Using rear remotes for grapple. What do I need

[jinman]

Some have also used even 1/4 for grapple use as they want some restriction and lower flow rates to prevent the grapple lid from closing so fast. It takes longer for a hydraulic cylinder to fill when it is fed by a smaller hose vs a larger hose all other being equal. But I have had no problem running off of the rear remote as you can just "feather the valve" If you open the valve all the way, the lid does close with a bang! But it is not really a problem.

James K0UA

I would never use anything but 1/4" hoses going to a grapple. You can easily adapt 1/4" to the 1/2" quick connects (surplus center and others sell adapters) and then make all your angle fittings and quick connects 1/4" so your cost is less. The cost of fittings and adapters adds up fast. Consider that your loader uses 3/8" hoses and works at speeds you will never need with a grapple. A grapple just does not have to move through the distance of the FEL and if you use 3/8" hoses, you will find yourself quickly going to some time of needle valve to reduce flow or a restrictor orifice. The 1/4" hoses are a dream to route and can be strapped out of the way. I have hoses running from my rear remotes on my tractor up to the loader and use 1/4" plus a 0.030" orifice in one line to reduce flow. Remember, you only have to restrict one line since all fluid flows through both hoses. There is no need for two restrictor orifices. As James mentioned, the size of the hose has no effect on grapple strength, only speed of operation since that is dependent on flow.

 

[k0ua]

I would never use anything but 1/4" hoses going to a grapple. You can easily adapt 1/4" to the 1/2" quick connects (surplus center and others sell adapters) and then make all your angle fittings and quick connects 1/4" so your cost is less. The cost of fittings and adapters adds up fast. Consider that your loader uses 3/8" hoses and works at speeds you will never need with a grapple. A grapple just does not have to move through the distance of the FEL and if you use 3/8" hoses, you will find yourself quickly going to some time of needle valve to reduce flow or a restrictor orifice. The 1/4" hoses are a dream to route and can be strapped out of the way. I have hoses running from my rear remotes on my tractor up to the loader and use 1/4" plus a 0.030" orifice in one line to reduce flow. Remember, you only have to restrict one line since all fluid flows through both hoses. There is no need for two restrictor orifices. As James mentioned, the size of the hose has no effect on grapple strength, only speed of operation since that is dependent on flow.

Jim in my mind one of the reasons for going to 1/2 was also that I might want to run a hydraulic motor up front someday. So I wanted the full 10 gallons a minute flow rated hose.. But I may never do it, and yes the 1/4 hose would have worked fine for my grapple, with the proper adaptors. The 1/2 inch hoses were difficult to run and route, but I got 'er done

James K0UA

 

[jinman]

Yep James, after wrestling with big hoses on my TLB, I go the minimum route. I think I'd be tempted to buy hoses for what I use the most. I might even buy a set of 1/2" hoses just for the auger motor with no fittings except for the QD's for the remotes and directly tied to the auger so I had maximum flow. Every fitting takes a toll on your flow.