While driving forward slowly, using a rock bucket to screen out large rocks in a freshly cut driveway, I hit a hidden 24" round boulder and the front of my tractor lifted up too quickly for me to react and I burst a 12mm steel hydraulic line. When I tried to buy a compression fitting to mend the line, I found out the entire 30" line had swollen more than a mm oversized. I had a hydraulic tube shop fabricate and repair it for me. Fortunately it only cost $65 and none of my valves were damaged. Those cylinders can easily created pressures that will destroy your hydraulic system quicker than you can blink an eye.

Hands down the most valuable piece of education I've yet seen on anything related to a tractor. ❤👍

This has been the most important post I've seen in a long while. I didn't realize the grievous error I've been making. Thank you.👍👍👍

this is why line reliefs are installed in most hydraulic systems. the line relief for each circuit will be set 500- 1000 psi higher than system pressure. this then allows the fluid to pop the relief when the circuit is overloaded from external forces. that "tee" manifold on the end of your loader where your auxiliary lines attach would be ideal for where to install the line reliefs. this would allow the pressure to bleed off before damage to the loader/machine could occur. the problem is training the operators to know when this happens the grapple will open due to the external force being applied. most operators today would view this happening as something wrong with the cylinders bypassing. large green and red led lights connected to pressure switches should be on all these newer hydraulic systems. this would allow the novice operators to know green means ok and red means you are overloading the circuit. one other feature would be for the "idiot" operator that treat the machine like you showed pulling on tree still in the ground with to small of a machine. a giant hand should pop out and slap the idiot operator for abusing the machine.

Engineer here: The design of the grapple makes a big difference too. It seems the cylinder on that model might be improperly sized. If you swapped the hydraulic cylinder with a bigger one (where the piston has more area and the same stroke) you would not only increase the clamping force of the grapple but also make it more difficult to generate a back-driving pressure as the force is working over more area. Some quick numbers: 1sq in. piston at 2500psi has 2500lb of actuation force. Against a transient load of 4000 pounds, system overpressure to 4000 psi. 2 sq in. piston at 2500psi has 5000lb of actuation force. Against the same 4000lbf transient from improper loading , system does not even exceed design pressure. The drawback of course is that the bigger cylinder would take twice as long to fill, so the grapple would take twice as long to close. It may also need a pressure limiter to avoid excessive force on the grapple frame at the design pressure.

I honestly believe you're saving lives Neil!! Thanks for yet another great video. A good friend of mine operates an excavation business here in WI... I have always been impressed with his operator skills (and particularly when he used his Kubota KX913S2 mini excavator to unearth an underground structure I purchased) but I'm gaining a new-found respect for the technical elements of what he makes look easy. Good stuff here!!!!! Thank you.

This is such a great video - not just for a “first timer” but a more learned (kindergarten) owner like myself. These tractors aren’t the construction beasts we thought about the first time we grabbed the controls. They do impressive work but one can’t be too careful with technique. Thank you for a great informative video!

So, although fun to watch you don’t recommend grabbing the top of a tree with your grapple and dry humping it with your tractor. Great informative video, had no idea those kinds of pressures could be produced.

Thanks for this video. I'm on the hunt for an L4060 and am researching grapples. This is very valuable info, I appreciate you taking the time to educate us.

Another super interesting (and eye opening) video. Thanks so much for the education Neal! Really appreciate and enjoy your videos. Keep them coming as long as you can!

Thank you for taking my phone call today! I think the world of you and thanks for this video! I’m in the market for a grapple and really appreciate this!

Undoubtedly, this is the most educational and informative video on tractor mechanics I've ever seen!

I’m beginning to grasp a full understanding... Great information!

Extremely well done and very educational. Neil you and your staff rocked this one - thank you!

Almost blew out the ankle at the beginning.been there many times,its no joke.

Thanks for the video!! Im sure we all are using our grappler past its limits. This will help me think before I overload mine. Have a Safe Day

Great video. Glad I watched it BEFORE the grapple arrived!

You consistently impress with the lessons. I'm betting Kubota loves you guys! (I'm already a Kubota and John Deere fan Kubota owner - BX23S.) Please keep doing this?

A FANTASTIC VIDEO! Many people have no clue about the systems, forces, and actions involved. Tractor owners need to see this type of stuff. But will they understand it?

Im buying a grapple next week, Im glad i watched this. I do see the point to it, really on any implement and any action that forces fluid back into the system. Many thanks.

Excellent job on this video! I would love to see a similar video with a 4 in 1 loader bucket.

