Thoughts on this grapple from a local dealer?

[Turbys_1700]

Just as a frame of reference my local dealer charges $1095 for the 3rd function valve, hoses, full complete install. They use the same Construction Attachments valve since they are a dealer for them and the manufacturing plant is only 20 miles away. I guess that's the going rate/ charge for a dealer.

 

[k0ua]

I haven't got a grapple yet so I cannot comment on width.

I think national also has diverter kits. For me, being able to feather the speed of the lids closing is more important than being able to do all 3 functions at once.

Being able to "feather" comes into play when picking up small rocks to keep from breaking them. I use it all the time with rocks. I have broken some smaller flint rocks, and they send "shrapnel" around. That is when I started to apply less clamping force.

 

[FTG-05]

Based on this and the "grapple width" thread, I decided to get the 60" grapple. I saw no advanatge to a 72" but lots of people had good things to say about the 60".

Plans went awry when I got the place and found out that the last two 60" had just sold and were being loaded as I got there. So the alternatives were either the 66" or the 72". All three had the same exact price: $995 even though the weights were 600, 550 and 500 lbs respectively, go figure.

And then I mentioned that I had lots of rocks at my place. They then showed me their 48" brush grapple with the tines much closer together that could be used for rocks. It was also cheaper at $795. That, and not paying tax due to the TN farm exemption, I saved almost $300.

After watching Ted's EA video on 3rd functions kits, I decided to order the 3rd function kit from National Implements in Idaho: Construction Attachments Dedicated Third Function Hydraulic Valve Kit, Less Hoses, Up To 14 GPM I ordered it with the optional SS flat-faced couplers so that it would interface with the grappler's couplers as-is.


Since I saved almost $300 on the grappler, I decided to see if the farm store could also add 3 remotes to the rear of the tractor while they were doing the rest of the work. No problem they said.

So now I'm ordering this valve from Surplus Center: 3 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB31BBB5C1 DA VALVE Is this the correct valve for remote rears and uses such as TNT etc. etc. etc.

J-J I'm looking to you for your opinion here!


Some pics:

Grapple:

3rd function kit from National Implement:

Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it!

 

[Piston]

If you have any questions on adding the third function yourself, or extra remotes, I wrote up a "how to" via the link in my signature. It's boring to read, but explains how I did it.

Your going to absolutely LOVE having a grapple. The one common complaint we see a lot from new owners, is..."I just wish I bought this X amount of years ago"

Congrats! A whole new world awaits you! Don't forget to post pics in the grappling fun picture thread.

 

[KubotaToy]

Congrats, I think the 48" will do you just fine and you saved money...

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Being able to "feather" comes into play when picking up small rocks to keep from breaking them. I use it all the time with rocks. I have broken some smaller flint rocks, and they send "shrapnel" around. That is when I started to apply less clamping force.

That's the first reasonable reason I've read for needing the ability to "feather" with extream precision (more than a quick press of a button like on a typical electric solenoid 3rd fxn setup). The solenoid on/off response is so fast I couldn't imagine of a reason to need more control.

Then again my rocks don't break! Lol. Thanks.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Just wondering why you didn't order the complete kit with hoses? To me it would be nice to have it all together and just make one purchase. How much money can you save by getting the hoses made versus buying them in the kit?

 

[FTG-05]

Just wondering why you didn't order the complete kit with hoses? To me it would be nice to have it all together and just make one purchase. How much money can you save by getting the hoses made versus buying them in the kit?

Since I'm going to add 3 remote rears, I want the local farm shop to do all the hoses. More money for them plus no need to pay shipping on something that's pretty much a commodity item.

 

[lennyzx11]

I'd still go diverter route.

If you piece together a kit yourself.....

A diverter can be had for as little as $130 or up to a few hundred.

After that, you need two pair of couplings. For standard ag couplers, two pair would run you $30, flat face skid loader style...maybe double that.

After that, it's just hoses and fittings, can't imagine you'd have more thann $100 in hoses and fittings for a diverter. Then all you need is a push button and switch.

And make a bracket to mount the couplers.

All said and done, you can be ready to hook and go for $350 ballpark if you want.

I have the EA Wicked Compact grapple and can't say enough good about it.

I did exactly as LD1 describes for the hydraulics.
My diverter valve came from KennyDs of Bolt on Hooks who's on here.
Local Oreillys auto parts made my hoses.
Napa sold me Quick Connects.
I made a mount plate out of flat piece of 3/16" steel from hardware store.
I don't have the numbers but 350 for all would be close as he says.

 

[FTG-05]

From Post #11"

"A diverter will only tie into an existing circuit. Usually your curl. Its electric, and you would either need a joystick with a button, or add a button to your current joystick. you are basically using your existing loader valve, but when pushing the button, it will divert fluid to the grapple instead of the curl cylinders. Thus the name...diverter. But whatever circuit you link it to, you will not be able to use that function at the same time as the grapple. So if you link it to your curl.....

Move stick left-right and your bucket curls and dumps. Push and hold button and move stick left and right and it opens and closes the grapple. But cannot do both at the same time, its one or the other."

That's why I didn't want to go the diverter route. Plus what Ted said in the first minute of this video: How To Series - 3rd Function Auxiliary Hydraulics for Tractor Loaders - YouTube