FEL Curl Problem

Tscott9330 · Apr 12, 2010

OK, I was stacking brush yesterday with my Branson 4220 with grapple, and all of a sudden, the Curl function would only lift the bucket halfway. It will curl down just fine, but then it will only come back half way.

I tried lowering the tines of the grapple to the ground and then backing the tractor to help curl back up, but no luck, it will not curl any further. I got her back tot he shop and checked the fluid levels and looked for any leaking hoses, but could find none. I see no binding in the joints and the joystick linkages look to be OK.

When the bucket curls to the point it gets stuck, I can here the fluid bypass running just as if the cylinders were at full compression or extension. I am stumped guys what do you think it could be?

When I get to the house today I am going to remove the cylinder linkage from the grapple and see if the cylinders will move on their own.

Tom

kennyd · Apr 12, 2010

It sure sounds like something is binding somewhere for sure...your test to unhook the cylinder linkage is a good place to start.

mmurphy · Apr 12, 2010

I hope you didn't bend a cylinder.

Cocre · Apr 12, 2010

Check your quick disconnect hydraulic fittings. Uncouple them and put them back together.

I had one come loose once on me, the FEL would lift about a foot off the ground and then act like it hit a brick wall. I sure was happy to find the QD loose.

kennyd · Apr 12, 2010

Cocre said:
Check your quick disconnect hydraulic fittings. Uncouple them and put them back together.

I had one come loose once on me, the FEL would lift about a foot off the ground and then act like it hit a brick wall. I sure was happy to find the QD loose.

Good call! I forgot to mention that.

Tscott9330 · Apr 12, 2010

Cocre said:
Check your quick disconnect hydraulic fittings. Uncouple them and put them back together.

I had one come loose once on me, the FEL would lift about a foot off the ground and then act like it hit a brick wall. I sure was happy to find the QD loose.

Yep, you got it. I found one of the disconnects just slightly out. Not sure how it happened, it would be the hardest one to get hit by debris, but it was out. Once I got the pressure relieved it popped right back in and bob's your uncle.

Thanks for the help guys.

Tom