Grapple grapple

[IslandTractor]

Right now I have the joystick up front for the bucket and two sets of rear hydraulics - one of which I could use for the grapple -- but I sure would like to get a lever next to the joy stick to make the use of the grapple a lot more user friendly

Where are the controls for your rear hydraulics? If they are within easy reach of the joystick then the simpliest thing is to just use them as is. It is easy to get some quick connects and a couple lengths of 3/8 hose and snake them from the rear remotes through the tractor to the grapple. That solution would literally cost only $100 or so for the connectors and hoses. A third function valve kit will cost you about a grand plus installation.

 

[medicshawn]

I think the 3rd function valves are running 700 for the Wr Long or the Kubota. Not sure about installation charges I had mine installed before delivery and thats what it cost me.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think the 3rd function valves are running 700 for the Wr Long or the Kubota. Not sure about installation charges I had mine installed before delivery and thats what it cost me.

That is not bad considering the diverter valve kits are only a couple hundred less.

 

[n.o.yat]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

 

[J_J]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

If your valve has a PB port, then you could add another valve for the grapple. You could even use a 12v electric valve and toggle the grapple with a thumb switch. The electric valves are around $100.00 If it is to fast, add a restrictor.

I purchased a joystick valve with PB from Surplus Hydraulics, around $200.00 Just put your FEL on this valve, and tie your other valve to the PB port, or use the electric valve, tied into the PB port.

 

[Kennebago]

Where are the controls for your rear hydraulics? If they are within easy reach of the joystick then the simpliest thing is to just use them as is. It is easy to get some quick connects and a couple lengths of 3/8 hose and snake them from the rear remotes through the tractor to the grapple. That solution would literally cost only $100 or so for the connectors and hoses. A third function valve kit will cost you about a grand plus installation.

Thanks IslandTractor -
The rear remotes are pretty tough to work when using the lift or curl at the same time. The grapple I am using is an ANBO grapple rake so there are lots of times I want to be able to open the grapple and raise or curl at the same time and since both the rears and the joy stick are on the same side but separated by about two feet it is pretty inconvenient. I want to be able to mount a switch on the joy stick - and operate essentailly like the Long kit. I will do the install myself, but was wondering if anyone had experience doing this with off the shelf components and making their own brackets.

I really dont want to spend the $1000 plus so was hoping some of you out there could share some experiences and photos that would make the job go a bit easier

Thanks again for the comments

 

[IslandTractor]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

You do not need a diverter valve or third function valve. A set of rear remotes are not expensive to install especially if you do it yourself with a Kubota kit. After that all you need are 100 bucks worth of hoses and fittings.

 

[Northland]

I bought a Tatro bucket grapple for $400 http://www.tatrosite.com/
and a WR Long valve kit ($600) Valve Kits for my B7800 a few year ago.

No rear ports required and I can use the QD hoses to power a hydraulic splitter when I buy one.

For a $1000 total it has been a great investment for me as I use it often for moving the maple trees I fell for firewood. It stays on all year round now.

 

[dangerdoc]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

Seriously, I added a third function to my Kubota in a couple of hours and less than $200. It would have taken about 45 minutes if I had done it before.

The hardest part is deciding where you want to put the second valve and measuring the hoses.

If you are worried about the cost of the extra valve, go to surplus supply and price them, they're not that bad.

 

[westbrooklawn]

Is that a WRLong or ATI? Looks like the ATI. I did not know that WRLong made a grapple bucket attachment.

Island... I would have replied sooner, but was out of town for the weekend and didn't have any internet acess. Yes, it is a WR Long... they offer both a single cylinder and a double cylinder version. Nelson convinced me that the single would be fine for my loader, and he was correct. The WR Long bolt on may look like the ATI, but it is heavier stock, and all around better quality in my opinion. Pivot points have grease fittings, cylinder has a protective cover, etc.