Thanks much! Just lifted unbalance log and did what you demoed. Will stop this and be careful, great advice.

Excellent video Neil! Informative and interesting. (and yes I’ve done such things....more than once 😉). Also applies to my 4 in one bucket as well. I’ll be thinking about it from now on. BTW, gotta love the out takes 😂!

I love the grapple episode! Ya know you have got be my favorite KZfaq subscription! I wished you guys would have had a store here in Washington! The knowledge you pass on is invaluable! Excellent job educating us, you never fail to impress me!

Thank you for the great information...I'm new to this realm, been watching many videos the past three years and working my new LX2610 for 6months now. This is information I didn't realize...thank your again for the great informational videos you but out there for all. Be well.

OMGosh this is a million-dollar video. I see so many youtubers doing exactly what you were demonstrating. A chill just went through my spine; this can do so many potential damages to the wallet.

What a well educated video.. I just shared it with my dad.. He owns 2 Massey's and 1 Landini and I own a CT47 McCormick (sister to LS). Yes loaders can lift heavy, but excessive pressure through hydraulic hoses could disrupt the balance of pressure that the tractor was intended for. Whether it's a grapple, bucket or any attachment. You are right, these are NOT bulldozers and we all tend to push the limit on what the machines can do.. I myself have been struggling trying to figure out why I'm having so much trouble with my hydraulic valve system and excessive pressure through my hydraulic may be the answer.. Thank you for the educated video.

Yes, this is a bit late to comment but... A really GOOD explanation for someone who has run Ag tractors a long time, but who hasn't really used front hydraulics. Well done!

Great video, I didn't realize how much pressure increased so easily. Good thing I don't do most of those bad habits, but I have definitely carried off center loads.

good video, and good timing, since I just got my first grapple

Hi Neil, I'm more in favor of the use of a pressure release valve on the attachment end, in addition to a check valve. The check valve protects the tractor, however the pressure spike is still there when the attachment is still used incorrectly. The pressure release will greatly minimize the spike from happening altogether. I have also seen many operators user their compact tractor, and like you also mentioned, as a bulldozer. When something doesn't move it gets rammed. Besides potential hydraulic damage, the mechanical stresses on the tractor and loader, can often times be catastrophic! The same is also true when adding tractor ballast to prevent wheel spin. Wheel spin is the equivalent of a pressure release for the drive train. Excellent Video! Keep them coming!

Very good video. Great to actually show the pressure experienced. I bought a pressure gage from Ken's but like yours better with the peek hold. I am guessing you have 2 of the grapple units shown. I bought the Artillian front frame for the 2x2 ball mount. I need the grapple next.

Great video. Thanks - Makes perfect sense. Glad I saw it before getting a tractor/grapple.

Wow. Great video. Thanks for putting your tractor through this for us. 💐👍

Very interesting video. I just replaced all eight small hoses on the loader of my B2650 after having one burst while using the bucket. Came to find out Kubota installed single wire hoses, I assume because they are cheaper. I installed two wire hoses. I think this is the way a premium tractor should have been made.

Great info! I had no idea an implement could generate those elevated pressures!

I really do appreciate your "training" videos. And, your "walk around" videos. I am sure you know that it is impossible to teach common sense to people who are not born with it. But, at least, you are making certain common sense knowledge available. Thanks for your time and knowledge.

Amazing how the pressure builds up in a pinch! I would imagine the same thing happens with back ho arm when your pushing a tree over pulling down and pushing out same time, you have two cylinders pushing against one.

Great information Neil

Hey Neil, I talked about this video in my most recent video installing a .3rd function, I linked this video in my video description hope you don’t mind. It’s a great video!

Thanks for the video, I'll be sure to keep this in mind with my new tractor

You make great videos and they're always really informative, thanks

Awesome video and information - Thanks

THANK YOU, Neil. Great info, never occurred to me. (I’m glad I haven’t used my grapple that way in ignorance!)

REALLY good video - many thanks. Recently bought my first tractor and never considered this. Good thing hydraulic hoses (and cylinders) have a safety factor of 4:1 That means the burst pressure on a 3000 psi hose should be around 12000 psi.

All of the "right" advice is at the end, good job!

