adding a Green Machine grapple thumb to bucket

[Doug62]

I'm looking at a MF 1835M and want to add a Green Machine grapple bucket thumb. The dealer told me via email that I need to add an additional valve to operate it. Is there a particular type of valve I should ask for? I don't know where it would be activated from. Is there a standard mount for it? A lever? A button?

 

[rademamj1]

Yes, it's called a "third function valve", and it's a hydraulic valve that typically attaches to your hydraulic's, with an electronic switch added onto your loader control stick, and is used to properly open and close your Green Machine grapple thumb.

Your loader control will both raise and rotate back the bucket, but to operate that grapple thumb cylinder, you need a third function valve. Your dealer can of course do the full installation for you, but he may not sell the true 3rd function valve kits. Avoid a diverter valve if you can.

Here is some basic info on what these 3rd function kits look like. Even if you have two rear remotes, this is like adding a 3rd remote to the front of your machine....thus the name third function.
3rd function valve kit for any tractor, free shipping within 1,000 miles!!

 

[mred2]

It requires a 3rd function. Your front end loader has 2 functions, raise/lower and curl, to operate the bucket. The 3 function adds another control to it. This can be done more than one way, including using one of your rear remotes and running long hoses to the front of your machine. More common is to install a 3rd function. This puts another set of hoses to power the grapple. The control can be a switch that is attached to the bucket control. There are more than one type. A true 3rd function or a switch that takes the power from the curl function and switches it to the grapple.

 

[Doug62]

Mods... Can you combine these two posts. I appear to have submitted the question twice on my phone.

 

[George2615]

Doug, if your MF 1835M has rear remotes you can use one set to operate the thumb on the bucket. I only use one rear remote so I bought hoses and fittings at my local tractor supply store and ran them under the tractor to the front. I also bought 2 base plates and mounted one on the bucket and one on my forks. The new front hoses and fittings also work great angling my snow plow in winter. (not that you have to worry about that)

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/313144-added-thumb.html

 

[Doug62]

Found a you tube video where a the dealers have a kit that fits this specific loader. It fits into the existing loader control handle. I've going to go that route.

 

[MoMower]

Found a you tube video where a the dealers have a kit that fits this specific loader. It fits into the existing loader control handle. I've going to go that route.

Did it on my GC1723, WR Long diverter kit and the grapple.

 

[Langanobob]

I used a Surplus Center diverter valve that was recommended by Green’s Machine. Works great and the thumb just about triples the usefulness of my tractor. Only real shortcoming is the lack of grease fittings on the pivot points but I could add them if I wanted to bad enough.

 

[kenmac]

I used a Surplus Center diverter valve that was recommended by Greenç—´ Machine. Works great and the thumb just about triples the usefulness of my tractor. Only real shortcoming is the lack of grease fittings on the pivot points but I could add them if I wanted to bad enough.

I had one of those thumb bucket grapples on a tractor once.

Used it for several years, and It didn't have grease fittings and never wore anything out.
It was still on the bucket and in great shape when I sold the tractor.

When I bought a new tractor, I bought a dedicated grapple from Everything Attachments ..

 

[Buckeye Guy]

I have the greens machine thumb on my GC1725, and used the diverter kit from the dealer. It uses a replacement control knob, best way to go. I installed it myself in under an hour. Very pleased with the thumb. Best advice I can give is to reinforce your bucket before installing the thumb, it's stronger than **** and will bend the top of the bucket.