Configuration questions

RAW · Jan 11, 2006

I'm getting closer to a purchase.
But as I have little experience with tractors, I'm not entirely sure what I'm gonna need to ask for.

I'd thought I'd ask y'all for help.

What I will want to run on the tractor:

PTO chipper (6" capacity)
Rotary cutter (3-4" capacity)
FEL with Root Rake Grapple

I will never run a mid-mount mower. My property will not have that kind of finish-mowing.

So, what hydraulics and valves and all that will I need to run this setup?

I'm looking mostly at the JD4720 and the Kubota5030.
But then I also get tempted by the Kioti, NH, and MF!!

For the grapple, I'll need extra hydraulic hookups up front, right? Will this require a 3rd control on the joystick? Is that an option on either of the tractors? I thought I saw somewhere on here that JD had to have some aftermarket valve installed to run a grapple like that.

I'm thoroughly confused by all of that stuff, but I want to be well-informed before I hit the dealership.

Thanks,
Reuben

JerryG · Jan 11, 2006

Rotary cutter (3-4" capacity) 
If you are sure that you want to go that big, you would need at lot bigger tractor that either one that you have mentioned. That is in large utility tractor range, not a larger compact tractor.

1bush2hog · Jan 11, 2006

Rueben - take a look at the Brown Mfg site to give you an idea of HP reqmts for RC that will handle 3-4" stuff

www.brownmfgcorp.com/

Also, Take a look at this site /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

www.woodsboss.com/woodsboss.htm

RAW · Jan 11, 2006

( Rueben - take a look at the Brown Mfg site to give you an idea of HP reqmts for RC that will handle 3-4" stuff

www.brownmfgcorp.com/

Also, Take a look at this site /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

www.woodsboss.com/woodsboss.htm

)

That woodsboss looks promising! I bet it's way out of my price range!

So, tractor size notwithstanding, what would be the proper configuration of hydraulics and such to run the stuff I listed?
And would adding a snow plow blade to the front be any different than the FEL connections?

RAW · Jan 11, 2006

I called about the Woods Boss.
It used to be built on a NH TS110, but it is now built on a TB120. The new TB120 runs $52K. The cage attaches to the same points a FEL would, so you cannot use a loader with this tractor.

The price and the loss of the FEL make this an unsuitable tractor for me.

But thought some of y'all might be interested in the info.

1bush2hog · Jan 11, 2006

I looked at one of these a couple of years ago - an impressive machine, but tailored for clearing right of ways, etc. It was out of my budget then so I never even got to the FEL issue.

Regarding the remotes - there are several threads here to help you understand your options - search for diverters and grapples and you will have enough to read for tonight /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://tinyurl.com/a86rw

rk246 · Jan 11, 2006

You might do a search on CT Tree Guy and his grapples with controls, he has a pretty extensive set up and explains a lot of things in his posts, He is also running a 5030. Most of his posts are in the Kubota forums...

rambler · Jan 13, 2006

Most tractors this size & new have many options for hyd. You will likely have a pair of remotes (2 pair of 2 hoses) controled by a joystick that run the loader. These would be mid, or front, located.

In addition, 1 or 2 rear factory remotes are also an option on most any tractor. This can power your grapple, by running hoses foward from them. Can be used for many other hyd things, backhoe, dump trailers, wood splitter, and on & on. Wouldn't have a tractor without a rear remote, but I use hyd a lot on my farm.

Non-factory rear (or, piped to anywhere you want) remotes can also be added to most any tractor. Won't look as pretty - can place the lever(s) where you want tho, usually costs a bit less, and you have options beyond whatevery you need - 5 or 7 sets of spools or whatever.

From your loader connections (or the optional rear remotes), you can add a diverter. This is a hydraulic valve that is operated by an electric switch or button, and takes the oil available at those remotes, usually sending the oil on to the regular use. But, hit the button & the valve switches over to a different set of hoses, powering them.

So, you can mount a switch on the end of your joystick cotroling the diverter. Run your loader like normal, push the button, and then use, for example, the bucket curl lever for running the grapple instead. Let go of the button, and the grapple holds where it is, and control returns to your bucket curl. This is a very easy, plug-in deal.

For overall use, the rear remote is better. However if you mostly use the grapple, it is a lot handier to have the button on the joystick lever - no fumbling for another lever all the time.

Comes down to what you want.

Would be hard to do any one of these extras for $200, and pretty easy to get a good setup for $700. Is the range, generally.

--->Paul