Grapple Grapple and 3rd Function control for Kioti DK40se

southerniltractor · Feb 20, 2013

Good morning folks,

I'm looking at grapples from Everything Attachments and other sources for my Kioti DK40se. I'd like to hear your thoughts on various grapples for my tractor. In addition, I'm trying to determine if I should pay the additional $775.00 to get the third function added, or just use hoses and quick attachments from my rear remotes. I've never used a grapple, but I've got to figure out a way to move brush and logs in a more efficient and effective manner. My body just can't pay the bills anymore and I need to mechanize my work here.

Thanks,
Mike

EverythingAttachments · Feb 20, 2013

You'll get many opinions about the 3rd function...DIY vs Kit and grapples, but my recommendation on a grapple is.........
Wicked Grapple All The Way!!!!!! Your tractor will thank you.

kiotiken · Feb 20, 2013

I don't have a grapple and I've never used one, but if I was buying one, I'd have a 3rd function kit added. If you'll be doing hrs of grapple work, having control on your FEL joystick will be worth every dime when compared to playing around with the remotes. I find the controls for the remotes un-ergonomic and a PITA to use, Kioti did a much better job on the CK series.

GManBart · Feb 20, 2013

I'm trying to make the same decision right now. I'm definitely getting ETA's Wicked Grapple (still waffling on size a little bit)...that's already decided. I'm pretty handy, and have a neighbor who can fix/work on just about anything, so I'm sure between the two of us, we could add a 3rd function kit, but I'm not sure it makes the most financial sense for me at this point. I've been thinking of initially going with a rear remote, and if I use the grapple a lot, eventually adding the 3rd function kit since the cost of using the rear remotes is pretty low. Decisions, decisions....

murphy1244 · Feb 20, 2013

I went with MIE Grapple and hose kit to use my second remote.
Hound Dog Brush / Debris Grapples

k0ua · Feb 20, 2013

GManBart said:
I'm trying to make the same decision right now. I'm definitely getting ETA's Wicked Grapple (still waffling on size a little bit)...that's already decided. I'm pretty handy, and have a neighbor who can fix/work on just about anything, so I'm sure between the two of us, we could add a 3rd function kit, but I'm not sure it makes the most financial sense for me at this point. I've been thinking of initially going with a rear remote, and if I use the grapple a lot, eventually adding the 3rd function kit since the cost of using the rear remotes is pretty low. Decisions, decisions....

My thoughts on this is why not start with the rear remotes, run from the rear remotes with a 6 foot hoses up to the area where the loader starts, use couplers to continue on with hoses out to the torque tube of the loader, these hoses would be tie wrapped to the existing loader hoses, so now you can still remove your loader easily. AND also if you decide to install a third function valve it would go in the area of the couplers and you could likely re-use the longer loader mounted hoses for the hookup to the electric/hydraulic valve. So you are out 2 six foot hoses from the remotes to the loader post if you decide to go with the 3rd function idea.. Not a lot a money. And should you get along fine with using the rear hookup and manual control valve already on your tractor.. Well you are done and a happy camper.. Thats my 2 centavos.

James K0UA

GManBart · Feb 20, 2013

k0ua said:
My thoughts on this is why not start with the rear remotes, run from the rear remotes with a 6 foot hoses up to the area where the loader starts, use couplers to continue on with hoses out to the torque tube of the loader, these hoses would be tie wrapped to the existing loader hoses, so now you can still remove your loader easily. AND also if you decide to install a third function valve it would go in the area of the couplers and you could likely re-use the longer loader mounted hoses for the hookup to the electric/hydraulic valve. So you are out 2 six foot hoses from the remotes to the loader post if you decide to go with the 3rd function idea.. Not a lot a money. And should you get along fine with using the rear hookup and manual control valve already on your tractor.. Well you are done and a happy camper.. Thats my 2 centavos.

James K0UA

That's a good plan...thanks!

crazyangel · Feb 20, 2013

If you have a rear remote that is unutilized then that can be a cost effective way to start, but might not make sense if you have to unplug something else. Also, Having the controls right on my loader lever was important to me. So I put the third function kit on my tractor. The Wicked Grapple is a great design. A nice choice for sure!

moriboy · Feb 20, 2013

I just bought a grapple and installed the 3rd function option on my tractor. I can say that operating the loader, while steering, and then being able to also control the grapple via remotes would be tough....

grsthegreat · Feb 20, 2013

I didnt want to spend the extra $880 for the 3rd myself, so added a set of hoses to the rear non detente set of ports i already had. I also installed a quick disconnect at the same location as the tractors QD's so i can split the hoses when removing the loader. The hoses end in a nice bracket up front.

so far no issues. I did make a short extension bracket for the rear remote to raise it up to an easier to use position when using the plow. very easy to reach and use.

i only spent $250 on this setup. at the time i had already unloaded too much available cash and had to stop somewheres.

