Li’l Peterbilt Grapple Truck

oceans said:
Action photogs coming in time. And yes, that’s a Giant 254 Tele with a powered Branch Manager Grapple. Sweet unit!
Click to expand...
That's the only way to go, powered rotation for the little giant!

I like how high the sides are. I think the truck is perfect for your market. We'll done in every aspect!
 
Will stein said:
That's the only way to go, powered rotation for the little giant!

I like how high the sides are. I think the truck is perfect for your market. We'll done in every aspect!
Click to expand...
Thanks, Will. Much appreciated. I know you’ve had a good glimpse into my area, the type of trees I’m accessing, and how we manage the personnel. On larger jobs, I’m stoked to be able to leave wood behind and grab later. Smaller jobs can go right into the truck, one trip.

My bud Dan contributed to a TCIA article about what a tree weighs. I think it’s a great way to estimate jobs if you know the capacities and capabilities of your crane and support trucks. I think I’m going to be looking at weights more and more to steer my equipment just right on various jobs.
 
oceans said:
View attachment 80385View attachment 80383

This has been a work in progress over the last 10 months. I wasn’t in a real rush, just picked away at it in my shop.

I spec’d the crane for its light weight and decent capabilities for such a small truck. Purchased it from Grapple Pros up in Canada, eh.

I designed and fabricated the subframe, bunks, cab guard, rear bumper, and top seat control station. It was a mix of MIG, TIG, Plasma Cut, Oxy/Acetylene, hand and mag drilling, and lots of POR-15. Not because of rust, but how well it coats and protects new steel up here in New England.

I farmed out the hydraulic plumbing work to Beam Truck Body in Woonsocket, RI. They were very knowledgeable, helpful, and skillful. Kudos to them.

Upcoming additions will include a custom aluminum grill guard with winch mount, custom rear winch mount, full aluminum siding, much more lighting, reflective tape (already on), some lettering, etc. I plan to pull a 10,000 GVWR trailer, giving me a payload closing in on 20,000 lbs for bigger jobs, or long days of collection.

- 2001 Peterbilt 330, CAT 3126, Fuller 9 Speed, Air Brake, Air Ride, 26,000 GVWR.
- FARMA C7,0D Crane.
- FARMA Log Grapple. GMT or Mecanil to come. Not for big trees…just for storm damage, and any day to day fun activities that might arise.

Thanks to everyone involved!
Click to expand...
That’s spectacular Eric!
 
Will stein said:
I was closely examining your angled rear bumper just behind the rear tires. I like how you did that. Would It be possible to see that bit upclose. Thanks.
Click to expand...
710A95AE-635C-4E55-9AC1-28245A41F5AF.jpegAE821E1A-0426-4BE2-891C-04EF1A8F8DEA.jpeg
Will, here are a couple photos while the work was in progress, and all prior to paint and sub-frame installation. Hope it shows enough. The upper bumper is a single piece with multiple 45 degree notches that I bent together and welded to form the shape.
 
oceans said:
View attachment 80551View attachment 80552
Will, here are a couple photos while the work was in progress, and all prior to paint and sub-frame installation. Hope it shows enough. The upper bumper is a single piece with multiple 45 degree notches that I bent together and welded to form the shape.
Click to expand...
That is really impressive. Love the double bumper look and gives you a step up so it's functional too. That is one sweet rig!
 
Will stein said:
This would be the perfect truck to implement the waist management bagger for cleanup debris. We used one the other day and it saved atleast an hour of labor. I wish I got some pictures of it. It was a thing of beauty.
Click to expand...
We are debris bag fans here, too.
 
Will stein said:
This would be the perfect truck to implement the waist management bagger for cleanup debris. We used one the other day and it saved atleast an hour of labor. I wish I got some pictures of it. It was a thing of beauty.
Click to expand...
I saw one of those at home depot the other day and picked it up. Havent used it yet but there it in the truck figuring it would be handy.
 
Fivepoints said:
For some reason it wont let me copy a link into the forum. Just search home depot waste management bag and it pulls up. Iirc its roughly 4 ft x 8 ft x 2 ft.
Click to expand...
I found it, it's the bagster. My searches were just finding trash bags, until I clicked the related searches link for dumpster.

I've used a bagster a few times. I'm looking to get my first grapple truck in the next couple of months and plan to pick up a couple of these for the smaller debris
 
VenasNursery said:
I wonder what that scales at?
Click to expand...
Good question. It’s 100% Norway Spruce. Half of the trees were standing dead. There is also a decent trough for the boom to fold up and nest in the top center of the load. I want to know as much as you! Maybe more than you!!
 
oceans said:
Thanks, Ian! Truly. Man, you’re a tough guy to reach. I think your son answered the phone today. That didn’t go too far. ;)
Click to expand...
Haha. Hey brother! Yup you have that correct. We were out to lunch with a big crew after a 5k race today. He snagged my phone lol. Let’s catch up tomorrow!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom