Third Function Needed to Run Grapple

[kennyd]

Randy, find a way to weigh that thing-it looks well more than 400lbs. Can you easily lift it now with your loader?

Surplus Center has two diverters that would work:

12/24 VOLT DC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 SOLENOID OPERATED DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE | Featured Items | www.surpluscenter.com

SAE 8 6 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE 12 VDC P15544-2 | Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Ours, it includes the switch and wiring harness:

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Hydraulics>>


Again I'll suggest you do some searching here on GTT using the term "diverter". Hours of great reading.

 

[rmallaire]

I unloaded the grapple off my trailer with the loader and it lifted it fine. My loader is a 440.

If I installed one of the valves you linked, would it operate the same as the Fasse? Meaning, would I be able to operate lift, curl and grapple simultaneously?
I appreciate your help, as my hydraulic knowledge is limited.

 

[kennyd]

I'd still try to weight it...

The Fasse valve you linked, just like the three products I linked are all "diverters", they "divert" one function to another so there is no simultaneous operation of the two different functions. It's either dump/curl OR open/close on the grapple.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Wow how heavy is the grapple? That looks to big for your 970, and I assume you have the 440 loader? That's only spec'd at lifting about 900lbs.

My findings indicate it's 600 pounds.
Travis

 

[kennyd]

My findings indicate it's 600 pounds.
Travis

Thanks Travis, adding a grapple that's 2/3rds the lift capacity would be a mistake IMHO.

 

[LD1]

I agree the grapple is too big.

The 970 is a smaller and lighter machine that needs a smaller and lighter grapple.

 

[rmallaire]

Thanks for the recommendation. Considering I already own the grapple, I would like to see it performs, if poorly I can sell it and buy a lighter one.

Is there a solution for adding a third function and being able to have all three functions at the same time: lift, curl, and grapple?

 

[kennyd]

Is there a solution for adding a third function and being able to have all three functions at the same time: lift, curl, and grapple?

Yes, what I mentioned above-called a true 3rd function valve, that involves tapping into the tractors main hydraulic system.

 

[Todd727]

One advantage of a diverter valve over a true 3rd function for a grapple is that the diverter will allow you to feather the flow. With 3rd function it is on (full) or closed. Again, there are plenty of threads discussing this on TBN.

I'm not sure why you say that. Every tractor I've ever owned, I could feather the remotes. I've added the third remote on two of them and they operate exactly like the original remotes. The levers are progressive until you get to the detent, at which time it is full on until it kicks out. Admittedly, all of my tractors have been full size ag equipment.

 

[kennyd]

I'm not sure why you say that. Every tractor I've ever owned, I could feather the remotes. I've added the third remote on two of them and they operate exactly like the original remotes. The levers are progressive until you get to the detent, at which time it is full on until it kicks out. Admittedly, all of my tractors have been full size ag equipment.

He is/was referring to the solenoid valves most often used for 3rd functions on loaders, they are either ON or OFF. They are plumbed into the main hydraulic lines (Power Beyond) and send the entire flow to the new function when the switch is activated.