Third function control for a John Deere 855

[52Miner]

After years of rolling logs into the bucket of my FEL, and picking up brush piles by hand, I've been thinking of getting a grapple to use on my John Deere 855. Neither the tractor or my back is getting any younger. The 855 doesn't have a third function control, just the two-way joystick for lift and tilt of the FEL. Has anyone added one to their 855? Is it possible and how difficult? Any info, tips, sources, etc., would be very welcome.

 

[kennyd]

I diverter would probably be the simplest and cheapest solution for your 855, do a search of this forum for the term "diverter" for a few hours of reading. Price will be ~$400 or so by the time you get all the hoses and fittings.

 

[CincyFlyer]

I went a bit further, and replaced my valve with one with a third spool for the grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/384911-swapped-out-fel-valve-got.html

 

[kennyd]

I went a bit further, and replaced my valve with one with a third spool for the grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/384911-swapped-out-fel-valve-got.html

Yes, but the valve on his 855 is integrated into the fender and transmission-not mounted up on the loader mast like yours, your solution wouldn't really work for him.

 

[CincyFlyer]

Yes, but the valve on his 855 is integrated into the fender and transmission-not mounted up on the loader mast like yours, your solution wouldn't really work for him.


View attachment 520465

Very unusual. However, with a plasma cutter and a large enough hammer ...

 

[kennyd]

Not unusual at all for most John Deere tractors over the last 20 or so years, it's much more ergonomic that up on the mast.

 

[IvanS]

That is so true, most new tractors now have fender mounted loader valves and they are friendlier to operate. Actually makes it possible to mount or dismount the tractor from either side without impaling yourself on the loader valve. An electric diverter valve with a foot actuated switch is a great solution. I see no need to add another valve if you are only going to add a grapple. A diverter just makes more sense over all and is less work than adding a valve.

 

[52Miner]

While doing my reading assignment, per Kennyd, across the diverter forums, a poster said that he disconnects the hoses for his bucket that control the curling, and connects the grapple hoses there. He is then able to use his 2 function spool controller for the grapple open and close. Is this a simple solution, or are there some problems that might not be obvious on first look?

 

[IvanS]

Yes, if you do that, you loose the curl function while using the grapple. That's stupid (edit: "Stupid" is a strong word. Let's say "foolishly frugal" ) on the posters part. You need all loader functions plus the grapple open and close operation while using the grapple. Keep reading....

 

[52Miner]

Thanks IvanS. You're right. As I was reading further I did discover that. I'm learning. This isn't something I was familiar with before a couple of days ago. Another thing I've seen, but don't see a supplier yet, was a bucket mounted grapple that operates with an electric powered hydraulic cylinder instead of using a third function valve or diverter in the tractor hydraulics. Again, seems simple for installation and cost, but there's probably more to the story.

 

[IvanS]

12 volt actuator for a grapple is going to be slow to open and close - if it has any force to it all. Also some of the small tractors don't have a lot of spare alternator output, which might be required to operate an electric actuator. Be sure to check into those parameters while making your choice.

 

[kennyd]

53M, what loader do you have on your 855?

While and electric actuator would technically work, I agree that it would be slow and subject to damage from potential shock loads.

There are a few bucket mounted grapples on the market, the "thumb" from Greens Machine is very popular, the "Add a Grapple" style is as well, but both of these have limited functionality over a regular style grapple due to the side of the bucket getting the the way.

 

[Fallon]

12 volt actuator for a grapple is going to be slow to open and close - if it has any force to it all. Also some of the small tractors don't have a lot of spare alternator output, which might be required to operate and electric actuator. Be sure to check into those parameters while making your choice.

I put a 400lbs rated actuator on my old L3200 to activate the SSQA handles. It worked well, but definitely was slow. Also they have a lot of small parts & wear areas. While mine didn't fail in a couple years linear actuators tend to wear out far quicker than hydraulics in industrial or high vibration enviroments.

If you get bigger actuators, they get expensive quick along with big amperage requirements & lots of $$$. There is a reason there aren't a lot of big linear actuators around.

I'm likely to build my new power SSQA as hydraulic as I have a 3rd function & the plumbing up there for it already. But would consider another linear actuator. A 200lbs rated one is strong enough for that application & cheap. Cycle time isn't a huge deal either. A grapple has high force & speed requirements that aren't conducive to a linear actuator though.

 

[TractorGuy]

I would look into tapping into the power beyond option.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/159592-power-behind-jd-855-a.html

I am in the process of adapting an old Ford FEL to mine. It has the old style 2 spool valve control. My tractor has the power beyond and I just connected the supply and return hoses to that and it looks like it will work fine. In the future I may add a grapple and plan to just get a 3 spool valve.

 

[52Miner]

I have the 70A loader. The person I bought it from, changed it to the newer style quick hookup for the bucket, like the later model Deere's come with.