Single Lid CUT Wicked Grapple..If your compact tractor could talk....

[IslandTractor]

Yeah see I wondered about that, and that figured into my decision to try the rear remote method of control first..To be honest it was mainly the extra cost, as I have about $150 in my hose and connector solution from the rear to the front. But I also like the precise clamping control I have with the lever. I did extend the height of the lever making it easily accessible with my hand still on the joystick control. I find it very convenient to use.

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I've said this before but I have had both systems, a joystick mounted diverter and plain vanilla rear remote. If I do it again it will be rear remote.

 

[TSO]

I'm really happy using 1 of my rear-remotes too. I'm not sure what the "system" is called, but I like how I can set the pressure and position of the grapple with the lever, and it keeps that pressure wherever I put it. I also spent around $150 on the hoses/fittings, etc... and have no complaints. At first, I thought it might be a bit of a pain to switch my hand from the loader joystick to the remote lever, but it's 2nd nature now and not a problem.

Especially considering the cost and complexity to add the function to the joystick.

 

[sd455dan]

Same for me, the separate control is nice- one control (dedicated ) for each function and I still need a (dedicated) COFFEE receptical:laughing:

 

[TomSeller]

I use a separate spool on the rear too. Not an issue. If I was a professional and used the grapple all day I would rig up the joystick with the 3rd function to save the 1 second per operation.

 

[foggy1111]

I've had a lightweight grapple on my tractor for a few years now.....and have controlled the grapples jaw with my rear remote. My grapple is a Markham 48"er. I have the "JD Hardlines Kit" on my loader, so I have 1/4" Pioneer Quick Connectors at the front. Slick set up.

Don't know why I'd want for any other set-up. Just a matter of moving your hand a few inches from joystick to the remote valve. I wonder how I got by without a grapple. Most used tool I have.

 

[foggy1111]

Ted. Have not followed the progression of this grapple....but looked it over on the website. Well Done! EXCEPT.....one more option I would want would be to have more metal added in the back side of the grapple. Maybe just some "bars" in order to help with visibility. Reason? - so you dont push a branch thru your radiator, or engine, or hydraulic lines, etc etc.

Grapples can be hard on the front of the tractor.....and having some guards in place is good insurance. I realize you want to keep the cost and weight down.....so this improvement may have to be an option. But you could do the tabs like you have for the lower section....and sell some bolt-on protection. I think most would buy it.....cause it's cheaper than a radiator or a grille.

I added some bars to the back side of my grapple....and I't quite certain its saved me some headaches. My .02 cents.

 

[footer200]

Hey foggy1111 do you have any pics of that hard line kit on the 300cx? I am going to use a rear remote also and debating on hard line kit or just hoses.

 

[foggy1111]

Hey foggy1111 do you have any pics of that hard line kit on the 300cx? I am going to use a rear remote also and debating on hard line kit or just hoses.

I don't have any pic of the JD kit. Maybe it's on the JD site? But?basically it has flexible hose connections in the back that split via Pioneer quick couplers in the same location as the loader connections (thus allowing you to disconnect the loader) ?.then run forward via hard lines along the right side of the loader mast and terminate with 1/4" Pioneer Connectors. (perfect line size to run a grapple)

I'm sure that Hydraulic hose would provide a good means to operate too?.it would just take a few zip ties. I believe it would be cheaper that way(?). I bought my tractor used?.with the hard lines kit factory installed.

I see you have three sets of remotes on the back of your tractor?.nice! I wish for another set so I could run a hydraulic top link. May have to add a splitter this spring.

 

[bubbacuse77]

Here you go. Hope this helps. I wish they where secured a little better like some others I have seen that have the fittings at the end going through a metal bracket that doesn't allow it to bend. Overall i like it better than the kits that just zip tie to the loader hoses.

 

[footer200]

Thank you both for the info and pics. I think I will do the hoses with the nice clamps on the loader arms and then I can mount the couplers where I want them on a plate.