Buty
Silver Member
The O.D. of the hose measures about .600 but I am told that it's measured/ordered by the I.D. I'm adding a 3rd function for a grapple and thought I would use the same size as the FEL hose. Thanks in advance.
What size is the hose on my Kubota L3200 FEL ?
- Thread starter Buty
- Start date
- Views: 3978
-
- Tags
- kubota l3200
k0ua
Epic Contributor
You need 3/8 inch hose
James K0UA
James K0UA
J_J
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2003
- Messages
- 18,952
- Location
- JACKSONVILLE, FL
- Tractor
- Power-Trac 1445, KUBOTA B-9200HST
Your pump capacity is only 6.5 GPM.
Engine rpm will also dictate the GPM's.
If the OD of the current hose is .6 in, then they are probably using 1/4 ID hose and it should be good enough for average speed of operation.
The smaller hose is less expensive as are the fittings, and QD's.
It is your tractor and you can use whatever size you want.
A lot of people go to smaller hose for the response.
You can use larger hose if you want to, but you may find the lift, tilt and grapple work to fast.
Engine rpm will also dictate the GPM's.
If the OD of the current hose is .6 in, then they are probably using 1/4 ID hose and it should be good enough for average speed of operation.
The smaller hose is less expensive as are the fittings, and QD's.
It is your tractor and you can use whatever size you want.
A lot of people go to smaller hose for the response.
You can use larger hose if you want to, but you may find the lift, tilt and grapple work to fast.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
JJ I am pretty sure the hose on the L3200 is 10MM.. which is about 3/8.. but of course the 1/4 would help slow down the grapple response like you said. Especially if he is using a solenoid operated valve with no feathering ( I say these things for the benefit of the OP, not JJ who knows more about hydraulics than I by a wide margin.) 
Interesting analogy regarding too much flow J.J.. I've never used a grapple so...can it actually be a problem for a single cylinder grapple to operate too fast with 3/8" hose? I'll be using a true 3rd function valve. I'm fine using 1/4" stuff/hose but the 3/8 seems more common at Surplus.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
I used 1/2 on mine, because I thought that maybe I would want to run a hydraulic motor on the front at some time. and I have 10 gallons of flow. your flow is a bit less and 3/8 would be pretty much full flow ability for your tractor. I am using my rear remote, so I can feather the grapple closing speed, but if I just yank on the remote stick.. I can close the grapple lid like a crocodile's mouth.. ie. really really fast. Also the 1/2 inch was a pain to route down the loader arms etc. 3/8 would be much better, and if you didn't intend to run a motor on the front, and especially since you are using electric over hydraulic, and cannot feather.. If I were you I would run 1/4. just to slow down the "crocodile".
James K0UA
J_J
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2003
- Messages
- 18,952
- Location
- JACKSONVILLE, FL
- Tractor
- Power-Trac 1445, KUBOTA B-9200HST
Even if you use a 3/8 hose, you can still add a needle valve in the grapple circuit and adjust it for your speed of operation.
I am using the "1 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB11B5C1 DA VALVE"
so would I be able to "feather" with that?
so would I be able to "feather" with that?
k0ua
Epic Contributor
Yes, but I though you said earlier you were getting electric/hydraulic for grapple control.