Grapple hose size

[Cord]

What size hose is on your grapple? The cylinder is a 3", so the bore is a bit bigger than most grapples. It's only a single cylinder though. I have 18gpm of flow, but don't expect to use full flow productively. The third circuit is controlled manually so there is a slight ability to throttle it, however it's controlled by your foot, so it's hard to be real precise. I can't decide between 3/8" or 1/2" hose. I tend to think that 3/8" will be sufficient, but wanted a second opinion before I went shopping.

 

[murphy1244]

Both will work, heck even 1/4 will work.

 

[J_J]

The 1/4 in hose will slow it down some, but you could also add a needle valve in the circuit and regulate the speed of operation.

 

[RickB]

Both will work, heck even 1/4 will work.

1/4" is all you need. Cheaper to replace when you tear them up, too. (and you will)

 

[SPYDERLK]

1/4" is all you need. Cheaper to replace when you tear them up, too. (and you will)

And theyre easier to route. You dont need hi clamp speed on a grapple.
larry

 

[kennyd]

1/4" is all you need. Cheaper to replace when you tear them up, too. (and you will)

And theyre easier to route. You dont need hi clamp speed on a grapple.
larry

^^^^^^^^^
What they said. Anything larger than 1/4" for a grapple is a waste of money and real estate.

 

[Cord]

Well, I ended up going with 3/8" and I'm very happy with the decision. Great speed, even at idle. The hose routing is very well protected and I highly doubt I'll be damaging them any day soon. Sleeved both hoses and then used a coil wrap to tie the two of them together so they'll behave as one. Should something come in contact with the hose, this will help make them more durable. You may notice the hoses are rather short. On my machine the standard flow couplers are horizontal on the front cross member. This is a PIA to plug in, but allows me to use a swivel so I can get by with a shorter hose. With hose directly behind the grapple and no big loops, I doubt they'll get damaged.