Need help deciding on a grapple

[Piston]

I still haven't ordered my hoses bc I cant decide on the size... you guys who ran 1/2" was it easy to route?? I know that 1/2" stuff is a less flexible than 3/8".... my pump puts out 11 gpm is it worth it to go ahead an run 1/2" for the possibility of running a PHD? It looks like the hoses leading to the rear remotes are 3/8" will I be doing any good if I upgrade my lines to the grapple to 1/2" when 3/8" is feeding the rear remotes? seems like the volume wouldn't change much but Im not sure.

I figured I'd reply here instead of to your PM.

I have recently been talking with Brian about this (mtnviewranch) because I am going the exact route you are thinking of. The pressure drop won't be an issue really but the main factor is the hydraulic flow. The Landpride HD25 is what you are probably looking at? It requires 5-12gpm of flow and 3/8" hoses are very much on the low end of that rating.

I am buying a used HD25 on Monday and will be using it on Tuesday. If you haven't bought by then ill let you know how it works with the 3/8" that I have.

However, I have a feeling I will be ordering 1/2" hoses to run from my rear remotes forward.

I may also decide to upgrade my FEL valve hose to 1/2" so I can run the PHD off the toggle switch of my solenoid valve.

Another option would be to run all 1/2" hoses and just use a flow restrictor on the grapple thump cylinder so it doesn't open/close too fast.

 

[shibaura_4043]

90 degree bends are the challenge with stiff hose like 1/2". The connection to the rear remote fitting can easily be done by including a simple 90 degree angle fitting right after the quick connect. The trickier bend is under the operator station when the hose needs to make an abrupt 90 degree change of direction to go up the FEL mount post. One solution would be to use two hoses with a 90 deg elbow right at that point. Some folks do it with quick connects at that point but that just adds expense if you are not removing the loader frequently. I don't think most of us remove the loader often enough to justify qc at that juncture. 3/8" hose is however flexible enough to make a reasonably sharp bend at the FEL post. Unless you plan to run a snowblower or hydraulic auger off the FEL I'd go with 3/8 as the best compromise between toughness and flexibility to run a grapple off the rear remote.

Well that's just it I will likely get a hydraulic PHD but I'm a little worried about routing 1/2" lines and making it look clean. Heck I could just buy 20' 1/2" lines when I buy the auger and just run them down the side loose just for the auger.

 

[shibaura_4043]

I figured I'd reply here instead of to your PM. I have recently been talking with Brian about this (mtnviewranch) because I am going the exact route you are thinking of. The pressure drop won't be an issue really but the main factor is the hydraulic flow. The Landpride HD25 is what you are probably looking at? It requires 5-12gpm of flow and 3/8" hoses are very much on the low end of that rating. I am buying a used HD25 on Monday and will be using it on Tuesday. If you haven't bought by then ill let you know how it works with the 3/8" that I have. However, I have a feeling I will be ordering 1/2" hoses to run from my rear remotes forward. I may also decide to upgrade my FEL valve hose to 1/2" so I can run the PHD off the toggle switch of my solenoid valve. Another option would be to run all 1/2" hoses and just use a flow restrictor on the grapple thump cylinder so it doesn't open/close too fast.

Yes I plan on purchasing the same model( I hope I can find a used one too) my FEL has 1/2" lines at the QD I could possibly do something similar to what you were planning on doing... How long if hoses does the PHD come with? I suppose the simplest option is just go with 1/2" and be done with it... My batwing has a 1/2" hose on it ( don't know why ) and it doesn't seem real easy to route.

 

[Xfaxman]

I still haven't ordered my hoses bc I cant decide on the size... you guys who ran 1/2" was it easy to route?? I know that 1/2" stuff is a less flexible than 3/8".... my pump puts out 11 gpm is it worth it to go ahead an run 1/2" for the possibility of running a PHD? It looks like the hoses leading to the rear remotes are 3/8" will I be doing any good if I upgrade my lines to the grapple to 1/2" when 3/8" is feeding the rear remotes? seems like the volume wouldn't change much but Im not sure.

Well that's just it I will likely get a hydraulic PHD but I'm a little worried about routing 1/2" lines and making it look clean. Heck I could just buy 20' 1/2" lines when I buy the auger and just run them down the side loose just for the auger.

You can't get more flow than what the remote will pass, so I guess maybe the long 1/2" hose would restrict it less than a long 3/8" hose.

 

[TomSeller]

Similar thread from a few years back. Note that another complication that pressure drop causes is heat buildup. I run my auger for a few minutes at a time, not really worth worrying about heat buildup from that, even if I used 3/8" lines. I just didn't want the pressure drop. When I get my hydraulic flail mower hooked to my FEL to trim tree lines is when I will worry about heat buildup. The motor will be constantly running during that use. I fairly regularly reach down and feel the 90 degree fitting going back to my transmission to see if it is heating up. So far never an issue.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/34823-hose-size-10-gpm.html

 

[brewdog]

Your reinforcement looks good. What brand is the grapple?

Xfaxman,

Doesn't look like they offer the style I bought a few years ago. Here's the link. The price was right and it was in stock back then.

Skid Steer Attachments | Skid Steer Loader Attachments |

 

[Piston]

Yes I plan on purchasing the same model( I hope I can find a used one too) my FEL has 1/2" lines at the QD I could possibly do something similar to what you were planning on doing... How long if hoses does the PHD come with? I suppose the simplest option is just go with 1/2" and be done with it... My batwing has a 1/2" hose on it ( don't know why ) and it doesn't seem real easy to route.

According to the manual, it comes with 292" long hoses.

I just got off the phone with landpride, they said it will work with less than 1/2" but not ideal. He said even if you have 3/8" going to your valve, 1/2" hoses will still work better than 3/8".

 

[k0ua]

I ran 1/2 inch on my tractor, some of the bends were challenging. For my size tractor and flow rate 10GPM. I would probably do 3/8 if I did it again. For your size tractor (larger) and slightly higher flow rate, I would probably do the 1/2. There is not a huge difference in cost.



James K0UA

 

[Piston]

Yes I plan on purchasing the same model( I hope I can find a used one too) my FEL has 1/2" lines at the QD I could possibly do something similar to what you were planning on doing... How long if hoses does the PHD come with? I suppose the simplest option is just go with 1/2" and be done with it... My batwing has a 1/2" hose on it ( don't know why ) and it doesn't seem real easy to route.

According to the manual, it comes with 292" long hoses.

I just got off the phone with landpride, they said it will work with less than 1/2" but not ideal. He said even if you have 3/8" going to your valve, 1/2" hoses will still work better than 3/8".

 

[Poopdeck Pappy]

4 years ago I had Markham build their light duty grapple with 1/2" stock and extra spacers to close up the bottom. Now NAI will make this grapple on special request, and I intend to order one just like it after the first of the year (no money now).

That looks just about perfect. I like the extra spacers. Any idea what the cost is?