Grapple Hookup

[wvpolekat]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[wvpolekat]

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]

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

 

[kennyd]

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]

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]

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.

 

[wvpolekat]

Got half the parts today. Bet the UPS guy loves me after lugging that up to the porch. Waiting on the DPDT momentary rocker and the valve now.

 

[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!!!!