Good video. This is something I was aware of but had not seen any 'measurements' of, so this was nice. If someone wanted to get into this a little more and customize or build their own equipment, I believe the valve you referenced would be called a pilot operated check valve, or load holding valve. That type of valve ideally would have also stopped the pressure bleed-off you saw when you turned your tractor off earlier in the video, which could make the difference of something slipping or falling out if you happened to turn the tractor off with something grappled and held off the ground (opening another can of safety worms there, i know). That type of valve doesn't really protect the implement cylinder (including the extended rod..) and lines from the pressure spike though, just the tractor on the other side of the valve. One might also consider a crossover relief valve. That would let the cylinder move once pressure reached a certain point. That would protect both the hydraulic system AND the physical parts (such as the rod you won't want to bend, mounting ears you don't want to crack off, etc etc) from excess force, but it WOULD allow the grapple to slip/move when you're exceeding its limits, which means you need to know where those limits are before you accidentally drop a giant weight on something because you happened to hit a bump while driving near it with the grapple holding something. I do think your vid did a great job explaining to the guy who's just going to buy something and leave it alone. The above stuff is definitely for the tinkerers to consider 'at their own risk'. Any of this stuff built wrong is going to hurt somebody, someday.

How about a counter video showing how to properly use a grapple? I'm new and have an L2501 and would appreciate it. As well can you throw up a link to the grapple you showed at the end?

Great advice! Thanks for video.

Neal is such a good salesman. He describes everything very well an is also not just trying to steal your money by you coming back more than you actually should have to by educating his customers an every other compact tractor owner for that matter on the do's an don'ts to get the most outta your investment. Definitely someone I recommend ppl to talk to if they in the market for a new toy

Great video. Very informative. The force of the load should remain on the lower portion of the grapple bucket as a lifting manuever and balanced from side-to-side.

Great information Neil.

That's why top end heavy equipment systems use circuit relief valves. They prevent system spikes like you describe. Unfortunately, most aftermarket consumer attachments don't have them.. I add circuit relief valves on all my attachments. A little pricey, but cheap compared to the damages that can happen. They also help add a safety factor in that if set correctly, the operator cannot overload the machine. Good hydraulic design is a must!

I just had 2 acres cleared and the company that did the logging work was running around the property with a Skid Steer with a grapple... Doing a LOT of what you discussed in this video. Through the course of an 8 day job, they blew FIVE... yes... FIVE hydraulic lines on the steer. All related to the grapple. Meanwhile, my tiny little Branson 2205 has NEVER blown a line on the bucket, backhoe or grapple. I take my time, I stop when the machine says NOPE.. I don't push past the operating limits. Yeah it takes me longer to do stuff, but, the price of fuel and grease is cheaper than parts, IF you can even get them... Great video...

Great information! Never considered the fact of the back pressure being put back into the machine.

As soon as I saw how fast that little grapple operated, I knew it wasn’t designed properly. Beyond the high pressure lines and safety/lock valve that the better equipment has, the grapple should be designed such that the cylinder has the mechanical advantage over the tongs, not the other way around. Great video!

Interesting video Neil!!

thanks much for this video! I was planning on getting one for my little Kubota L2501. Now I'm going to wait or rent as needed. Not worth the possible damage.

Good video Neil. Smart to talk about this kind of stuff. Very informative

Great info, thanks!

Thanks there to you for opening up the eyes of me, the newbe, to the hidden understandings of how these things operate.

Thx for what you do !

I recently added a 3rd function to my 2017 L2501 and I love the grapple but I have had to replace two hydraulic line since the installation. I guess maybe this is a good explanation on why they failed and what I should not be doing with my grapple.. Thank you.

Great demo - that's not something any operator would realize is happening until there's a puddle of oil. Also, with your grapple offset you are torquing the loader arms really hard. Would be best to center that single grapple assembly. Keep doing this videos. Really like them.

If your diverter valve doesn’t have a pressure relief in it that can send over pressurized oil back to the tank from the close side of the grapple ram, then I’d add one. They’re not too expensive... and can prevent some nasty situations from occurring (high pressure fluid injection injury can be fatal).

good info. Thanks!

Another good video. Great info. Like most of us, never would have thought about that.

So im guessing i improperly used my grapple when i ripped the engine out of a Ford Contour. 😂 As always Neil+ staff, great video!!!

Neil, I love watching & learning from your video's! I have gained a lot of knowledge & probably saved myself quite a few dollars by learning the tips & tricks you continue to show on this channel! I really appreciate it! I'm hoping in the near future to add the third function valve, along with a grapple & a front snow blade to My 2501. You mentioned the OEM third function over the after market. Are those still a possibility for me, to have my dealer install or am I stuck with the after market now? Thanks again Neil!!

Great demonstration...I'm very good at breaking stuff...I'm getting my first grapple so your video might save a headache

Great video!

