Plumbing for a grapple

[TomSeller]

I run 1/2" hoses only because I also run a hydraulic auger off of the FEL. If just a grapple, smaller is fine. Often the grapples you buy have the little hoses on them anyway.

 

[George2615]

I put together a parts list for my plumbing job and took it to the local hydraulics shop. $300

I'm pretty sure I can do better through one of the online sponsors here at TBN.

Pat,
I bought all my hoses and fittings at TSC and was about $200.
I used 1/2" hoses and both type fittings are usually in stock.
When I get home I'll post the parts list I used.

 

[PatMcD]

My list is/was
2 120" 3/8 hydro hose
2 60" 3/8 hydro hose (all 4 hoses with nptf ends)
2 sets 1/2" quick couplers
2 sets 3/8" quick couplers
4 90 degree elbows (3/8" female, 1/2" male)
caps for all coupler ends



I ordered from 2 different dealer sponsors here and it came to just under $200 shipped.


I went to TSC and they didn't carry 120" 3/8 hose assemblies or have all the couplers and fittings at that store.
I did like their clamps, though.

 

[PatMcD]

Another dumb hydraulic question I'm going to ask:

First let me set it up: along with the grapple I bought, the dealer threw in a 1/2" QA plate that I want to put a spare 8' Fisher Speedcast plow on. I have a headgear that I'm going to cut apart to get the mounts. I figured the hydro part was easy because I'm already running the lines out there for the grapple. Just change the QA ends on the plow and done.

The question (finally) is; will my valve setup work with two plow cylinders? I know it will work with one double action cylinder like the grapple, but will it also work on a system like a snowplow has?

 

[k0ua]

Another dumb hydraulic question I'm going to ask:

First let me set it up: along with the grapple I bought, the dealer threw in a 1/2" QA plate that I want to put a spare 8' Fisher Speedcast plow on. I have a headgear that I'm going to cut apart to get the mounts. I figured the hydro part was easy because I'm already running the lines out there for the grapple. Just change the QA ends on the plow and done.

The question (finally) is; will my valve setup work with two plow cylinders? I know it will work with one double action cylinder like the grapple, but will it also work on a system like a snowplow has?

in simple terms, yes it will. The snow plow has two single acting cylinders each one is connected to one of the ports on your control valve. When you throw the control valve, out of neutral the active port then extends one of the cylinders. As you push the control valve the other direction the other cylinder is extended and the previous cylinders fluid is returned to tank.because the control valve is opened to tank on that port. Many people would recommend the inclusion of a crossover relief valve in the system as well because when the control valve is in neutral both ports are effectively locked. So if you hit an immovable object on one side of a plow the pressures on that cylinder and its associated hoses and fittings can rise dramatically.

 

[George2615]

As James mentioned, yes using 2 single acting cylinders will work fine. One double acting cyl. will work also. I originally had a DA cyl. on my plow but decided to use that cyl. for something on the 3 pt. and bought 2 SA cyls. I hooked mine to the remote that has the center detent. I also installed a crossover relief. Plow frame is welded to a 1/2" QA plate like you have.

 

[PatMcD]

in simple terms, yes it will. The snow plow has two single acting cylinders each one is connected to one of the ports on your control valve. When you throw the control valve, out of neutral the active port then extends one of the cylinders. As you push the control valve the other direction the other cylinder is extended and the previous cylinders fluid is returned to tank.because the control valve is opened to tank on that port. Many people would recommend the inclusion of a crossover relief valve in the system as well because when the control valve is in neutral both ports are effectively locked. So if you hit an immovable object on one side of a plow the pressures on that cylinder and its associated hoses and fittings can rise dramatically.

Thank you! That makes sense to me.

 

[tmdupre]

PatMcD

When you get your grapple, please post a picture of it or does the person building it for you have a website to see what they look like? What size are you getting? Can you share some of the info on it. I'm looking to get one in the future. Thanks

Tom

 

[Bluesteel]

PatMcD

When you get your grapple, please post a picture of it or does the person building it for you have a website to see what they look like? What size are you getting? Can you share some of the info on it. I'm looking to get one in the future. Thanks

Tom

Here is their site.The Thumb

 

[PatMcD]

Here is their site.The Thumb

That's not what I bought.

Here is the craiglist ad where I bought from: GRAPPLE JOHN DEERE TRACTOR KUBOTA or SKIDSTEER

They have pictures.


I'll take some once I get done.

 

[tmdupre]

That's not what I bought.

Here is the craiglist ad where I bought from: GRAPPLE JOHN DEERE TRACTOR KUBOTA or SKIDSTEER

They have pictures.


I'll take some once I get done.

Thanks, I was thinking you had something different then the Thumb. This is a different grapple from most of what I've seen here. Let us know how you like it after you try it out.

Tom

 

[PatMcD]

I'm kind of lucky with this model tractor as the remote levers are very close to the loader joystick:

The Green one will be my control.

 

[Xfaxman]

That's not what I bought.

Here is the craiglist ad where I bought from: GRAPPLE JOHN DEERE TRACTOR KUBOTA or SKIDSTEER

They have pictures.


I'll take some once I get done.

Here are some of the pictures from the ad, so future info seekers can see it after the craigslist ad expires.

And a Snip of the ad

 

[k0ua]

I'm kind of lucky with this model tractor as the remote levers are very close to the loader joystick:
View attachment 413641
The Green one will be my control.

The green one should work pretty well.

 

[Bluesteel]

The rear remotes take 1/2" AG fittings, and I think you would be fine with 3/8" hose, works fine for me.

When you use the 1/2" AG at the rear remotes and use lets say 3/8" hose do you have to use a reducer on the NPT threads or can you get couplers that will plug in to the remotes and accept the 3/8" hose?

Also which is the better set of rear remotes to use (blue or green) or does it matter? Does the green have the detent in the center? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[PatMcD]

When you use the 1/2" AG at the rear remotes and use lets say 3/8" hose do you have to use a reducer on the NPT threads or can you get couplers that will plug in to the remotes and accept the 3/8" hose?

Also which is the better set of rear remotes to use (blue or green) or does it matter? Does the green have the detent in the center? Sorry for all the questions.

I don't think there is any difference in the blue/green remotes. The green works better because it's closer to the joystick and the location of the remotes is in a cleaner spot.

I just bought 3/8"-1/2" expander fittings to use the different sizes. If they make a 1/2 QC that goes straight to a 3/8" NPT thread, I couldn't find it.

 

[Bluesteel]

Thanks PatMcD. That's what I was thinking on the reducers.

 

[mangus580]

I'm kind of lucky with this model tractor as the remote levers are very close to the loader joystick:
View attachment 413641
The Green one will be my control.

FYI, I think your loader joystick is 'backwards'... rotate it 180° on its threads (not sure how to get to the locknut on yours) and you will be much happier i think.

 

[k0ua]

FYI, I think your loader joystick is 'backwards'... rotate it 180° on its threads (not sure how to get to the locknut on yours) and you will be much happier i think.

You know I wondered about the "funny looking joystick" it never occurred to me it was on backwards.

 

[PatMcD]

It's been a little loose lately.