Grapple Hookup

wvpolekat · May 7, 2010

I just ordered a grapple for my B7500. Read LOTS of threads on how to plumb these, so I think I have a good feel for it, just want a sanity check.

I can go from my power beyond port on my loader valve to one of these and then on to the tank return and wire that to a pair of switches on my loader handle to open/close the grapple.

Am I correct?

What will be the limitation? Will I not be able to operate the grapple along with other functions?

J_J · May 7, 2010

The first valve in the flow path will take some or all of the fluid. So if you are operating the loader, you may not have enough fluid for the grapple. Using the grapple by itself would be no problem. You would also not have any feather function. If you used a diverter valve, then you could have feather function on the grapple.

What is the output GPM of your hyd pump?

kennyd · May 7, 2010

wvpolekat said:
I just ordered a grapple for my B7500. Read LOTS of threads on how to plumb these, so I think I have a good feel for it, just want a sanity check.

Congrats on the grapple, which one did you get?

I can go from my power beyond port on my loader valve to one of these and then on to the tank return and wire that to a pair of switches on my loader handle to open/close the grapple.

Am I correct?

Yes, that is correct, but you don't need a "pair" of switches, only one DPDT Momentary switch is needed.

What will be the limitation? Will I not be able to operate the grapple along with other functions?

The main "limitation is that you cannot "feather" these valves , they are either ON or OFF. The use of 1/4" hoses to the grapple cylinder and possibly a flow restrictor will help a lot with finer control.

Since very little flow is needed for the grapple cylinder to move (because it's a small cylinder) , other functions at the same time should not be a problem.

beenthere · May 7, 2010

wvpolekat
Do you have a pic of the grapple?
Will be interested in how this system works. Sounds good.

wvpolekat · May 7, 2010

This is the grapple I got: Thumb grapple 24"

Hyd flow is 10 GPM. I will bet that I will want a restrictor to keep the grapple from moving at the speed of light, keep it controlled. My quick calculations come up with the cylinder moving at 12.3 inch/sec. Which means it's whole stroke in .5 seconds. Yeah, gonna need to slow that dude down.

I will have to do some thinking on the switch. I could use a DPDT momentary toggle or rocker. Am going to look around for something that I can use to replace the knob on the loader lever that has buttons/rockers built in. Seems like being able to move the grapple from the loader handle would make it much easier to use.

wvpolekat · May 9, 2010

The 1/4" manifold is backordered. Could I get the 3/8 and adapt it down to 1/4?

kennyd · May 9, 2010

wvpolekat said:
The 1/4" manifold is backordered. Could I get the 3/8 and adapt it down to 1/4?

Absolutely, but just on the work ports.

wvpolekat · May 9, 2010

Ok, so 3/8 to 1/4 on the work ports, then the return port just run 3/8.

Or, can I just use 3/8 fittings on 1/4 hose?

kennyd · May 9, 2010

wvpolekat said:
Ok, so 3/8 to 1/4 on the work ports, then the return port just run 3/8.

Or, can I just use 3/8 fittings on 1/4 hose?

Your hose supplier can crimp 3/8" NPT (or whatever) fittings onto 1/4 hose.

However you do it...You want 1/4" hose on the work ports to have better control of the grapple, and 3/8" hose on the IN/OUT ports so as not to restrict flow.