Very helpful.. Thanks

Very informative thanks

Good information to know but also make sure to install single grapple in the center of the carrier or you are taking a chance of bending/twisting your front loader.

Great information.

Just on time. I am about to pick up a LP SGC0660 for my B2601.

You guys have the best tractor videos. I have a grapple on my L3901 that I love. Two items I wisdom I was taught. 1) It is a tractor, not a dozer 2) when picking up loads with a grapple, beware of offset loads, it can twist the loader frame and bad things happen. Never even considered the hydraulic pressure issue.

I have a grapple on my M7060 and it is awesome but I can see where there can be problems. It is sized for a skidsteer and I use it for moving brush, trees and rootballs. Been worth the investment.

It seams like a simple in line check valve would be super easy to make and sell. Any thoughts on maybe just providing an inline checkvalve we can just buy for extra caution?

Great video! Would be great to get your take on either letting a bx run at idle (when doing something else inside the shop) vs shutting it down.

Great vid, The bucket / grapple are NOT pry bars. Would the hitch bar and a chain be better for yanking and tugging ?

My baffle is coming tomorrow, can't wait to see what I can get into, glad I watched, may be getting a bigger Massey Ferguson, I got a 40 horse tractor maybe a 65 would be better.

Good morning Neal. Excellent video (again). Very educational. And very helpful especially for new tractor owners learning how to operate their new machine. I agree with most everything you said, especially as it pertains to lifting loads that are offset or not centred etc, using the jaw to pull or push against stumps, loads etc. However, I wanted to ask you to explain further what you mean by "trying to lift loads too heavy for your tractor". Whether using a bucket, grapple or other FEL attachment, it is my understanding that the tractor will not lift something that is "too heavy for the tractor". It simply does not lift it as the system has relief valves in it. In other words, it is not possible to lift something "too heavy". If the tractor is engineered to lift 1,000 lbs and I try to lift 1500 lbs, the loader just simply doesn't lift it. Is that correct or perhaps I have misunderstood? Your advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again - excellent video series! Cheers!

Do they make those check valve that you can add to your grapple? If they do I sure would like to put one online because I'm sure I will be doing something like this to get the job done.

Nice video Neil!

what is the max pressure those hoses are rated for? AND do you sell check valves that can be retrofitted?

I watched this excellent video. I am going to go out and apologize to my tractor now and use my grapple a little more carefully in the future.

Funny boy with All the Right TOYS!

Great video, one time I was moving a long log off center & a hose blew on the grapple & a laser beam of hydraulic oil

Also check the fluid level in the reservoir each time you start using a new hydraulic implement. Filling the lines and cylinders will deplete the sump.

It's always a good idea to put some protective nylon hose wrap on the exposed hydraulic hoses that are back near the operator. If one of those were to burst during operating it could be an unpleasant experience for the operator.

Hi Neil, why doesn't Kubota incorporate the relief vale as part of the 3rd function?

Okay I just have to ask all tractors and pieces of equipment have a hydraulic relief pressure set at say 2,900 for a 3000 psi system. Does that not kick in before all of this extra pressure that you are referring to? Thanks

Isn’t there some sort of in-line check valve that can be utilized to prevent this problem? A check-valve that can be placed at the point where the grapple hooks up to the tractor hydraulics. Thanks,

Are all the 3000psi hoses 2 wire ? I have seen a bunch of post where guys are cranking the reliefs to close to 3k psi. Another piece of the puzzle is what the tractor is rated for vs the pump itself. Just cause the pump can make 4k psi doesnt mean the system is set up to cool the fluid at that pressure due to the extra heat generated. Lots of guys bending and breaking loaders with grapples.

Thank you for great video. I have only one comment. At first example the system was still under pressure even after the engine was shutoff. Do not touch hoses with naked hands. This is very dangerous as it might cause hydraulic injection injury which can be leathal.

New tractor owner here. Does this mean that if you have a 4-n-1 bucket you shouldn't back drag with the lid when the clam shell is open?

Neil before you do too much more abuse to your hydraulics you need to pull your sock up. The Kevlar sock on you loader hoses has slipped out of the loop where the hoses go thru. I have already had to replace my hoses because they had worn thru and were ready to blow. Its a tight fit. Excellent video.

I didn't know what kind of pressures were involved, but common sense ( I know, for some, it's really scarce these days!) would tell you not to force the hydraulics and use the tractor like it's indestructible. Thanks for sharing some of the other things to keep in mind when using the grapple, or any hydraulic-driven implement.

Anybody recommend me what kind of grapple is good for Kabota L 2501 I don’t want to heavy