Grapple Hydraulics

[554 Horseman]

Hi Guys, I'm new here but I have been reading and learning over the past couple of months. I am planning on buying a 48" Markham grapple for my 2520 and I guess I am in a lurch as to buy a kit for the hydraulics installation or piece meal it. I got a price on the WR Long diverter valve kit for a little under $500 but when I started looking at buying the pieces seperately and doing some fabrication work the cost looks substantially lower. In light of this I guess I am asking for opinions from people who have "been there and done that". Thanks for any info or input!

 

[wedge40]

Hi Guys, I'm new here but I have been reading and learning over the past couple of months. I am planning on buying a 48" Markham grapple for my 2520 and I guess I am in a lurch as to buy a kit for the hydraulics installation or piece meal it. I got a price on the WR Long diverter valve kit for a little under $500 but when I started looking at buying the pieces seperately and doing some fabrication work the cost looks substantially lower. In light of this I guess I am asking for opinions from people who have "been there and done that". Thanks for any info or input!

Welcome to TBN. I haven't done the search, but I know there are numerous posts about people who have done just what you're talking about and hopefully some of them will point you in the right direction. I know I was looking at parts from Surplus Center at one time. If you have an extra remote on the back of your tractor you may want to just hook up there, instead of creating a diverter switch. I know that's what I did and so far I'm very pleased with the results. Not having to move my hand just wasn't worth the cost for me. Not to mention the time for me to fabricate and install the switch was time I could be using the grapple.

Wedge

 

[kennyd]

Welcome to TBN

I put together a diverter years ago from scratch on my 4110, If I had to do it again I would buy the kit. Finding all the proper fittings and parts can be a real PITA unless you really know what you are doing.

There are lots of threads here is you search these terms:

grapple
snowplow
diverter
wr long
3rd function

 

[3RRL]

Hi Guys, I'm new here but I have been reading and learning over the past couple of months. I am planning on buying a 48" Markham grapple for my 2520 and I guess I am in a lurch as to buy a kit for the hydraulics installation or piece meal it. I got a price on the WR Long diverter valve kit for a little under $500 but when I started looking at buying the pieces seperately and doing some fabrication work the cost looks substantially lower. In light of this I guess I am asking for opinions from people who have "been there and done that". Thanks for any info or input!

Hi Horseman and welcome to TBN!
I did the piece meal thing for both mine and my wife's tractor.
On my tractor I bought the WR Long components because there was no "kit" for the Kama tractor. It was made up of the solenoid valve, subplate and joystick handle with rocker switch. I had to do all the plumbing for hoses, hook up the electrical and make my own brackets. It was my first bucket grapple installation but I got it done and learned a lot. I installed 2 Andy Tatro Bucket Grapples on my 55hp Kama.

The second go 'round was much easier. I completely piece mealed that installation on my wife's 284 Jinma tractor. Knowing what I needed, I was able to buy components for much less than any kit. I have always done my own fabrication making brackets and such, so I had the flexibility to make them the way I wanted and place them where I thought they'd be best.
This is the thread you need to check out if you want to go that way.

My Very Own Grapples

There are costs and links to where you can buy every component you need to do this yourself. Lots of photos too. If you decide to go that route, the thread might make it easier for you to get the parts you need. At least you'll be able to make a good comparison...
Rob-

 

[554 Horseman]

Thanks for all the info guys! Looking forward to becoming an active member of the forum. I will most likely go for the diverter kit as I have logistical and timeframe problems with installing my grapple.
1. I am in Alaska
2. My tractor is in Pa. where I keep it stored.
3. My property I am clearing is in Western NC.
4. Only have limited time to pick up tractor, install grapple, haul to NC, work on property, back to Pa, store, come back to Alaska for another construction season. Pretty hectic schedule for a 4 week period.

If I have everything except hoses waiting on me when I arrive in Pa I figure it will only take a few days to get everything together and installed and tested. Then a one day drive down I-81 to my piece of heaven to get some seat time and fresh air. Thanks again!

 

[kennyd]

No problem 554, let me know if I can help more-I am pretty versed with the JD hydraulic stuff...

Where in PA is your tractor?

 

[554 Horseman]

Thanks Kenny, My tractor is kept at my brothers farm just outside of Scranton. He keeps it, my trailer and my truck there for when I am able to get back there. I picked up 24 acres of wooded property a couple of years back in Marion NC. It's about 30 miles East of Asheville. I try to get down there yearly to spend some time working on it as we plan to build there and spend our retirement in a little bit warmer place than here.
Do you know what exactly comes in the Long diverter valve kit? Nelson Long said they could provide hoese for $58.00 or $98.00 dollars but I'm not sure why the price difference.
I followed your thread when you originally plumbed your tractor for the plow and you did a great job of it. If I wasn't pressed for time and had my tractor here I could fabricate about everything I need in my shop but, that isn't the case.

 

[kennyd]

Thanks Kenny, My tractor is kept at my brothers farm just outside of Scranton. He keeps it, my trailer and my truck there for when I am able to get back there. I picked up 24 acres of wooded property a couple of years back in Marion NC. It's about 30 miles East of Asheville. I try to get down there yearly to spend some time working on it as we plan to build there and spend our retirement in a little bit warmer place than here.
Do you know what exactly comes in the Long diverter valve kit? Nelson Long said they could provide hoese for $58.00 or $98.00 dollars but I'm not sure why the price difference.
I followed your thread when you originally plumbed your tractor for the plow and you did a great job of it. If I wasn't pressed for time and had my tractor here I could fabricate about everything I need in my shop but, that isn't the case.

Nelson could better answer this...He is a great guy!

But to my knowledge, it comes with the joystick mounted switch, valve, hoses, couplers and brackets-including the bulkhead to mount the coupler up on the loader torque tube.

 

[justcountry]

If you have the time, definately build your own kit, you'll be glad you did. do a search on hear for my post of Millonzi on kubota finally. There are also many othe post that are very detailed on how to do this. Good luck

 

[rbento]

I can understand the lack of time thing. That not being my problem nor the money (really) I am in the process of installing a Tatro grapple on my kubota at this time. I recently ordered the valve and all 7 hoses from Surplus center for $215 with shipping. Then I ordered $ 95 worth of fittings from Discount Hydraulics. I probably would have spent up to $500 on a kit and been OK with that. My biggest interest personally was the research, understanding of the system and value. So far so good on those points but I have not recieved my parts yet so i am still crossing my fingers on my descission.
I too am a new guy here on TBN and have learned a lot so far. Tractors are sorta new to me as well.

Good luck