The cylinders that operate the lids are on the other ends of the hoses, and they pivot open and closed which would twist the hoses. And the hoses from the tractor into the tees also pivots the tees as you dump and curl the grapple. The tees fit into brackets on the grapple that let them pivot. Without that the hoses would have to bend more although since the hoses to the tractor are 4' long that's less of a concern than the short hoses to the lid cylinders. Other than the swivel failing, it's a good solution.
I've been assuming that since hydraulic parts companies make live swivels for situations where the hoses have to swivel or twist, that these swivels are not sufficient. It may be that their seals being small just wear out faster. Or maybe the way I ran the hoses make them swivel more than expected. If you look at my pic the swivel on the upper right is the one that failed, and you can see that there is more of the internal pipe part visible than with the others. Maybe that's because the seals are worn?
Anyhow, I got a new one made today and I will try it out after the sealant cures. If another one goes I'll bite the bullet and get live swivels. The grapple's just too useful a tool.
