Grapple Great grapple pictures Kennyd

[MD3]

I ran into the deal that I have been looking for. A all but new 60 root grapple for $700.00. Now is the time to finish the valve hookup and run the hydraulic lines. I worry about the hyd. Lines at the grapple getting torn. In Kennyd痴 pictures I see a Bulkhead type fitting mounted on the boom arm( looks great). Is this fitting a JD part? Do any of you experienced folks have any suggestions about running the hyd. Lines.

 

[ihuntbear]

i used a selector valve and put a botton on the stick.Only had to run two 4 ft lines from the valve to the grapple

 

[HCJtractor]

W.R. Long sells a kit with everything you need, if you wanat to go electric over hydraulic which is the best way. A simple bulhead fitting is welded to the crossmember of the FEL and has quick connects. The joystick has a button on it to open and close the thumb. THere is a solenoid that is mounted to the side of the tractor. THey have a picture of this posted on their website. They are very helpful if you need more info, easy to work with. Seems like it cost around $600 for the kit, controls, hoses, quick connects, etc. Mine works great. And yes, you do need to worry about tearing a hose. I have done this twice, usually when I am being too aggressive plowing into thickets blindly and using my tractor as a bulldozer, but hey, that is fun! Take care to zip tie hoses tightly or bungee them where they need some slack, and watch any loose loops that can be caught. I even keep spare hoses made to order just in case.

 

[kennyd]

I ran into the deal that I have been looking for. A all but new 60 root grapple for $700.00. Now is the time to finish the valve hookup and run the hydraulic lines. I worry about the hyd. Lines at the grapple getting torn. In Kennyd痴 pictures I see a Bulkhead type fitting mounted on the boom arm( looks great). Is this fitting a JD part? Do any of you experienced folks have any suggestions about running the hyd. Lines.

Thanks MD. I made that myself...I can talk you through it if you want-or you can drive the tractor on over:thumbsup:

 

[Don87]

You can get a "electric over hydraulic" cylinder(a self contained unit).
It only requires 2 wires(hot and ground), run to the grapple. I've been toying with that idea.
My old Cub Cadet had that on the rear tiller.

 

[Ford tractor]

You can get a "electric over hydraulic" cylinder(a self contained unit).
It only requires 2 wires(hot and ground), run to the grapple. I've been toying with that idea.
My old Cub Cadet had that on the rear tiller.

Before spending the $$$$, do the math on the extend and retract time from the rated flow and also determine the current draw. Most units are small and sloooooooow. The larger faster units draw current like mad. Often, the hydraulic lines are more robust than electrical wires.

 

[Marveltone]

I was able to score a brand new Prince hydraulic control valve on fleabay for $60. For that price, I decided to go to the local Cenex and do a full hydraulic hookup and skip the electric stuff. Sure, it's not as pretty, as I now have three levers to contend with, instead of one slick joystick, but it works just fine, and the price was right.

Joe