Nowdays i may hsave opted for the 3rd function valve..... but who knows. I dont feel im missing much.

murphy1244 · Feb 20, 2013

grsthegreat said:
I didnt want to spend the extra $880 for the 3rd myself, so added a set of hoses to the rear non detente set of ports i already had. I also installed a quick disconnect at the same location as the tractors QD's so i can split the hoses when removing the loader. The hoses end in a nice bracket up front.

so far no issues. I did make a short extension bracket for the rear remote to raise it up to an easier to use position when using the plow. very easy to reach and use.

i only spent $250 on this setup. at the time i had already unloaded too much available cash and had to stop somewheres.

Nowdays i may hsave opted for the 3rd function valve..... but who knows. I dont feel im missing much.View attachment 304379 View attachment 304380 View attachment 304381 View attachment 304382

Ditto, same set-up. If you can't walk and chew gum you shouldn't be on a tractor.

moriboy · Feb 20, 2013

murphy1244 said:
Ditto, same set-up. If you can't walk and chew gum you shouldn't be on a tractor.

But with the 3rd function, I can drive, grapple and talk on my cell phone!

J_J · Feb 20, 2013

Why are you even thinking 3ed function, when the selector/diverter valve setup is much better.

It less expensive, and is inserted in the curl circuit up front., and you can feather the grapple.

There really is no disadvantage using the selector/diverter valve. It is small/compact and easy to install. You simply press a button for grapple and let go the button for curl.

Surplus Center - 12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Instruct/I9-7852.pdf

Do it yourself, learn something and save money.

k0ua · Feb 20, 2013

grsthegreat said:
I didnt want to spend the extra $880 for the 3rd myself, so added a set of hoses to the rear non detente set of ports i already had. I also installed a quick disconnect at the same location as the tractors QD's so i can split the hoses when removing the loader. The hoses end in a nice bracket up front.

so far no issues. I did make a short extension bracket for the rear remote to raise it up to an easier to use position when using the plow. very easy to reach and use.

i only spent $250 on this setup. at the time i had already unloaded too much available cash and had to stop somewheres.

Nowdays i may hsave opted for the 3rd function valve..... but who knows. I dont feel im missing much.View attachment 304379 View attachment 304380 View attachment 304381 View attachment 304382

It looked to me on the DK series it would be easy to drop your hand off of the FEL joystick, and it kinda falls on the SCV just below. That is what I was thinking, is that how it is for you? any trouble to close the grapple jaws pretty quickly, and then curl and lift the load with the FEL control again?. I am not saying the 3rd function is not ideal, because I believe it is, but I was thinking you could get by pretty well with the rear remote SCV control because it is located pretty conveniently. But you have actually done it, do you have a hankering for the 3rd function control on the stick?

James K0UA

murphy1244 · Feb 20, 2013

k0ua said:
It looked to me on the DK series it would be easy to drop your hand off of the FEL joystick, and it kinda falls on the SCV just below. That is what I was thinking, is that how it is for you? any trouble to close the grapple jaws pretty quickly, and then curl and lift the load with the FEL control again?. I am not saying the 3rd function is not ideal, because I believe it is, but I was thinking you could get by pretty well with the rear remote SCV control because it is located pretty conveniently. But you have actually done it, do you have a hankering for the 3rd function control on the stick?

James K0UA

James, I'm going to try and lengthen the remote control rod a bit.

avc8130 · Feb 20, 2013

grsthegreat,

What do you do with the fancy control joystick if you don't have any electronic valves?

ac

avc8130 · Feb 20, 2013

k0ua said:
do you have a hankering for the 3rd function control on the stick?
James K0UA

I do! I had it on my L39 and sold it with that machine when I got my L45. Biggest mistake of the whole transaction. I miss that 3rd function more than anything! I keep checking these threads because I need to get a setup on the L45 ASAP.

ac

k0ua · Feb 20, 2013

murphy1244 said:
James, I'm going to try and lengthen the remote control rod a bit.

Are you thinking take it off and weld an extension on it or maybe try to tap it in place and thread a coupling on it? Or trying to machine an interference fit coupling to slip over it, maybe use a little freeze spray on the existing shaft and heat the slip over piece a little?

murphy1244 · Feb 20, 2013

k0ua said:
Are you thinking take it off and weld an extension on it or maybe try to tap it in place and thread a coupling on it? Or trying to machine an interference fit coupling to slip over it, maybe use a little freeze spray on the existing shaft and heat the slip over piece a little?

Door # 3 sounds good to me.

grsthegreat · Feb 20, 2013

avc8130 said:
I do! I had it on my L39 and sold it with that machine when I got my L45. Biggest mistake of the whole transaction. I miss that 3rd function more than anything! I keep checking these threads because I need to get a setup on the L45 ASAP.

ac

thats used for my loader mounted snowblower in the winter. i remove control after snow season