skid plates for hydraulic hoses?

2LateIWon · Mar 6, 2012

Has anyone made skid plates for your hydraulic hoses. Im wanting to make 2 one that goes on top of my loader arms. So when Im pushing up a brush pile and a log slips it wont take out my hoses and the other that goes under the tractor right off my control valve and to the transmission. I was just wanting to get ideas before i tackle this.

p.s. I have a MT275 Challenger
Im also planing on building a better mesh grill/bumper to protect the rad. even though its tucked in pretty deep

BukitCase · Mar 6, 2012

No I haven't, but I'd offer a few suggestions -

1. Never weld ACROSS a loader or backhoe frame, stitch LENGTHWISE.
2. Provide at least one BOLT location so it's removable to get at hose leaks.
3. Always use at least one or two sizes bigger bolt than you think you'll break.
4. For most things, don't pay for grade 8 bolts - they're too brittle for vibration usually.
5. When welding near hoses, always cover them with something that's expendable - otherwise you can get serious UV deterioration which will shorten their life.

HTH... Steve

Sutol · Mar 6, 2012

I welded two extra peices of pipe on the arm to run the pipes through, you can see them in this picture.
Maybe you could fix some pipe underneath to run the pipe through and protect it and keep it tidy

600rider · Mar 6, 2012

I have some leather sleeves that I ran my hoses through to protect them from abrasions. I haven't had any problems with the hoses getting snagged on anything. My FEL didn't have anything protecting the pipes the run from side to side on the front cross tube so I made a cover out of 3/16" steel and bent it into a channel to protect them. works great so far!! :thumbsup:

2LateIWon · Mar 7, 2012

great idea with the pipes. I was thinking on the loader. WElding some heavy duty hinges to the arm. Connecting the hinges to a big piece of angle iron with tabs to hold it/ bolt it down and when I need to get to the hoses I can fold it up and out of the way. The angle should also help deflect debris and keep from knocking off the hoses also