Hydraulic pressure check

[Jesser02Ex]

I don't believe my FEL is getting the stated lift. I have a 5220R with the BL25R loader. I understand the factory rating (2100lbs) is taken at the pivot pins and I using a front grapple with the tractor, but is there a way to check the pressure and adjust the relief valve?

I just don't believe I'm getting anywhere close to 1500#'s with the grapple attached (1500 + 575 = 2075lbs). At times, the curl will struggle to lift the grapple at times and it weighs 575#'s.

I don't have another grapple to try and the only other attachment I have for my FEL is the factory bucket and it seems fairly light in comparison.

Looking for feedback, especially after watching other tractors that have less lift capacity do heavy work on YouTube.

 

[ptsg]

You can test the system pressure by hooking a pressure gauge to one of the ports of the loader valve. Factory setting should be around 2600-ish PSI. The loader valve has a pressure relief valve that can be adjusted.

 

[FastEddieR]

Keep in mind the arm, or distance from the pins, the farther away the more "weight" there is.

I don't want to do the math in my head but for example 10lb at the pivot point is 10lb but for each foot you go forward the apparent weight increases a certain amount (1lb?). So 575lb about 2 feet in front of the pins would be the same as 700lb. There is an actual formula to calculate it, I just used imaginary numbers...but the principle is the same.

 

[Texasmark]

Keep in mind the arm, or distance from the pins, the farther away the more "weight" there is.

I don't want to do the math in my head but for example 10lb at the pivot point is 10lb but for each foot you go forward the apparent weight increases a certain amount (1lb?). So 575lb about 2 feet in front of the pins would be the same as 700lb. There is an actual formula to calculate it, I just used imaginary numbers...but the principle is the same.

Assuming the angles are the same the formula is just feet x lbs. Since it's a product, matters not if it's 1# on a 100' pole (excluding the weight of the pole) or 100# 1' from the ref point. Course the angles get into the lifting capability, not what the load looks like at the point of reference.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Update: After calling the grapple manufacturer in Kansas, I learned my grapple weighed in at 800lbs and was intended to be used with a bobcat. I was disappointed and called my dealer who wanted me to start adjusting the hydraulic valve until it worked ok. I wasn’t pleased with this answer and he couldn’t understand the math.

I sold my current grapple and now I’m looking for a new, lighter option. I’ve been on the everything attachments website for the 60” root grapple. I talked to Travis this morning about shipping. I believe this will be the right grapple at 400lbs.

EA seems to have a very solid reputation across the web.

 

[ericm979]

I have a 60" EA Wicked grapple (the long tine type). It's well made and very useful. Totally worth the cost. Measure the hose length carefully and keep in mind the hoses need significant radius for bends. And also that the other end of the hoses on the grapple moves quite a bit as you curl the loader. The hoses on mine ended up too short due to my measuring error to my home made quick connect bulkhead.

 

[DavesTractor]

We run across this occasionally where a guy will put on a grapple or a 4-n-1 that is made for a 80 HP skid steer. Much heavier, longer floor on the bucket or longer tines on a grapple and you use half your lift capacity just to get the thing off the ground. Those big heavy implements are impressively built, but not meant for that application.

 

[Aquamoose]

While you’re shopping, it really pays to know the materials used in the construction of your new grapple. For instance, my Anbo grapple wasn’t a bargain in terms of money alone BUT it is a bargain in terms of functionality because due to the A500 steel, it is lighter and much stronger. I couldn’t bend any of the tines if I tried.

My 3520h has a #2100 lifting capacity and only struggled with 4-5 ft boulders I helped dig out & move at a friends. Disconnected on the ground, it was light enough to maneuver into position. I don’t recall what it weighs but It’s nowhere close to #800.

Again, steel types matters.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Dave, I know that's what my dealer did, they sold me a HD skid steer grapple. The manufacturer told me it was not intended for a farm tractor. Anyway, I'm ordering a new EA Wicked Root Grapple at 400 #'s. I'm expecting it work much better.

We run across this occasionally where a guy will put on a grapple or a 4-n-1 that is made for a 80 HP skid steer. Much heavier, longer floor on the bucket or longer tines on a grapple and you use half your lift capacity just to get the thing off the ground. Those big heavy implements are impressively built, but not meant for that application.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

I'll gave them a call and left a message. The steel for the GR-M is listed as A400. I'm not sure of the difference. Anyway, I'll have to see what the cost is with shipping. EA will ship to my address in Oklahoma for free and their products have a great rating.

I will say, the Ottawa grapple was designed to tear down a house. Great project made in Kansas. It just wasn't right for a farm tractor.

