863 Auxiliary Hydraulics

[OrangeGuy]

I just purchased a very nice used Bobcat 863G with high flow auxiliary hydraulics. It has the auxiliary lines on the left side of the boom (two main couplers with a case drain coupler and the 7/14 pin connector) and a set of smaller auxiliary lines on the right boom arm. My question is...can I put a set of pioneer 1/2 couplers on this right side lines and operate them separately from the left side auxiliaries. I have a grapple fork for my Kubota L3430 that may want to use occasionly on the 863. I know it is light duty for the 863 but might come in handy sometime.

OrangeGuy

 

[SSdoxie]

You can use those on the right side, would operate with the thumb switch on the left handle but you will get same amount of flow out of those as comes out the normal left side couplers when in standard flow. Plus the those smaller hoses on right side would be straight on/off when you move the thumb switch. Use the normal couplers on the left, operated with the right hand thumb switch and push you're auxiliary button 1 time to turn it on to variable flow. This will give you proportional flow to the front couplers. I,E the farther you move the right hand thumb switch the more oil flow and faster the grapple works. Hi-flow only comes on when you select (push) the Hi-flow button otherwise you are working with the normal 20 GPM flow.

 

[OrangeGuy]

Thanks for the info. I was hoping to stay away from the left side couplers (big one) because my grapple and Kubota tractor utilize standard pioneer couplers. To use the left side coupler I would have to invest in some spendy "flat faced" couplers, and then upgrade my tractor to the same if I want convenience. I understand your comments about "no variable" flow if I use the right coupler.

Today, I was ripping out some old fenceline, overgrown with some trees, grape vines and other miscellaneous plants. I used the 863 to muscle through all the crap and the Kubota with grapple to pick out the plant debree. As Hot as it is here in Minnesota, the air-conditioned cab on my Kubota was a welcome relief.

OrangeGuy

 

[SSdoxie]

There are adapter couplers that goe from the flat face to pioneer style, no idea of cost. Also if the grapple is only thing you would use on 863 auxiliary, change those couplers over the the pioneer style.