Loader Two Questions

[Kioti4me]

It has been awhile sense my last posting. Spring is in the air and I can't wait to start working on my ATV Trails and food plots again. Over the winter, I've added rear hydro remotes in preparation for adding a bucket grapple. I have two questions for this team of experts. 1. Why do some loaders have medal hydraulic pipes and other have rubber hoses? Does it really make a difference or is it a cost savings thing? I did notice the tie-wraps used to hold nylon sleeves in place don't keep them in place due to hoses expanding and contracting. Does this have an effect on on the overall loader performance? Would steel lines be better?

Second, I've done allot of research on bucket grapples this winter. On EBay there´s one called "The Thumb" which many manufactures have similar models. My CK35 came with a 60 bucket, what I don't understand is why are these grapples are only 16" wide. I would think with a 60 bucket they would make them wider. What am I missing here? I'm ready to buy, if you have one reasonably priced send PM. Thanks!

 

[ihuntbear]

I made one last month which cost me less then 700.00.Its 48 inches wide and the grapple is 24 inches.as far as steel verses rubber lines doesn't matter same strength,steel looks neater if you have a bender

 

[rd_macgregor]

I was just about to start a new thread to ask about hydraulic hoses for a grapple, so your posting is very timely.
I just received a 48" Markham/Gator grapple rake and I want to add hoses to run the grapple from my rear remote (on a DK45SC).
I want to run a set of hoses from the back to the front of the cab and another set along the FEL arms to where the hoses on the grapple can be attached.
So, a couple of questions: where is the best place to run these hoses on a cabbed DK45? What is the best way to do the rear-remote connection, angle fitting or enough extra hose to loop around and connect a straight fitting?
Thanks,
BOB

 

[J_J]

Steel pipe is good when you have a good straight run, and will do the some thing as the hose. Steel is smaller and takes less space. On my BH, the steel lines are inside the boom, and a short hose goes from the steel line to the cylinder. You could probably make your own, but I would let the hose guys fit the lines to your tractor. You can even make your own hoses with reusable fittings. Hose is used most when there is a chance of the line moving,vibrating, etc. You have to know how to mount steel lines and hoses so it does not chaff. My backhoe uses steel lines, and my Power-Trac uses all hoses.

On the grapple thing, they make grapples for just about anything, and it is just personal preference.

 

[o2batsea]

If it were me, I'd just do the entire run with rubber hose. You will want to put quick connects between the lines you run on the tractor frame and those on the loader, as well as between the grapple and the lines. I'd make the connection to the rear remotes with 90 degree elbows. This will assist with both strain relief on the fittings and keep the lines tucked in neatly. A blob of paint on the A line will help with connection sort out.
As for the chafe sleeves, you can use a regular hose clamp around the crimp ferrule to secure the wrap, which should hold it in place pretty well. You don't need to sleeve the entire run, just places where it will rub.

 

[steve0413]

Markham makes a very nice grapple for around $1000. Far less expensive than the others I looked at. And it is of the highest quality. Be prepared to have sticker shock when you go to pricing hose, fittings and quick connects. I routed my lines under the right side of the cab making sure they weren't where the could get pinched then basically followed the path of the existing FEL lines. Just make sure to allow enough slack to have the FEL in all possible positions.

I was told on here and now see it's true that a grapple is the most useful attachment you can have. My opinion is just don't waste your money on one of those $2500 ones. Also, pay close attention to the weight of the grapple. The Markham is around 500lbs and I wouldn't go any heavier.

 

[MichiganIron]

We have bucket grapples for any size bucket, and all of the KIOTI Loader buckets. They can be installed on the Loader Bucket by drill (6) holes, and removed by pulling (2) pivot pins. They are 36" wide for a single cylinder bucket grapple.

The reason why they are not as wide as the bucket is because of the torsion on the grapple. To go wider than 36", you need to go to a double cylinder grapple.

Our grapple bucket kits start at $795.00, including the grapple, pivot bar, and the hydraulic cylinder and hoses.

Send us a PM if you would like more information.

 

[lakngulf]

We have bucket grapples for any size bucket, and all of the KIOTI Loader buckets. They can be installed on the Loader Bucket by drill (6) holes, and removed by pulling (2) pivot pins. They are 36" wide for a single cylinder bucket grapple.

The reason why they are not as wide as the bucket is because of the torsion on the grapple. To go wider than 36", you need to go to a double cylinder grapple.

Our grapple bucket kits start at $795.00, including the grapple, pivot bar, and the hydraulic cylinder and hoses.

Send us a PM if you would like more information.

That sounds like a pretty good investment, and grapple owners sure are very convinced about the product.

 

[miramadar]

I have about 7 acres that have become overgrown with small/sapling black pines and blackberry thickets. I can't wait to invest in a grapple bucket to clear it. Its all on hillside though, so it will be tough. But I look forward to it.