While you’re shopping, it really pays to know the materials used in the construction of your new grapple. For instance, my Anbo grapple wasn’t a bargain in terms of money alone BUT it is a bargain in terms of functionality because due to the A500 steel, it is lighter and much stronger. I couldn’t bend any of the tines if I tried.

My 3520h has a #2100 lifting capacity and only struggled with 4-5 ft boulders I helped dig out & move at a friends. Disconnected on the ground, it was light enough to maneuver into position. I don’t recall what it weighs but It’s nowhere close to #800.

Again, steel types matters.

 

[Aquamoose]

A400 is still good! Glad it all worked out for you!

 

[DavesTractor]

Another point, adding to all the good advice already given, is that you typically do not need a real wide grapple. You aren't grading, you are picking up rocks, stumps, brush etc. If you are barely as wide as the tractor you are plenty wide. Wider grapples are heavier of course.

We sell the Terra Force line of compact tractor grapples and 4-n-1 buckets. They are a good mix of strength vs weight. If someone is looking for a good grapple and their dealer sells Terra Force, they are very much worth looking at.

 

[Reg]

The weight of the grapple is PART of the problem (I got the lightest brush grapple I could find).
The other part of the problem is the BL25R loader itself, e.g. my 2005 Humpolec loader on the 42 HP Kukje (Branson/Century) can EASILY lift and carry 2000 lbs PLUS the grapple.
I think it is branded as the Century C42 ?, or maybe that is the tractor itself.
Will check when it is daylight and not pouring rain.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Reg, the BL25 came with the tractoe, Im not sure what I can do about pulling and replacing he FEL. I can text the new wicked 60 grapple as soon as I get a call to pick it up at the freight terminal. I’m hoping cutting the weight by 400 lbs will help my situation.

 

[Threepoint]

Reg, the BL25 came with the tractoe, Im not sure what I can do about pulling and replacing he FEL. I can text the new wicked 60 grapple as soon as I get a call to pick it up at the freight terminal. I’m hoping cutting the weight by 400 lbs will help my situation.

I think you'll be very pleased with the 60" Wicked Root Grapple on your tractor. I use mine on both of my Kiotis (a 45 hp NX and a 35 hp CK). 60" is plenty wide.

 

[ericm979]

I'm happy with my 60" Wicked dual lid grapple. It's a nice width for brush.

 

[blacklion66]

Sounds like your dealer got started selling lawnmowers

The advice to check the relief valve pressure release is spot on, if it's set to tight good chance you will blow the valve before a hose

 

[Reg]

Reg, the BL25 came with the tractoe, Im not sure what I can do about pulling and replacing he FEL. I can text the new wicked 60 grapple as soon as I get a call to pick it up at the freight terminal. I知 hoping cutting the weight by 400 lbs will help my situation.

Agreed, you have what you have and to replace it with a different loader would be cost prohibitive.
I was WRONG about my loader number, it is in fact C50HL spec'd lift capacity to full height 2540 lbs (at pivot).
The slightly lower capacity one offered at the time on Bransons was the C50 spec'd to 2100 lbs
As I recall that was one of the primary reasons I picked the Century over the Branson, plus I think the front tires were a little heftier to accommodate the greater lift capacity.

I'll try to dig out my grapple specs, it has been a while, it might be quicker/easier for me to search this forum for details of what I have (-:
It is one that wasn't well publicized on whoever's web site, somewhat narrower than their standard and several of us here got them - NOT super heavy duty, i.e. plain pivots, no pivot "bearings" per se.

EDIT:

OK, found it.
Wildkat 48 inch, slightly over $700 with shipping nearly 7 years ago.

 

[Texasmark]

Keep in mind the arm, or distance from the pins, the farther away the more "weight" there is.

I don't want to do the math in my head but for example 10lb at the pivot point is 10lb but for each foot you go forward the apparent weight increases a certain amount (1lb?). So 575lb about 2 feet in front of the pins would be the same as 700lb. There is an actual formula to calculate it, I just used imaginary numbers...but the principle is the same.

It's foot-lbs aka feet x lbs.....a product; multiplication. Either can change for calculating the same product.

Real quick look-see on that is a 3 pt gin pole. Put 500 lbs on your lift arms at the pins. See how easily it ruins up and down, no stress on the tractor.

Remove the load, install a gin pole and connect the 500 lbs to it....8-10' pole. Either the front end of your tractor will come off the ground or your hydraulics will grunt and go into bypass.

Other thing is the angle of the lift on 3 pts. Most/some mfgrs list FEL ratings at max height meaning max angle besides location on the arms of the rated load...at the lift pins or some specified distance.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

I wanted to provide an update on my FEL lift issue. Simply, the grapple sold by my dealer was to heavy. My new EA wicked root grapple arrived and I quickly found the tree that I was unable to pick up with my tractor.

Well the new combination works perfect! I am pleased with my new toy (tool).