ETpilot
ArboristSite Operative
I like the idea of the towing hitch and the version 2 grapple. I may adopt your idea for towing the log splitter and trailer. I have a receiver tube I can use for the towing part. As for the grapple, like you, I designed one for my tractor. Made a cardboard and wood model. Then I gave thought to the hydraulics, the added valve, the hoses, grapple cylinder and cutting time and welding, and expense, and so I put the project aside. I still have my model somewhere. I may dig it up and see what I can do using your idea.
As for attaching your grapple to keep from slipping, see my picture. Use short chains welded to your grapple. Weld a heavy duty bolt with head cut off to the end link on the chain. Drill one or two holes to attach the bolt or weld a plate with the hole. Washer and nut keeps it all attached. Easy on easy off. That is how I attach my bucket forks. The center piece with the shackle I used for a hay spike I made years ago. Held in place by one chain. Now I use that point and shackle to move my wild feral hog trap. We have a hog problem here. Chain the trap down and tie it to the shackle. I move it in a 3 mile radius trapping for neighbors and my place too, when hogs are active.
![0F2ACD9D-D44F-49E1-9056-37CA1C4A5E8D.jpeg 0F2ACD9D-D44F-49E1-9056-37CA1C4A5E8D.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/arboristsite/data/attachments/500/500349-4ab6c342227ebd6ad3665ce9251cbf94.jpg)
![5AEFDB53-3DE8-4D37-B2B4-CD984803F69B.jpeg 5AEFDB53-3DE8-4D37-B2B4-CD984803F69B.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/arboristsite/data/attachments/500/500350-ed5a701a23e55182bb571200b87d07a0.jpg)
As for attaching your grapple to keep from slipping, see my picture. Use short chains welded to your grapple. Weld a heavy duty bolt with head cut off to the end link on the chain. Drill one or two holes to attach the bolt or weld a plate with the hole. Washer and nut keeps it all attached. Easy on easy off. That is how I attach my bucket forks. The center piece with the shackle I used for a hay spike I made years ago. Held in place by one chain. Now I use that point and shackle to move my wild feral hog trap. We have a hog problem here. Chain the trap down and tie it to the shackle. I move it in a 3 mile radius trapping for neighbors and my place too, when hogs are active.
![0F2ACD9D-D44F-49E1-9056-37CA1C4A5E8D.jpeg 0F2ACD9D-D44F-49E1-9056-37CA1C4A5E8D.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/arboristsite/data/attachments/500/500349-4ab6c342227ebd6ad3665ce9251cbf94.jpg)
![5AEFDB53-3DE8-4D37-B2B4-CD984803F69B.jpeg 5AEFDB53-3DE8-4D37-B2B4-CD984803F69B.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/arboristsite/data/attachments/500/500350-ed5a701a23e55182bb571200b87d07a0.jpg)