The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,161  
Oily rags wrapped on hydraulic cylinder shafts help protect them from rusting/getting scratched... When the lids are closed, (which is the 'normal' way to store the grapple-bucket) the shafts are exposed, so I keep them covered/wrapped... I put that pic in there as a reminder...

I'm new to this, but I always wondered why hydraulic implements are stored
with the shafts exposed instead of in the closed position.
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,162  
It's for safety. Walking into an open grapple hurts more than walking into a closed one. Same with raised loaders vs lowered ones. Also a raised loader (or any weight on a cylinder) will bleed down over time. If you lower it when you park the tractor you won't accidentally put something under the loader and come back later to find the bucket resting on it. Same with the 3pt.
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,163  
better question is who stores there implements on carpet!:shocked:

I know TBN loves the wicked grapple, but really a tractor implement that gets stores on carpet with a nice oil soak blanket on top.... really?
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,164  
It’s better to store it with the shafts in because they’re in oil and protected from the elements. My grapple gave trouble to reconnect the couplings like that though. I had best results with the lids closed and bleeding the pressure off before disconnecting. My backhoe never gave trouble to reconnect and I tried to keep as much cylinders as possible retracted on it.
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,165  
Oily rags wrapped on hydraulic cylinder shafts help protect them from rusting/getting scratched... When the lids are closed, (which is the 'normal' way to store the grapple-bucket) the shafts are exposed, so I keep them covered/wrapped... I put that pic in there as a reminder...

I assumed that was the reason. That a good tip Thanks Bill
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,166  
Oily rags wrapped on hydraulic cylinder shafts help protect them from rusting/getting scratched... When the lids are closed, (which is the 'normal' way to store the grapple-bucket) the shafts are exposed, so I keep them covered/wrapped... I put that pic in there as a reminder...

Good tip.
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,167  
I've been busy at work and haven't had a chance to post here in a bit. I found a new way (to me anyways) to use my Wicked Twin. Instead of getting off and changing bucket/grapple/bucket/grapple ect doing a back fill the other day I just grabbed the bucket in the grapple and gave it a try. (insert epiphany here) It was a cold, blowing day so I didn't mind staying in the cab as much as possible.

20180110_114622.jpg

Turns out I can scoop/haul/blade loose material really well by just grabbing the bucket in the grapple and using it almost like it was attached normally. I say almost because the bucket does move around some in the grapple. There is also an advantage in back dragging with this set up. The tines in the floor of the grapple hold quite a bit of loose dirt similar to a mini land leveler. If there is a little loose dirt it does a faster/cleaner final grade. WIN-WIN!!!

20180110_114908.jpg

In this instance I was having to back fill and level a bit then drop the bucket to pickup roots/limbs that were coming to the surface and getting in the way of a good final grade. Just grabbing the bucket made the job go faster and easier on me. Smarter not harder!

All these uses for the Wicked Twin makes me wonder what else it can do!
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,168  
I'm new to this, but I always wondered why hydraulic implements are stored
with the shafts exposed instead of in the closed position.

Quality shafts are hard chromed and take many, many years to rust in most environments. I have seen some 50 year old cylinders that are just fine, especially if they have been used occasionally.

I did trade for a 12' disc a month or so ago that had a slight rust spot on the chrome shaft. The original hoses were rotted to the wire and stiff enough that they aren't very flexible. The hose fittings were rusted beyond use. The disc was probably built in the '60's or 70's and set outside all its life.

That being said, by laying an oily rag on them they and the seals they ride on will probably last indefinitely.
 
   / The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!! #3,170  
 

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