Hydraulic Hoses

[Rvrrat14]

Can someone tell me which type hoses I need to run from the rear remotes to the front end loader to operate a grapple? This is for a compact tractor in the 40-45 hp rating. Also, any places to buy/order on the net at the best price. 3/8" i would susspect. THANKS. A Kioti DK 40 SE or LS R4041.

 

[RickB]

3/8" hose would be the best choice. 1/4" would probably work given the intermittent use of grapple cylinders. Buy local or online, it's your choice. If you want to figure the lengths closely and have custom lengths made for a super neat & tidy installation, use a garden hose as a measuring device to ensure proper bend radii are planned for. Some online vendors sell good hose relatively cheap, some sell garbage. Local shops that make hose to order will likely sell Weatherhead, Gates, or Parker Hannefin, all good quality manufacturers.

 

[Rvrrat14]

Thanks. What about pressure rating?

 

[kennyd]

I'm in the 1/4" camp for a grapple. It's cheaper and easier to route.

You might not want two long hoses (probably 20' or more) but rather shorter sections with QD's to make the loader/grapple easier to remove. Like one set from the rear to the mid section where the FEL connections are, then another set from there to the end of the FEL, then to the grapple. More $$$, but more user friendly as well.

Ricks suggestion of the garden hose is spot on (his advice always is), just mark it with masking tape, then lay it out straight and measure. Use wire ties/zip ties to hold it in place.

 

[kennyd]

Thanks. What about pressure rating?

3000psi is fine.

 

[Rvrrat14]

Good idea on breaking it at FEL. 3000 psi, thanks.

 

[Rvrrat14]

If I go 1/4" and the grapple comes with 3/8" hose, will that be a problem with operation/fluid delivery?

 

[RickB]

If I go 1/4" and the grapple comes with 3/8" hose, will that be a problem with operation/fluid delivery?

Not so far as I'm concerned.

 

[kennyd]

If I go 1/4" and the grapple comes with 3/8" hose, will that be a problem with operation/fluid delivery?

I suggest you buy the grapple without hoses, that way once its mounted to your machine you can measure for the proper length. But to directly answer your question, no.

 

[JoeL4330]

I have a grapple and used it for several years with the 3rd function switch on the FEL joystick, and that worked well. I subsequently had a problem with the 3rd function solenoid and bypassed it and ran hose from grapple to rear remotes as you are planning to do. I found it was nearly impossible to operate the grapple in any coordinated way using the rear remote. Now I have fixed and reinstalled the 3rd function on the joystick and it is a joy. I recognize the extra cost, but I'll bet there will be many times you wish you had invested in it. I found that without the 3rd function on the joystick, I would have needed a third hand. Now, possibly this is because the joystick and the remote levers are on the same side of the operator's platform on my tractor...but, anyway, think about it.