bobcat 863 grapple problems

[bobby101]

Been using my 863 around the house to do some demo work and had the opportunity to buy a very used and beat up grapple for a very cheap price. Well bad decision, when I start working the switch on the thumb controls the grapples move completely separate and are extremely violent. When I go to close them they tend to fall shut under their own weight. I am definitely not an expert on machinery, but I am handy with a wrench and any help with this issue would be GREATLY APPRECIATED especially since concrete disposal is next on the list and this attachment is almost a necessity for me at this point. On a side note machine has no leaks and cylinders on attachment are brand new with no leaks.

 

[Bobcatdan]

Put smaller hoses on to slow it down. It's not uncommon for grapples to use 1/4" hose.

 

[bobby101]

Put smaller hoses on to slow it down. It's not uncommon for grapples to use 1/4" hose.

Thanks for your input I would have never guessed that they ran on such a small hose, but definitely sounds like it would help, do u think that it would make a difference where the main aux lines tee off to each cylinder? Right now one line tee's off and then the other. I was thinking about placing one tee right in the middle of the cylinders and trying to make the hoses to the cylinders the exact same length. What do you think?

 

[1ofU]

Thanks for your input I would have never guessed that they ran on such a small hose, but definitely sounds like it would help, do u think that it would make a difference where the main aux lines tee off to each cylinder? Right now one line tee's off and then the other. I was thinking about placing one tee right in the middle of the cylinders and trying to make the hoses to the cylinders the exact same length. What do you think?

post some pics of the unit if you can , if they are plumbed together they should both move at the same rate of speed both open and closed , ive built several grapples and have used both 3/8 & 1/2 inch hoses and have never had this type of operation that you posted here . another option take the fittings off and insert a 1/4 inch washer ive used them to lower the flow they are around 5/8 od and 1/4 id . 1 of U

 

[mmsllc]

post some pics of the unit if you can , if they are plumbed together they should both move at the same rate of speed both open and closed , ive built several grapples and have used both 3/8 & 1/2 inch hoses and have never had this type of operation that you posted here . another option take the fittings off and insert a 1/4 inch washer ive used them to lower the flow they are around 5/8 od and 1/4 id . 1 of U

Smaller hoses should help to slow them down. If it doesn't then the grapple cylinders will probably need to be re-packed. It is a what tends to happen when things get old.

 

[bobby101]

Smaller hoses should help to slow them down. If it doesn't then the grapple cylinders will probably need to be re-packed. It is a what tends to happen when things get old.

The cylinders are actually brand new...old ones were shot!!!

 

[bobby101]

post some pics of the unit if you can , if they are plumbed together they should both move at the same rate of speed both open and closed , ive built several grapples and have used both 3/8 & 1/2 inch hoses and have never had this type of operation that you posted here . another option take the fittings off and insert a 1/4 inch washer ive used them to lower the flow they are around 5/8 od and 1/4 id . 1 of U

Im trying to fig out how to post pics...not to good with technology...lol

 

[bobby101]

post some pics of the unit if you can , if they are plumbed together they should both move at the same rate of speed both open and closed , ive built several grapples and have used both 3/8 & 1/2 inch hoses and have never had this type of operation that you posted here . another option take the fittings off and insert a 1/4 inch washer ive used them to lower the flow they are around 5/8 od and 1/4 id . 1 of U

I have pics available I just can't get them copied or pasted on the reply...dumb problem to have, but if you could walk me through it I'll Def post them a.s.a.p

 

[Bobcatdan]

I have pics available I just can't get them copied or pasted on the reply...dumb problem to have, but if you could walk me through it I'll Def post them a.s.a.p

One grapple uselly moves before the other so I wouldn't worry about replumbing the tee. The easier to move grapple will always move first since the cylinders are not mechanically bound together.

 

[bobby101]

One grapple uselly moves before the other so I wouldn't worry about replumbing the tee. The easier to move grapple will always move first since the cylinders are not mechanically bound together.

Its just that these are completely off, one is almost completely open before the other even begins to move.

 

[Tazza]

Its just that these are completely off, one is almost completely open before the other even begins to move.

That is still normal, one will be a little tighter than the other so it moves last.

 

[bobby101]

That is still normal, one will be a little tighter than the other so it moves last.

oh ok ive been watching too many videos...lol i guess i just have to work on slowing them down a little...im still trying to fig out how to post pics, so if you have any tips it would be appreciated thanks for the help

 

[Tazza]

oh ok ive been watching too many videos...lol i guess i just have to work on slowing them down a little...im still trying to fig out how to post pics, so if you have any tips it would be appreciated thanks for the help

I use internet explorer for the forum. I host the files on photobucket, you can use any online file storage though.
Open the picture, right click copy, right click/paste into your post.
Sadly the forum software doesn't play well with other web browsers, IE isn't great, but works well with the forum.

 

[bobby101]

I use internet explorer for the forum. I host the files on photobucket, you can use any online file storage though.
Open the picture, right click copy, right click/paste into your post.
Sadly the forum software doesn't play well with other web browsers, IE isn't great, but works well with the forum.

Awesome!!! I will def post some pics later on tonight. THANK YOU FOR THE HELP!!!!

 

[bobby101]

post some pics of the unit if you can , if they are plumbed together they should both move at the same rate of speed both open and closed , ive built several grapples and have used both 3/8 & 1/2 inch hoses and have never had this type of operation that you posted here . another option take the fittings off and insert a 1/4 inch washer ive used them to lower the flow they are around 5/8 od and 1/4 id . 1 of U

content://media/external/file/19722

 

[7LBSSMALLIE]

content://media/external/file/19722

there ise a qd avail with a restrictor buit in specifillay for grapples ....or alittle bell shaped copper fittining 709/ s had em to slow the flow. STRONGLY RECCOMENED A PORT RELIEF IN BASE AND ROD END TO PROTECT SYS. bell was in swing circuit on 709/s

 

[Tazza]

there ise a qd avail with a restrictor buit in specifillay for grapples ....or alittle bell shaped copper fittining 709/ s had em to slow the flow. STRONGLY RECCOMENED A PORT RELIEF IN BASE AND ROD END TO PROTECT SYS. bell was in swing circuit on 709/s

Bobby - You need to link the files on the web, not your home pc, that link was not an internet one.

 

[bobby101]

Bobby - You need to link the files on the web, not your home pc, that link was not an internet one.

http://s447.photobucket.com/user/rob125g/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Message_1455495399248_zpsi1bqjqqh.jpg.html?o=0

 

[bobby101]

http://s447.photobucket.com/user/rob125g/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Message_1455495399248_zpsi1bqjqqh.jpg.html?o=0

http://s447.photobucket.com/user/rob125g/media/Mobile%20Uploads/Message_1455495428314_zpskywxnsk1.jpg.html?o=1