QD Polarity for Grapple, etc.

[ritcheyvs]

I finally bought a grapple for my DK45s. I may regret it but I got the lightweight 48 inch version from Titan while it was on sale for about $900, delivered. Oddly the grapple came with flat-face QD hydraulic connectors which I plan to change to agricultural style.

Now I'm rigging hydraulic hoses from one of the two rear remotes. I bought 3/8 in hoses with 1/2 in JIC connectors at both ends and 90 degree JIC to NTP elbows for the rear remotes. I got the bulkhead-style NPT to JIC nipples for the loader end but I still need to get a bracket fabricated to secure those QD connector nipples to the loader cross tube.

Here's my question: Should the loader-side connectors both be female (like the rear remotes) or would one male and one female be better? The grapple came with one male and one female so I'm guessing that's normal?

Another question: Is it OK to assemble the NTP connections dry or do I need some kind of hydraulic pipe dope? I think I recall that teflon tape is a no-no, or am I confused in that?

Another question: At some point I may decide that I need my tilt cylinder and grapple at the same time. That means either a diverter solenoid valve in the curl circuit, a diverter at the rear remotes, or a third function solenoid. Is there a consensus or rationale about which is best?

Thanks for any insights.

 

[nybirdman]

You want a male/female on the loader other wise you change the operation of the grapple(what was closed is now open;what was open is now closed) saves some confusion.I use my third function year round for a snow plow and a grapple(thumb).Thru third function may cost $700-$1,000 but frees up your rear remotes.

 

[ovrszd]

The reason for one male/one female is to make recoupling less confusing.

I use Teflon tape.

If you never want to use more than two functions at once, get a diverter valve. If you want to use three functions at once, get a 3rd function system.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Unfortunately you have already spent the money on connecting your rear remotes up for the loader 3rd function. Could have saved that $$$ and put it towards a separate valve 3rd function, diverter or true. Pros and cons to both types of systems.

I know that some people say that it is no big deal, but to me you can't beat having the 3rd function control on the loader joystick which would leave out the diverter on the rear remotes.

 

[k0ua]

If using the teflon tape , just make sure that you don't get any near the ends of the connector so that some piece gets accidently into the "bloodstream" of the system.

I used a male and female ag connector on the grapples as then you can push them together when you store the grapple to keep dirt out and there is never any question on which hose goes where so the grapple opens and closes the same each time. BUT something else to consider, and I might do it this way if I did it over again. I would use two female ag connectors on the torque tube, and color code them and their matching males on the grapple. I would keep a short hose with two females on each end where I store the grapple to plug the two male ends of the grapple hoses into for clean storage.

The advantage of have the two females on the torque tube of the loader IF you use the kind with the double acting breakaway collars AND you mount them correctly so that they are mounted by the collars and not the body of the quick disconnect. This serves two purposes, one of convenience and the other of equipment safety. The double acting feature allows you to hook up the connections with one hand just by pushing the male into the female. And also disconnect with one hand by pulling the male out of the female. The second is if for some reason the grapple should come off due to SSQA failure (it happens) then the grapple will be disconnected automatically if it pulls on the hoses.

So, while mine are NOT set up this way, I think I would do it this way if I was starting over.

Also consider extending your remote lever..

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...extension-control-valve-lever.html?highlight=

 

[Mike Gibson]

For a sealant most use Tru-Blu around here. It's not affected by vibration so wont harden then crack. If all you want is a thread lubricant then TFE tape is fine. Anyplace I've worked with precision hydraulics never allowed TFE tape on the premises. James is spot on about how you use the tape. We used liquid teflon until Tru-Blu came out.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

If using the teflon tape , just make sure that you don't get any near the ends of the connector so that some piece gets accidently into the "bloodstream" of the system.

I used a male and female ag connector on the grapples as then you can push them together when you store the grapple to keep dirt out and there is never any question on which hose goes where so the grapple opens and closes the same each time. BUT something else to consider, and I might do it this way if I did it over again. I would use two female ag connectors on the torque tube, and color code them and their matching males on the grapple. I would keep a short hose with two females on each end where I store the grapple to plug the two male ends of the grapple hoses into for clean storage.

The advantage of have the two females on the torque tube of the loader IF you use the kind with the double acting breakaway collars AND you mount them correctly so that they are mounted by the collars and not the body of the quick disconnect. This serves two purposes, one of convenience and the other of equipment safety. The double acting feature allows you to hook up the connections with one hand just by pushing the male into the female. And also disconnect with one hand by pulling the male out of the female. The second is if for some reason the grapple should come off due to SSQA failure (it happens) then the grapple will be disconnected automatically if it pulls on the hoses.

So, while mine are NOT set up this way, I think I would do it this way if I was starting over.

Also consider extending your remote lever..

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...extension-control-valve-lever.html?highlight=

I use two female breakaways for the reasons listed above. I use colored electrical tape to color-code the lines.

 

[RNeumann]

Agreed regarding keeping the male and female quick connects as it consistent from one use to the next.
My vote is a true third function. For grapple work it is nice to squeeze, curl and lift all at once. The price difference isn't that much- the electric joystick is the same and wiring is about the same. The third function will take a nicer valve and more hose and fittings.
It will be interesting to see how you like using a rear remote for the squeeze function. That is like a diverter since you won't be able to run the loader and squeeze at the same time- assuming those functions are on the same side of the machine and you aren't reaching across your body with your left hand.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Unfortunately you have already spent the money on connecting your rear remotes up for the loader 3rd function. Could have saved that $$$ and put it towards a separate valve 3rd function, diverter or true. Pros and cons to both types of systems.

I know that some people say that it is no big deal, but to me you can't beat having the 3rd function control on the loader joystick which would leave out the diverter on the rear remotes.

Brian: Thanks for the input. I may well write off the cost of the parts if I find myself using the grapple a lot and longing for a valve. The hoses weren't that expensive and I could reuse the fittings. In part, I went with this cheap initial approach because I was undecided between diverter and third function. I came close to contacting you several times. I thought a curl diverter was the way to go but now I think third function would be more natural. I'm hoping some seat time will tell.

All: Thanks for the inputs on polarity. I attached the QDs doe the M-F settup and your comments indicate this is at least OK, if not perfect.

 

[k0ua]

Agreed regarding keeping the male and female quick connects as it consistent from one use to the next.
My vote is a true third function. For grapple work it is nice to squeeze, curl and lift all at once. The price difference isn't that much- the electric joystick is the same and wiring is about the same. The third function will take a nicer valve and more hose and fittings.
It will be interesting to see how you like using a rear remote for the squeeze function. That is like a diverter since you won't be able to run the loader and squeeze at the same time- assuming those functions are on the same side of the machine and you aren't reaching across your body with your left hand.

I have used my rear remote with the grapple for some time, and it is very handy to use, so much so that I never intend to change to something else. My initial approach was to "get it going" by using the existing remote and change over to a diverter or 3rd function valve at a later date.. I ain't gonna do it. This works very very well, especially after I lengthened the control lever for easy access.