Aux hydraulics for a grapple

[sparker133]

I have a Farmall 45 I did not get any remote with the tractor nice going.

Now I would like to add grapples to my front bucket to move brush. I am trying to find a way to add them with out paying the dealer price for a kit.

There must be a way to add them and use the factory spots for the aux. I am looking to use the spots on my fender were the factor levers are, if that is possible.

Later I would also like to add one in the back for 3pt equipment.

The problem is I have more time than money common right.

 

[J_J]

If you want an inexpensive diverter valve, use one like this.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009111713092331&catname=hydraulic&qty=1&item=9-5117

You will then need hoses, switch, grapple, and place for the valve.

 

[jinman]

A WR Long kit that will put a switch on your joystick and a diverter valve to power your grapple will be about $700. That's a good deal, but also about the same price as adding an OEM remote valve from Farmall. Additional remotes can be added for about $500 each up to a maximum of three. I don't think you will find non-OEM valves that will bolt up to your tractor like the Farmall remotes. I really like the factory remotes because they come with everything you need and levers designed just for your tractor. It's expensive, but will add value to your tractor since parts support is always available through Farmall. Remember, the WR Long or other diverter valve works mainly with the loader. Remotes are always there for other uses at the rear of your tractor and can be used for a grapple with hoses running up to the FEL. That's how I run my grapple and I'm very happy with it.

If you feel confident, you can build your own diverter with the valve J.J. linked to. But, be prepared to be on your own. You can save a couple hundred dollars, but it will require you to become very knowlegable. It's gonna cost you a bit less, but you'll have to invest time and design everything including mounting brackets by yourself. The WR Long kit is very convenient and what I'd recommend if you decide to go with a diverter rather than a remote.

 

[sparker133]

Thanks for the info I did not know the factory kit was that price. I Thought they would be more than that. I also like the idea of having a switch on the FEL handle for the grapple.

Does the oem kit take log to install or is it hard to do yourself.

 

[jinman]

Does the oem kit take log to install or is it hard to do yourself.

The first kit is $672 and the others are around $500. I checked the prices and found I was misquoting them a bit.

Here are some photos. The kits come with the levers, piping, and supports for the rear of the tractor. In the first picture, you can see the closeup of the first valve. For the remaining valves, you just remove the 4 bolts holding on the outer cover plate and stack on another valve up to 3. Each successive kit comes with the longer bolts needed to go through all the other valves. If you put three valves on at once, you end up with 8 bolts you don't need from the first two kits. The kits also come with o-ring seals. The only thing you need to have extra is teflon tape or liquid sealer for the piping joints. You want to make sure all joints are tight and leak free because it's a pain to get in to tighten them after you have them all stacked up.

In the second picture, you can see that with the right-rear wheel removed, I can sit in my folding chair to do the job. Any job this easy is something I think anyone with minimum skills like me can do.

Finally, I included the illustrations that come with remote valve kits 1 & 2 so you can see what is involved with the kits. The kits are the same except the levers are different for the gear or HST tractors. It's a fun and easy job.

 

[dave1949]

So jinman, why aren't you are writer for a tech/farm magazine? You are so good at explaining and showing, thanks. They have plenty of writers who cab fill two pages and say nothing useful.
Dave.

 

[jinman]

So jinman, why aren't you are writer for a tech/farm magazine? You are so good at explaining and showing, thanks. They have plenty of writers who cab fill two pages and say nothing useful.
Dave.

Thank you, Dave. I have over 40 years experience as a technician, technical trainer, instructional designer, and multimedia specialist. In the process, I've done my share of technical writing. I'm proud to say that many of my illustrations and photos live on in hundreds of aviation publications. But now, I'm retired and just doing what I've always wanted to do. While I don't work as hard to proofread what I write, I still enjoy breaking something down and trying to make it as easy to understand as is possible. If you can understand what I write, and it helps you, I'm thrilled. Thanks again for making my day.

 

[jmc]

So jinman, why aren't you are writer for a tech/farm magazine? You are so good at explaining and showing, thanks. Dave.

I agree! And one nice touch is that he RESIZES HIS PICTURES SO THEY LOAD QUICKLY.

John

 

[sparker133]

Awesome pictures, thanks for the photos and the expiation. Sounds easy to do after you explained it and posted pic. The info and pic you posted looks better than the manuals you would get with it.

Sorry, didn稚 respond sooner but pregnant wife 41 week in. Hope the baby comes soon she is driving me nuts