Adding hydraulics to operate a grapple

[Amon]

I'm new to the forums, but this looks like the best place to share info about tractors and backhoes and such.
I really want to add a grapple to my little L250, but it doesn't have the aux hydraulics for it. I'm fairly ignorant about hydraulics beyond replacing busted stuff and this will be my first modification.
Is tapping into the line that runs the bucket tilt a reasonable possibility?
Any suggestions appreciated, Thx.

 

[ragkar]

I'm also ignorant on the subject but I'm also in the same place as you in wanting a grapple. There was a good post recently on it. Search for 'thumb' in the title.
Also there are a lot of interesting posts on a diverter. Search 'diverter' in the title.

 

[VTFireftr]

W.R.Long the 4N1 Bucket People

I added one of their 4 in 1 buckets and auxillary hydraulic systems to my Kiotis (dealer installed the valve).

Works like a charm and I also the aux hydraulics to angle my snowplow.

Give them a call and see if they make a unit for your tractor.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm new to the forums, but this looks like the best place to share info about tractors and backhoes and such.
I really want to add a grapple to my little L250, but it doesn't have the aux hydraulics for it. I'm fairly ignorant about hydraulics beyond replacing busted stuff and this will be my first modification.
Is tapping into the line that runs the bucket tilt a reasonable possibility?
Any suggestions appreciated, Thx.

You can tap into the bucket tilt line with a flow diverter (as ragkar suggested). Another option is to replace your loader valve with a three spool valve.

 

[nickel plate]

Suggest you ask this question in your tractor's brand forum as there you probably will get more specific information as to your model by others that have already "paved the way".
I did just that several months ago in the NH forum hoping that others had already done a similar install but alas, I turned out to be the "paver" for others to follow if they chose to select my method of hydraulic install for the grapple. These forums are chock full of willing "pavers".

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Suggest you ask this question in your tractor's brand forum as there you probably will get more specific information as to your model by others that have already "paved the way".
I did just that several months ago in the NH forum hoping that others had already done a similar install but alas, I turned out to be the "paver" for others to follow if they chose to select my method of hydraulic install for the grapple. These forums are chock full of willing "pavers".

I've read a few discussions on pavers. Aren't they the stones that get pushed into the dirt so people can walk all over them. I've been there.

 

[Amon]

Thx for all the starting points. I'm glad to find a place where people like to share their knowledge and experience.
I'm still active military, so I can only work on my stuff during long weekends, but I feel like I'm looking in the right place now. I'll be looking at my current valve to see if a larger 3 spool might fit there, and how I might get control levers there. Meanwhile, I've started looking in the other related forums for people doing similar mods. Thx all

 

[J_J]

Amon,

Can you describe what you have for hyd now. Pump, FEL, 3pt , etc

Do you have a joystick valve?

Look at your valve and see if it has PB capability. Seven ports. IN , OUT, 4 work ports, and a PB port maybe.

Maybe pictures.

 

[Amon]

I just found out that I might not be able to go home for another week or two; but, now that know a couple of the things to look for, I'll be able to get a more accurate description and some pictures of the existing components. I looked in a parts list to learn that there was more than one model of control valve used on the L250 so I'm eager to look at my machine now to see exactly what is in there. (assuming I ever get to go home again).

 

[DJNebraska]

Amon,

This diverter valve is a viable option...

SelectPLUS 12 GPM Diverter Valve

It's nice because it comes with everything you need. It even has the push button you can mount right to your bucket tilt valve handle.

Also, there is this handy installation guide they've got here...

http://www.hydraulicstore.com/images/pdf/Trausch_Dynamics_Selectplus.pdf

Good luck!

 

[IslandTractor]

Three basic options:

1) use rear remotes: need to remove hand from FEL joystick to operate lever to open/close grapple. Similar to 4 on the floor manual transmission.

2) diverter valve on FEL: push a button on the joystick and your dump/curl function changes to grapple open/close. You cannot dump/curl and open/close grapple at the same time.

3) electric over hydraulic: true third function. Button on joystick allows you to operate grapple independent of dump/curl so you can dump and open grapple simultaneously.

#1: if you have rear remotes then this is a no brainer starter solution as it will cost only the price of a few quick connects and thirty or so feet of 3/8 inch hydraulic hose with end fittings all of which can be procured for under $100-150. If you don't have a set of rear remotes then adding them can be either a $350-500 DIY project on an afternoon or an additional $200-300 to have a dealer do it.

#2: kits from WRLong cost in the range of $500-600 and again can be user installed without difficulty. Dealer install adds probably $200. Not a big deal to switch back and forth between grapple and dump/curl. Very rare to need to do both simultaneously.

#3 Kits from WRLong cost closer to $900 as I recall (haven't checked for a while). Again, possible to install yourself or have a dealer do it for you. This is the most flexible option.

I've used both rear remotes and diverter valve to control my grapple. Frankly I prefer the rear remote of those two but they are both just fine. Next time I would either just stick with the rear remote or go all the way to "true third function" electric over hydraulic setup. I may be in the minority but I don't see the real benefit of a diverter valve so long as the control lever for the rear remote is easily reached. My issue with the diverter is not the lack of true third function but rather that when working quickly I sometimes inadvertently open/close the grapple while switching back to dump/curl bucket etc.