptainKleeman]

Lol

[@TL64329]

Nice work Captain-if you can engineer/build something that DP cannot tear up, I would say you have done your job.

[@CMDSR]

I have watched every video on your channel plus commented on each one. Have enjoyed every one so far.

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Captain great video,awesome build! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching Kevin.