Granite grapple won't close

[Polkchop]

Okay so I have had my RK55HC for about 2 months now, and have been pretty impressed with how it has run so far. With that being said I had been having issues with the couplers for the hydraulics on the grapple so I purchased some aftermarket ones to replace them. I replaced the couplers a few days ago and used the grapple for about 30 minutes then dropped the tractor off at my parents. I got a call from my dad this morning saying he tried to use the tractor this morning, and the grapple wouldn't close. I went over to their place and took a look at it, and had zero luck getting the grapple to function. I tried to bleed the lines to make sure I didn't have an air lock but it seemed to be flowing fluid with no issues from the lines. It would open fine, however move about an inch to close then stop. Anyone have any ideas? I will probably call Rural King Wednesday morning when I get off work, but would like to save myself the hour drive if possible. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[kenmac]

I would take the coupler off the return line and see if it closes on it's own (tractor not running)
with the return coupler removed, You should be able to close it by hand
Sounds like you may have a restriction in the return

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I'd try disconnecting and reconnecting all of the hydraulic QD couplers up front and back at the valve(tractor side and implement side).
Sounds crazy, but it could work!
Travis

 

[bindian]

Sometimes one of my grapple's cylinders won't close....until I till it forward, then it closes fine. Also disconnect the QDs and reconnect them. My backhoe's QD popped just enough to stop all flow, but looked like it was connected. Just as Ted said above.
hugs, Brandi

 

[Polkchop]

Alright so a little update, I disconnected the grapple for the tenth time and took it to my uncle's business to try on his Kubota. Grapple worked fine with no issues, however when I tried his grapple on my tractor no cigar. I then ran up to tractor supply and bought both new Male and female couplers for the tractor side. After replacing them no issues. Everything works just like before.

 

[g8erh8er]

Alright so a little update, I disconnected the grapple for the tenth time and took it to my uncle's business to try on his Kubota. Grapple worked fine with no issues, however when I tried his grapple on my tractor no cigar. I then ran up to tractor supply and bought both new Male and female couplers for the tractor side. After replacing them no issues. Everything works just like before.

Interesting. Any visible wear or damage to the OEM couplers?

Edit: Just realized you had already replaced the OEM with aftermarket and have now replaced the aftermarket. What issues were you having with the original OEM couplers?

 

[Polkchop]

Interesting. Any visible wear or damage to the OEM couplers?

The ones having flow issues were aftermarket. The OEM were giving me issues with connecting. I'm not sure if it was operator error or if maybe the OEM were just a bad batch. The new couplers seem to connect so much easier IMO.

 

[g8erh8er]

Gotcha. You didn’t happen to be in Dade City a while back moving a huge stump with your grapple were you? Someone was with an RK55HC. I wanted to stop and watch the production but had somewhere to be.

 

[Polkchop]

The ones having flow issues were aftermarket. The OEM were giving me issues with connecting. I'm not sure if it was operator error or if maybe the OEM were just a bad batch. The new couplers seem to connect so much easier IMO.

Also the OEMs seemed to be scuffed up, which I didn't really understand because when I disconnect the hydraulics I make sure that the couplers stay out of the dirt. It's no big deal, just a minor hiccup. My dealer was awesome and offered for me to drop it off for the mechanic to look at it, but I just assumed to fiddle with it myself, because the next time it may be on a job site and I like to be able to fix my own problems.

 

[Polkchop]

Gotcha. You didn’t happen to be in Dade City a while back moving a huge stump with your grapple were you? Someone was with an RK55HC. I wanted to stop and watch the production but had somewhere to be.

Nope wasn't me, but it wouldn't surprise me. This tractor has been far more than I expected. I'm thoroughly satisfied with my purchase this far. I am about to really put it to the test in the next week or so and use it to load up a rather large oak tree for a coworker so we will see.