Grapple Grapple "jaws" won't close

[countrybumpkin]

You next step would be to check the pressure on both lines going to the grapple, if you have good pressure on both lines, next would be to unhook one of the cylinders and try each one separate to narrow down farther.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Eric.. how the heck do you "jam open" the quick disconnects?

With anything to pop the male fitting open and a small screwdriver and feeler gauge. Make certain it is open well enough to to not develop high pressure.

On a female fitting, install an unattached male fitting for maximum jammed openage.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

You next step would be to check the pressure on both lines going to the grapple, if you have good pressure on both lines, next would be to unhook one of the cylinders and try each one separate to narrow down farther.

Alternatively, a video could be made explaining how each line is supposed to work.

Unless there is an electrical failure, or something not plumbed right, I'm going with a piece of Teflon tape blocking a passage somewhere which is why I'm interested in flow tests.

 

[bcp]

Wouldn't a reduced flow only make it slower, not weaker?

Bruce

 

[countrybumpkin]

Wouldn't a reduced flow only make it slower, not weaker? Bruce

Yes that's correct, that's why I would check pressure to make sure he is getting full pressure at the quick connects on the loader. Could still be the valve sticking enough to let fluid bypass in the valve

 

[gnawbone]

I switched the 'electrical windings' (the blue 'boxes' in the picture of the solenoid) - no change.

As for the QD, their is only one set (that is in line with the solenoid) and I was able to get fluid to pump through both of them - and by the way, I got a nice hydraulic bath with one of them!

At this point I think it is either the QD that connects the 'close' function or it's a bad cylinder. The thing I can't tell about the QD is that it pumps (a lot) of fluid when I pushed the 'pin' in (while my wife press the joystick button) but compared to what? Is it the right amount, 1/3 what it should be - I have no way of knowing nor do I have the equipment to "measure" it.

I'm starting to reach the "time is money" phase here - with a slight twist - I'm spending all my free time saving money. I've got limbs down everywhere from the storm, I've got about 10 acres (including trails) to mow, still have about 30 bushes that need trimmed, i.e. I don't have much more time to mess with this.

I'm going to call my local Kubota dealer tomorrow and ask him if he'll let me take the grapple there and hook it up to a tractor on their lot - I'll at least eliminate one variable or maybe find the answer.

 

[countrybumpkin]

From the looks of the video you have flow, just not building pressure on the closed circuit from what your saying about it will not hold a limb , there is really only two things that it can be if the loader works fine as for lifting ect. 1 as Kennyd has said a piston seal is blown , or 2 the valve is bleeding off the pressure internally, If it all worked fine the last time you used it. If you can take the grapple down and check the operation of it on another tractor that's a good idea if you don't have what you need to check the pressure at least it will eliminate either your tractor or the grapple.

 

[Threepoint]

Can't wait to see how this ends. I'm learning a lot in the telling, but the suspense is killing me!

 

[aczlan]

Do the quick disconnects match your rear remotes or the connections for your loader? If so, hook the lines up directly so you can eliminate the valve as a suspect fairly easily...

Aaron Z

 

[kennyd]

I could see it being a cylinder if only one was acting funny, but it's very unlikely to have 2 bad cylinders

Since they are plumbed in parallel, one can be bad and still affect both.