Grapple Hydraulics

   / Grapple Hydraulics #1  

pane056

Silver Member
Joined
May 16, 2012
Messages
119
Location
Lake City, Michigan
Tractor
CaseIH 685 & JD 3320
Hello;

I have a JD3320 cab unit with 300CX loader. I bought a Wildkat 48" grapple and am trying to figure out how to make up and route hoses.

Are the hoses run all the way from the grapple down to the quick connects? Or is steel tubing used on the Loader? MY QC's are mounted on the left side of the tractor frame near the front.

thanks, nicholas
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #2  
Hello;

I have a JD3320 cab unit with 300CX loader. I bought a Wildkat 48" grapple and am trying to figure out how to make up and route hoses.

Are the hoses run all the way from the grapple down to the quick connects? Or is steel tubing used on the Loader? MY QC's are mounted on the left side of the tractor frame near the front.

thanks, nicholas
Hi Pane056. I just installed a 3rd function valve kit for my grapple (valve, hoses and joystick control). But there are other methods. You can either use your existing rear remotes and use the remote lever to open close; you can install a diverter valve kit or install a third function valve kit. The 3rd function kit allows for the most flexibility.

To answer your question about where the grapple hoses connect... they usually connect at a bulkhead mount as shown in the photo. I'm using 1/2" quick connect Ag couplers, but you can also use the Skid Steer Flat face couplers (more expensive). I believe WildKat will ship the grapple with 1/2" Flat Face couplers unless you ask them not to.

I know that "WR Long" carries kits for many tractors. "Construction Attachments" also provides kits. All depends on what you want. You may want to check out this video.
How To Series - 3rd Function Auxiliary Hydraulics for Tractor Loaders - YouTube

IMG_0333s.jpgIMG_0343s.jpgIMG_0347s.jpgIMG_0386s.jpg
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #3  
Where is the valve that will control the grapple?
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #4  
   / Grapple Hydraulics #5  
Now I see it said the blind man, but that is installed on gumshus tractor.

A 3ed function control.

I bet it will be really fast as there is no feathering, however, a flow control valve could be installed to slow it down. Like this. Adjustable for down pressure, and fast return or full flow in the other direction.

Surplus Center - 3/8 NPT 8 GPM PRINCE WFC-600 IN-LINE FLOW CONTROL

pane056 ,

What kind of valve will you be using. remote valve, 3ed function valve, or diverter valve?
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics
  • Thread Starter
#6  
The tractor came with a 3rd function valve. The control I'm told is on the Joystick. The valve QC's are on the left side of the tractor about mid point and near the bottom.

What I'm trying to figure out is how long the hoses need to be from the Grapple down to the QC's

Maybe tomorrow I'll get the tractor out of the barn and run the loader up and down to see what' what.

I'd include some photos but I'm a computer idiot and don't know how to post them. Heck, I don't even know how to cut & paste.

Thanks guys. You are great. nicholas
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #7  
pane056, the best way to determine where and how long of hoses that you will need is to use an old garden or air hose and run the hose where you feel it fits the best. Measure the hose length and you have the length that you need. Takes the guessing out of the equation. ;)
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #8  
You can buy the hard lines and hoses from them to your quick couplers from John Deere. Since you already have a third function valve, thats the hard part. Running hoses is easy. I would use 1/4" hose.
 
   / Grapple Hydraulics #9  
What I'm trying to figure out is how long the hoses need to be from the Grapple down to the QC's
The grapple should already come equipped with these hoses. :)
lightweight_grapple.jpg
 
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