JD 3320 and 60" Everything Attachment Grapple

[jbbankshot]

I just hooked up my new grapple and it looks solid, but I have no down force to grab anything!

Some background, I installed the BW16138 3rd function kit. I already had the rear connection for my snow thrower. The kit has 1/4" hydraulic connections to the grapple, the grapple had 1/2" connections. I replaced the grapple connections with the smaller size.

I'm assuming my downsizing the line is causing my issue. So, I was going to go have two new lines made to bypass the 3rd function line that runs down the loader arm to the quick connect station.

Can someone tell me if this makes sense?
Has anyone else hooked up a grapple to a 3320? If so, how did you run the hydraulics? Does it have the gripping power you would expect?

I guess I should take some pictures!
JB

 

[Rocky Hoffler]

Changing the size of hyd hoses would not make weaker force pressure would still be the same you might affect speed. I run 1/4 hoses to clamp cyls on my grapple and it works fine. I not sure what your asking more info would help.

 

[k0ua]

No, having smaller diameter lines will not reduce pressure, only flow rate. So if you have no pressure, it is something else.

 

[whis]

open and close the grapple several times, may be air in the system

 

[jbbankshot]

I tried opening and closing the grapple over 20 times. It opens fast, and closes slow. I tried to grab some light tree branches but won't grab them. I don't have any leaks. Since they are new lines, 2 lines, 10' each, is there a way to bleed the air out?

 

[k0ua]

I tried opening and closing the grapple over 20 times. It opens fast, and closes slow. I tried to grab some light tree branches but won't grab them. I don't have any leaks. Since they are new lines, 2 lines, 10' each, is there a way to bleed the air out?

Not really, the air will self bleed by operation... is it possible that one of your quick connects are not fully seated. With tractor off. take them on and off a couple of times and try that.

 

[k0ua]

So you are saying that if you grab a bunch of branches and try to close, it will not crush down the branches any at all, is this correct?

 

[jbbankshot]

So you are saying that if you grab a bunch of branches and try to close, it will not crush down the branches any at all, is this correct?

That is correct!

 

[k0ua]

That is correct!

OK, go try the quick connector couple and uncouple thing. and if it open with good power, swap hoses and see if now it closes with authority, but barely opens.

 

[k0ua]

When you close down on the branches it should crimp them down pretty good, and you will hear the relief valve relieve and the pump change pitch. It should be a lot of force, On mine it is enough to bust pieces off of rocks.