Hose length for root grapple

[liberty2701]

I will be ordering a 60" single lid root grapple from EA for my DK50SE and will be running hoses from the rear remote to the front loader. Has anyone done this? Wondering what length worked well and which diameter and PSI hose? I will be buying the hose from Surplus Center.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Tons of folks run them this way. I just did the same thing a couple weeks ago for my B3300 with 1/4" lines. What I did was took some 1/4" air hose and ran it thru the path I wanted the lines to run, marked the length on the hose and then pulled it out to measure. I put the new front QDs on the loader cross tube. Don't forget you'll still need the shorter lengths on the grapple

 

[k0ua]

The best thing to do is get a garden hose or other tubing to use for a "measuring stick". Experiment by running the hose over your intended route on the tractor. I would recommend using 3/8 hose and putting quick disconnects in the middle so you can take the loader off. I used 1/2 inch but it is much harder to run as it is much stiffer. I used Ag connectors in the middle, but I don't thing I would do that again, I would use ISO 7241-A or B series in the middle.

I would consider running the hoses down the left side of the loader, I used the right side. I would consider using JIC fittings instead of the NPT fittings I used. You will need some adaptors on the ends to adapt to the NPT threads the Ag connectors you are going to have on the tractor. That will also solve the problem I solved with my custom copper crush washers on the FEL torque tube bracket. Bulkhead adaptors are available for a JIC to NPT, but not NPT to NPT. Read my thread, and good luck in your project.

 

[Raincoast]

I recently added a rear remote kit & ran hoses forward to the FEL for my root grapple. As others said, use an old garden hose to get the routing & length just right. I routed two lengths of hose down the right side of the tractor. Seemed the logical way to go. Then I took both pieces of hose to the hydraulic shop & asked them to make up the hoses exactly the same length as the garden hose. (Including the fittings)
It would probably be a good idea to have your new grapple mounted when you make up the dummy hoses. Just to be sure you get everything right, the first time.
I didn't add extra QD couplers to separate when removing the loader. So far I haven't had the need. I'm sure I will, down the road, though.
I used ag couplers for the grapple connection to start with, but quickly replaced them with flat face couplers. Much easier to clean if you slip while connecting & end up with a coupling in the mud.
I used "Adelle" style hose clamps in pairs to attach the hoses to the wheel well, loader frame & loader arms. (These clamps have an aluminum band with an extruded rubber liner to grip the hose tightly. I drilled a few holes along that back & lower edge of the inner fender to bolt the clamps in place) I tried Ty-wraps first, but didn't like the result. Too much possibility of slippage & chafing.
I used 3/8" hose & 1/2" couplers.
You're gonna like your new grapple! Good luck with the install.

 

[liberty2701]

I assume all hyd hoses on my tractor use NPT?

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

I can't say on your Kioti but I've got a combination of NPT, ORB and JIC on mine with one stupid BSPT on the trans housing. NPT are the least desired as they require Teflon tape or other selant that none of the others do but most QDs seem to be NPT

 

[powerscol]

I just went through this on my Bobcat CT 235 the clone of the CK35.

Give Brian, MtnViewRanch, with FitRite hydraulics Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com. He is a sponsor here and saved me some $$$ and a lot of frustration over my DIY plans. He can help you out on your plans. His pricing is very fair and better than others here. Quality of his materials is very good too.

Once you have the remotes to the front, install and measure your grapple in the various positions to be sure you have enough slack in the hoses you run to it.

 

[liberty2701]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately,I already ordered the hose. I needed 202" of hose

I just went through this on my Bobcat CT 235 the clone of the CK35.

Give Brian, MtnViewRanch, with FitRite hydraulics Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com. He is a sponsor here and saved me some $$$ and a lot of frustration over my DIY plans. He can help you out on your plans. His pricing is very fair and better than others here. Quality of his materials is very good too.

Once you have the remotes to the front, install and measure your grapple in the various positions to be sure you have enough slack in the hoses you run to it.

 

[Xfaxman]

I can't say on your Kioti but I've got a combination of NPT, ORB and JIC on mine with one stupid BSPT on the trans housing. NPT are the least desired as they require Teflon tape or other selant that none of the others do but most QDs seem to be NPT

Teflon tape is not recommended for hydraulic systems.

There are teflon paste sealants for use on NPT hydraulic fittings.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

Teflon tape is not recommended for hydraulic systems.

There are teflon paste sealants for use on NPT hydraulic fittings.

Having only read of the tape issue on TBN, I inquired at my hydraulic shop. They use tape, just don't put it on the first thread and make sure you wrap it the right way. If one of my city's largest shops use tape, its good enough for me. Much easier to manage, especially if you want to make connections in the middle of the winter.

 

[Xfaxman]

Having only read of the tape issue on TBN, I inquired at my hydraulic shop. They use tape, just don't put it on the first thread and make sure you wrap it the right way. If one of my city's largest shops use tape, its good enough for me. Much easier to manage, especially if you want to make connections in the middle of the winter.

Right, if done right, putting together causes no problems. But how many first timers now how to do it right.

The problems can happen if not put on correctly or the fitting has to be removed for repairs or replacement. Little pieces of tape can and do get into valves and pumps.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Loctite sealant is easy fast and works better than tape. And if you disassemble a joint dont have to pick nearly invisible shreds of tape out of pipe threads. I have used both and cant think of any reason to favor tape except cost. In a big shop that could be a factor but for the little I do not a consideration.

 

[powerscol]

I learned the hard way on this, putting tape on my JIC fitting threads. On those I used tape, they leaked and the also moved easier under pressure. Once tape was removed, problem went away. I only put the tape on the threads too.

 

[Raincoast]

My grapple disconnects came with Teflon tape, from the factory. When I replaced them with FF couplers I found the tape had been almost melted by the hyd fluid. A gooey mess.
Locktite & others make liquid sealant especially for hyd fittings. According to the instructions, a "primer" is required, but nobody here had ever stocked it. So I tried it without the primer. No leaks, no mess. Easy.
30 years in civil aviation maintenance left me with a strong reluctance to use Teflon tape on anything but water systems.

 

[CDN Farm Boy]

I learned the hard way on this, putting tape on my JIC fitting threads. On those I used tape, they leaked and the also moved easier under pressure. Once tape was removed, problem went away. I only put the tape on the threads too.

Your problem started with using tape on a joint designed to be a metal to metal connection with no sealant of any sort. NPT has tapered threads, JIC has straight threads.