How to put a grapple and a rotator on a backhoes and excavators.

Valby Grapples and Rotators have been mounted on backhoes for the handling of logs, stones, scrap, beams and other materials.  One requires a hanger, a rotator, and a grapple.  The rotator is fastened to the hanger, and it is a continuous rotator, where the rotation is unlimited in either direction.   The grapple is fastened to the rotator.  The bypass grapples support the material to be handled from top and bottom, so they have a secure grip of the material.

Hook-up requirements:

The grapple and rotator combination requires two sets of oil flow.  One opens and closes the grapple, and the other runs the rotator.  The oil flow that would normally operate the scoop can be used to open and close the grapple.  One must then add a second set of hoses to run the rotator.  The rotator requires very little oil flow, so one can use ¼" hoses.  If the backhoe has extra hydraulic outlets, one can run hoses from there. If your machine has a thumb,or an extend-a-hoe, you can put quick couplers on the lines, and use the circuits to operate the opening-closing and the rotation of the grapple.

The black hoses added to work the rotator can be seen in the middle of the boom.

SPLITTING THE OIL FLOW FOR THE BUCKET CURL To divide one oil flow into two, one can also put in a flow divider  valve, which is operated with an electric selector, such as the one with the red knob shown in the picture to your right, or a foot pedal.   We have a package that includes a diverter valve and the wiring to the cab available.  It hooks up to 12V DC.

If one is planning to switch back and forth between the grapple and a scoop, one can put in quick couplers in the oil hoses.   This makes the switching of the hydraulics easier.  In this case, 1/2" hoses were used,  but the opening and the closing of the jaws and the rotator will work as well with 3/8", and for the rotation one can use ¼" hoses.

Hangers:

The hanger is essentially a block with holes in two directions.  The hangers enable the grapple to freely swing in 4 directions.    The hangers will have to be fabricated to accommodate the backhoes' hole size, and width. The hanger is fastened onto the backhoe's boom, and it enables the grapple to swing freely in four directions.  If you do not have a hanger that fits your boom, we offer a half hanger, which fits our rotators.  You will need to have a fabricator attach ears to accomodate the width of your boom if you choose to use a half hanger.  Click here for more information.

For long term service, the hanger material should be 11/16" or heavier.