The WICKED Root & Debris GRAPPLE!!!!!!!

[BGigHarbor]

I am forgetting, You threaded the clevis out on the end of the rod last time? Was there a lock nut or something? The rod is not fully extending?

Twice now the cylinder rod quits extending quite as far as it did, so the lid can't close. Each time I've loosened the clamping bolt and turned out the knuckle on the end of the cylinder rod to allow the lid to close.

Seems that something is going on inside the cylinder Doesn't take much to make a 1/2 inch (or a touch less) gap show up between the teeth on the grapple lid.

 

[Xfaxman]

Twice now the cylinder rod quits extending quite as far as it did, so the lid can't close. Each time I've loosened the clamping bolt and turned out the knuckle on the end of the cylinder rod to allow the lid to close.

Seems that something is going on inside the cylinder Doesn't take much to make a 1/2 inch (or a touch less) gap show up between the teeth on the grapple lid.

With the cylinder fully extended, measure along the rod from the end of the cylinder to the clevis and write it down. If it happens again, you can verify that it is the cylinder, or maybe the base mount is getting bent back slightly.

 

[BGigHarbor]

With the cylinder fully extended, measure along the rod from the end of the cylinder to the clevis and write it down. If it happens again, you can verify that it is the cylinder, or maybe the base mount is getting bent back slightly.

That's a good suggestion, and is the current plan.

There is a bit more play in the upper cylinder pin hole than I'd like on that side, but my guess is that it's the cylinder that is causing the issue with the grapple not closing on that side.

But EA wants me to measure and track that measurement if the problem reoccurs and it makes sense to nail it down for sure before any next step. In the meantime the grapple still works.

 

[TomSeller]

Assume the other side is fine? I wonder if there is some debris in that cylinder stopping it from full travel.

 

[94BULLITT]

Would it be possible for the rod to be turning in the clevis?

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[BGigHarbor]

other side fine. I have thought about taking it apart but don't really have time.

In terms of the rod turning, that is an excellent question. The clamp seems tight, but I'll check it out more closely.

 

[TomSeller]

other side fine. I have thought about taking it apart but don't really have time.

In terms of the rod turning, that is an excellent question. The clamp seems tight, but I'll check it out more closely.

Does it have a lock nut?

 

[BGigHarbor]

I don't remember it as a lock nut as such (it's at the other property) but it seemed to tighten well. But I think I'll mark the rod and that way I can see if for some reason it's turning internally (which would also cause this behavior).

 

[jmc]

Long shot, but could your hydraulic fluid be low? The jaw with the more friction would be the last to close, and if it's starved...

 

[BGigHarbor]

Long shot, but could your hydraulic fluid be low? The jaw with the more friction would be the last to close, and if it's starved...

Lots of hydraulic fluid, although all suggestions are always welcome.

Seems like the only causes I can think of to cause the behavior are (in order I think most likely)

cylinder is wonky inside (some sort of matter inside or seal deforming or something) and is losing extension
cylinder rod is turning somehow
the lid itself is deforming up/back or the mounting brackets are moving

I'll be out there again tomorrow. I'll mark the rod for rotation, and will mark a dowel for exact length the cylinder rod will extend max. If it does it again (I expect it will) it should be clear which one it is.