Advice on Grapple Hydaulics

deanocraft · Oct 25, 2017

I was on a hunting trip last week and spent a lot of time in a tree stand. Lots of time to sit and think... On day 2 of a 3 day trip I decided to buy a grapple for my Massey Ferguson 1529 tractor. I have sold the wife on the idea, so it's gonna happen soon. I have a loader on the tractor, but no rear hydraulics. In researching previous posts on this very topic, I am confident that a diverter valve will work for me. I am also pretty sure I can hook it up myself.

I do have some questions, though... Unfortunately, the tractor is in NC at a house we don't live in quite yet, so I can't examine it when I have questions! I am leaning towards buying a diverter valve from Surplus Supply and once I have it in hand, I can work out where to mount it and what fittings and hoses I will need. The hydraulics have 11.5 GPM total flow, so I am looking at something like this valve. It has flow which slightly exceeds my tractor's maximum, so I think it will work. My biggest question is how I will figure out what type of hose connectors are on the tractor right now. I know there are different types... Will something be printed or stamped on the existing fittings?

I will probably buy a Wicked Grapple from EA and they will also sell me a WR Long SSQA mounting plate to convert my pin type bucket mount and the other plate to convert my existing bucket to SSQA.

Do I sound like I am on the right track here? Any advice on the plumbing will be appreciated!

deanocraft · Oct 25, 2017

Based on advice I saw in previous threads, I hope to mount the valve and then measure the length and route of the hoses I'll need using a water hose or rope or wire...

LD1 · Oct 26, 2017

Yes you are on the right track.

Get everything mounted before you measure for hoses.

On my tractor, The hoses that hook to the loader valve with the quick connects.....those hoses were only a few feet long and then they hooked into hard steel lines on the loader arm.

I mounted my diverter right next to where those connected to the steel lines so I could re-use those hoses. Just buy the right adapters and unhooked from steel lines....hooked to diverter.

Then a couple of short hoses to go from diverter and plug those steel lines back in.

Then a pair of longer hoses and couplers of your choice (as there are so many different styles) to run up front to plug into where the grapple goes.

The diverter you have selected is almost just like mine. But dont get hung up too much on its flow rate. Because it isnt a continuous flow application. It is ONLY gonna pass fluid when you move the loader or grapple.

IF you havent....read my thread on my diverter install. Link is in my signature

deanocraft · Oct 26, 2017

I did read your thread on the grapple install, LD1. Thanks for posting that. Unfortunately, it was before I had my epiphany in the tree stand that I needed a grapple... I searched looking for that thread, but I did not find it again. I am glad you pointed it out. You did a nice job on that. I'll go ahead and find a valve and buy it. Once I figure out where to mount it, I'll move on to the next step of hoses and fittings. And somewhere in there, I'll order a grapple!

LD1 · Oct 26, 2017

deanocraft said:
I did read your thread on the grapple install, LD1. Thanks for posting that. Unfortunately, it was before I had my epiphany in the tree stand that I needed a grapple... I searched looking for that thread, but I did not find it again. I am glad you pointed it out. You did a nice job on that. I'll go ahead and find a valve and buy it. Once I figure out where to mount it, I'll move on to the next step of hoses and fittings. And somewhere in there, I'll order a grapple!

For alot less money than some other brands...I am very pleased with my tomahawk grapple. Tines are well gusseted, and works as it should. I havent managed to bend or break anything and thats with a bigger tractor than yours. I think I gave $1200 for mine locally.

deanocraft · Oct 26, 2017

That grapple mighht be a bit large for my tractor, but it does look like a good deal. I ordered this valve and will attempt to mount it weekend after next.

jabelding · Oct 26, 2017

With your loader lift capacity, I would go with something as light as possible. I have about the same lift capacity and went with the EA 55" at 200 lbs it leaves a lot of lifting capacity and is extremely well built.
Best Rated 55 Inch Wicked Root Rake Grapple from Everything Attachments

deanocraft · Oct 27, 2017

Thank you Jabelding. I agree that the weight is an issue, and that grapple is the lightest I've seen. I am still debating the best one for me, but I like their products. I think I am leaning towards a wicked grapple with the traditional L shape because I can stack firewood on it... (at least in some pictures I have seen)! I think that may prove handy to me in the long run.