Question for those who have added a grapple to their FEL bucket

[nickel plate]

I've plumbed my way forward with 3/8" hoses from the NH TC40's second set of rear remotes, down under the frame to a set of 1/2" QCs at the FEL dock, then down the left side of the loader arm and 90 degrees onto the rectangular torque tube (see photo of the two blue brackets, neither of which are attached at this time).
Question: Should I place the center blue bracket in the actual center of the torque tube as photographed or off center right or left? I will have a black explosion sock around both of those hoses and I do understand allowing enough slack for the bucket and grapple curl and the hydraulic cylinder will mount on the center of the 72" bucket.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I have a similar set up coming from the rear remotes. My disconnects are on one side like yours. To get enough slack I run the hoses all the way across to the other side along the torque tube and then over to the cylinder in the center of the grapple. I have two sets of bungies ( two places that is ) from the torque tube to the hose to take up slack. It took alot more slack than I thought it would. I would hold things with clamps until I saw it work. Then weld it when you are sure. The problem is keeping the hose from hanging where it will catch stuff.

 

[nickel plate]

I have a similar set up coming from the rear remotes. My disconnects are on one side like yours. To get enough slack I run the hoses all the way across to the other side along the torque tube and then over to the cylinder in the center of the grapple. I have two sets of bungies ( two places that is ) from the torque tube to the hose to take up slack. It took alot more slack than I thought it would. I would hold things with clamps until I saw it work. Then weld it when you are sure. The problem is keeping the hose from hanging where it will catch stuff.

Gordon,
Any chance of posting a photo or two?
Thanks

 

[Gordon Gould]

When I went out to look it wasn't exactly the way I remembered
You are doing a nice job on yours. I did mine as a temporary thing, but that was about 6 years ago. :laughing:
I do remember my biggest problem was keeping the hoses from hanging down to far when the bucket was curled.
Actually right now I'm in the process of putting in a 3rd function valve to free up the rear remote. See "Build-Your-Own" section 3-2-2011 if interested.
Here are the pics. Full curl and full dump.

gg

 

[ovrszd]

I'm sorry I don't have anything to offer to this issue. I've been researching building a grapple for about six months. Looking at every picture and idea I can find. I'll be honest, I never thought about this problem..... Not one time did I realize the hoses needed to be that long.... Looks like I better study a while longer....

 

[Glen Watkins]

I have the factory steel lines that run down the right side boom. QD's are right on that side just above the torque tube and at full dump the lines are taught when rolled back they are slacked some but nowhere near dragging. Looks neat and no rubber straps needed. Don't over think it just put it on and see what works best!