Need advice on size of Hydraulic line.

[ACMan]

My grapple rake came in today!!! Its a monster. The quality is fantastic he even used high end cylinders, hoses and fittings. Cant wait to try it out.

Jinman,
Thanks for the tips about the weak whip lines to curl cylinders. Thats what so great about these type forums. Info before the Sunday emergency.

Docheb,
Thats worth considering. However, I'm going to run the rubber 1/4" Temp hose to see what kind of performance I get out of the cylinders on the grapple.

I cant foresee myself running to much of anything up front that would require that kind of volume or flow rate.

However, since the flow rate of tube (pipe) is equal or close to the rate of one size higher hose rate. I'll probably run 3/8" hose and 1/4 " pipe. Then connect to the 1/4" hose that came with the grapple.

I think the bigger 3/8" and 1/2" pipe and especially the 1/2" hose would be to bulky and cumbersome to be worth the possible future benefits.

Just my opion.

Thanks all for your suggestions. I will post pics of the grapple and when I finish the plumbing I'll post pics of that also.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That would be my suggestion - "hardplumb" 1/2" lines just like the FEL lines, and add restriction, if needed, in with the attachment plumbing itself. )</font>

My suggestion for 1/4" hose or small tubing relates to the effect of ballooning in the hoses. The grip of the grapple might not hold as long or as firmly with larger hose. When the diverter valve removes supply pressure, you are at the mercy of the hoses as far as being able to maintain the pressure unless the grapple cylinders use piloted check valves similar to the ones used on TnT systems. It might not be an issue at all, that's just my thoughts regarding hose sizes from a purely unscientific position. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[techinNY]

We've found that trying to run a posthole digger (skid steer type) off the front remotes there is not enough flow, it runs it but pretty slow. About the only things I can imagine running on the front except for the off the wall stuff is a grapple or angle blade, therefore the 1/4" lines would be enough. But just in case it is probably a good idea to run 3/8". I 'm not sure but think the kit NH makes uses 3/8" also.

 

[ACMan]

New Holland makes a kit for the front? I should have asked my dealer what the cost was./forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Anyway I ran 1/2" hose out of the rear remotes to 3/8" tube starting just at the axle next to the remote. Decided not to "T" the remote tubes because of the lack of tubing to fit the "T". The tube ran all the way to next to the FEL Couplers.

Then I ran 1/2" Hose next to the FEL Hose to 3/8 tube. Then ran the tube to front brace then connected to the 1/4" hose that runs to the grapple cylinders. After all that work I picked up one wrong connecter now I have to wait untill Monday to see it work /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[techinNY]

I can't say that Iam all that impressed with NH's kit. All it is is two looong hoses that plug into the rear remote and are secured w/ tiewraps all the way up to the front, so if you want to remove the loader you have to thread them out. The nice part of it is the mount for quick couplers in the front.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The nice part of it is the mount for quick couplers in the front.
)</font>

Too bad they won't sell that by itself. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
...or do they?

 

[ACMan]

Tractor Supply carries a pretty good looking mount designed for two remote connectors. Of course I discovered it after I bent my line and mounted most of it. I will try and install it this weekend and take some pics. I may have to go back for another one to help secure the connectors located at the FEL disconnects. If it will only stop raining for a few days /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I found it difficult to find good rubber coated clamps for the hardline. I had to use the ones for auto firewalls. I'm still working on a way to secure the tubing lines under the tractor.

 

[DocHeb]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I bent my line and mounted most of it )</font>

Where did you find the tubing that you used? I'm looking for an on-line source, but there seems to be so many types of steel and tubing that I don't know which one to use.

 

[ACMan]

Chris,
I also had a hard time. One of the problems is that most suppliers sell it in 20ft sticks and therefore want only to deal in large quantity shipments. So I had to find a local distributor. You might want to check out this site http://www.parker.com
If there is one in your area more than likely they sell the steel tubing for hydraulics. It is very thick tubing. It took a very good quality tube flaring kit to flare this tube. My cheapy flare tool from Autozone couldnt handle it.

Good Luck

 

[DocHeb]

Is there a name for the type of tubing that you used, other than hydraulic tubing?