Grapple Hookup

[beenthere]

You can get flow control valves pretty reasonable through Surplus Center.

Surplus Center

if hose sizing doesn't work out.

 

[wvpolekat]

Yeah, I may go that route, will just have to see how fast it is. I have almost all the bits here. Just waiting on the switch and manifold for the valve.

Need to look at how to build up the top of my bucket next so the grapple has someplace to mount. I think I can do it pretty easily with a piece of angle iron.

I have decided that I am going to bolt the grapple to the bucket instead of welding. It has 4 1/2" mounting holes, which is WAY stronger than the bucket or pins anyhow.

 

[wvpolekat]

Just realized I should probably put a master grapple on/off switch somewhere. I will be putting a DPDT momentary rocker on the joystick where my fingertips land, so, I think it would be good to be able to "lock out" the grapple when I don't need it.

 

[wvpolekat]

Ok, so I have everything but hoses.

Now, I need to make sure how I am going to plumb this thing up.

My valve has 7 hoses coming off of it.

2 to the lift cylinders
2 to the curl cylinders
1 to the "In" port, I assume from the pump.
1 from the "Out" port, I assume to the tank.
1 I assume to the 3 point, connected to the "P" port.

Here is a diagram of what I think it is setup like:

I believe I need to either tee into the "P" port, or in series with it. Like this:

Is my logic correct on this? Is there a reason that I would want to tee in instead of series?

 

[kennyd]

You can NOT Tee into any high pressure lines, all valves MUST be in series. You can however Tee into the low pressure tank line if you need to, but in your case since this is a solenoid valve that does does have a PB port it does not matter to you. Your drawing is 100% correct.

 

[wvpolekat]

Thanks Kenny, that is a real complement coming from you.

I just need to get the valve mounted and measure for some hoses.

Picked up a piece of 6x4 angle iron for the bucket to mount the grapple to, just need to run the whole rig up to my father in law to weld it on there.

 

[wvpolekat]

Local hose shop is expensive and not real friendly. So, I am just going to order already made up hoses from Surplus Center.

Going with 1/4" hose and 1/4" fittings. Will adapt out to 3/8" where needed.

Also decided to put in a needle valve for volume/speed control. Will let me use this for things other than the grapple as well, should I ever decide to.

Putting a pair of QD in as well for the same reason.

 

[kennyd]

Local hose shop is expensive and not real friendly. So, I am just going to order already made up hoses from Surplus Center.

Going with 1/4" hose and 1/4" fittings. Will adapt out to 3/8" where needed.

Also decided to put in a needle valve for volume/speed control. Will let me use this for things other than the grapple as well, should I ever decide to.

Putting a pair of QD in as well for the same reason.

Check out my thread on making my own 1/4" hoses...It may interest you: http://www.tractorbynet.com//forums/showthread.php?t=158654

 

[wvpolekat]

I thought long and hard about making them. But, I am not equipped to do it. No vice/workbench (just moved here) and such. I am relying on my Father In Law for the welding, but other than that, I would like to do as much of this as possible myself.

Maybe this is a good reason to get a workbench and vice setup.

My next project will be t&t, so maybe that will be the time to look into making hoses.

 

[wdchyd]

Check out my thread on making my own 1/4" hoses...It may interest you: Re-Usable Hydraulic Hose Fitting Tutorial - TractorByNet.com

Great thread on reusables:thumbsup:

wvpolekat,

Looking forward to pics after you're done,sounds like a nice project!!!!