moving the grapple hoses...

StevenPaul · Feb 19, 2007

Would it be ok for me to move the grapple mounting bracket, hoses, etc. to this location (see picture)? I've got a guy welding me a "root" bucket and I need to make my existing set up removable. The bucket itself is a quick disconnect but the WR Long grapple set up isn't. Any help, ideas, or suggestions, as always is greatly appreciated.

Steve

Kendall69 · Feb 19, 2007

You don’t need so many hook ups.

My grappler has a male and female on the tractor ( 2 ports) and the same on the bucket. Your set up looks like 4 ports on the bucket.
Use a “T” on the bucket.

With the”T” you have one line in ( T’d to two lift arms ) and one line OUT ( T’d to two lift arms.)

jdgreg · Feb 19, 2007

Steve, I put my connectors at the same place. If you like, I can post a pic tomorrow evening. I made a plate, threaded 2 holes in the round cross pipe, bolted the plate to the inside of the pipe, and used U bolts to secure the connectors to the plate. The problem with where I have mine located, is it gets a little tight when I remove the FEL. I dont do that often, so not a big deal. It also gets a little awkard with aligning the hoses, etc, cause I used 90* fittings.

EDIT: I didnt see your second pic until after I posted. My setup only has the single connector for my grapple and snow blade angle. Not sure if I can help you much with your setup.

3RRL · Feb 19, 2007

I think this is what Kendall is referring to. I "Teed" mine at the bucket to go to each cylinder. Same amount of connections, just less hose from the loader to bucket.

Mine don't have QD's from the loader to the bucket yet. I don't have a QD bucket but I may change that. However, I see the green manifold in your second picture is really your "T". So that will work just fine too.

StevenPaul · Feb 20, 2007

yeah, that's exactly how I'm wanting to run the plumbing. If I can use less hoses that's the way I'd like to go. Is there an official name for the T connectors? Or what parts do I need to get for that same set up? I've got a buddy who works in a "rubber and gasket" company who will be getting my parts for me, so if I knew the correct part names or numbers, it would be easier for him, although he knows I don't speak "hydraulics" fluently.

Can you imagine "hydraulics" being the official language in America, ahhh, what a world that would be

thanks again,
Steve

1bush2hog · Feb 21, 2007

Here is a pic of my set up - I kept main hoses against the side of the FEL.

3RRL · Feb 21, 2007

Steve,
I made the mistake of using black pipe fittings for my set up, not knowing any better at the time. (although they are working just fine). However, if I had to do it over again, I would use only hydraulic rated fittings from now on. And I have for my later projects. I go to Surplus Center...click here- Surplus Center Hydraulics for all my stuff. I'm sure there are other places too. But they show photos and description (sizes) of all the fittings on line. They have a great selection.
One recommendation... try to use ALL SAE or JIC fittings if you can vs NPT fittings. NPT is fine and will certainly work, but the JIC fittings are a lot easier and cleaner to work with IMO.
Hope that helps.