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

[ericm979]

I got some flat face couplers that supposedly allow connection under some pressure. We'll see if they actually work- I've yet to detach the grapple.

Another option some people have used is to make a tee with a coupler on either side and a valve on the middle. You connect the grapple's connectors to the tee and open the valve to let some oil out if there's pressure build up.

I wanted flat face because they lose less oil when uncoupling but what I didn't expect is that compared to standard ag couplers of the same size they're huge. Larger diameter and longer as well. I didn't need 1/2" for flow but that size is cheaper than 3/8.

 

[lostcreekranch]

If you remove your grapple, for instance, and it’s cool but, you store it in the sun, internal pressure goes up. No matter how you do it, the pressure has to be relieved before you can make a hookup.

I’ve had good results storing my grapple, post/ tree puller, etc. under roof. When removing my grapple I close the grapple lid(s), shut off engine, turn ignition to run, cycle the 3rd function switch a couple of times to relieve any residual pressure, then disconnect hoses.

 

[case580c]

If you remove your grapple, for instance, and it’s cool but, you store it in the sun, internal pressure goes up. No matter how you do it, the pressure has to be relieved before you can make a hookup.

I’ve had good results storing my grapple, post/ tree puller, etc. under roof. When removing my grapple I close the grapple lid(s), shut off engine, turn ignition to run, cycle the 3rd function switch a couple of times to relieve any residual pressure, then disconnect hoses.

All my years with old farm equipt and Backhoes and Crawler loader where I would remove the Backhoe and install a hydraulic controlled Ripper I never had a pressure problem. Perhaps I may have had a small leak. It appears these Flat Faced Couplers are better for the environment EPA stuff, more of a sealed system? I have to buy a set of Flat Faced couplings anyway I will look into the couplings by Parker and Holmbury Connect-Under-Pressure Quick Disconnects and see how pricey they are? Anyone have experience with the Connect-Under-Pressure Quick Disconnects ? Thanks Bill

 

[rustyshakelford]

If you remove your grapple, for instance, and it’s cool but, you store it in the sun, internal pressure goes up. No matter how you do it, the pressure has to be relieved before you can make a hookup.

I’ve had good results storing my grapple, post/ tree puller, etc. under roof. When removing my grapple I close the grapple lid(s), shut off engine, turn ignition to run, cycle the 3rd function switch a couple of times to relieve any residual pressure, then disconnect hoses.

That’s exactly what I do. I don’t have flat faced but when my old tractor had a male and female on the tractor and the same on the grapple I would connect the two together when not in use. It would equalize the pressure and never had problems hooking up.

Brett

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Here's an explanation by Ted.
Travis

 

[lostcreekranch]

Here's an explanation by Ted.
Travis

Bingo! Thanks!

 

[goeduck]

Here's an explanation by Ted.
Travis

Not quite. Ted said if it is detached correctly (assume as he described) there will never be a problem. What he did not account for is thermal expansion. If you decouple in cold weather and try to recouple in hot weather, the pressure will have built up. An earlier post mentioned storing under cover which prevents heating in the sunshine. This will lessen the pressure at least.

 

[case580c]

Perhaps this issue is because of the newer style Flat faced Couplers

 

[lostcreekranch]

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

Perhaps this issue is because of the newer style Flat faced Couplers

Nope Bill, thermal expansion is thermal expansion. Has nothing to do with the QD’s. You have to either let the hydraulic circuit cool or .....burp the QD. Not a big issue. My 100 hp 3rd function is flat face QD’s.

 

[Mad Mac]

Kill two birds with one stone. Get one of these handy coupling clamps available at Tractor Supply.

Switch the male from the tractor to the female on the Wicked. Mark the hoses so the same ones always connect. Attach the clamp to the FEL.

It makes coupling and uncoupling so easy. You feel like you have three hands and never need worry about thermal expansion. You can effortlessly burp both sides of the cylinder if need be.

Use rubber plugs when the Wicked is not attached. We cut the strings off ours and when not in use plug them together and keep them in the tool box on the side of the tractor. Keeps the plugs clean that way.

Here is ours held onto the tractor with zip ties and the hoses are identified with zip ties.