going to put on a grapple - need guidance

Rackluster · Apr 5, 2012

All,

I've done some research on grapples through the search but I still have some questions. Hope you all have a second to help me out.

Not sure which kind of grapple would work for me. I have a john deere 950 (27hp diesel) with power steering and mfwd (all the options). I just got the tractor and noticed there's another hydraulic connector wrapped around the seat. I don't know how it's 'wired'? I think it was used for a tree spade by the previous owner. I'll take pictures of that this weekend. Hoping that can help me keep the cost down on hooking up the grapple???

I have 2 properties that I'll be using. One was logged about 20 years ago. There's a lot of brush laying around and lots of stumps. Not sure the stumps are rotted out enough to pull them out w/ my tractor. There's also a lot of rocks. I'd like to use the grapple for digging up rocks, picking up brush/logs and raking roots a bit. The other property has a bunch of blown down pines and popples. I'm going to limb them and cut them up in 8 sections. I'm also going to be making a ton of trails on that property. Lots of scrubby oaks on that property (3-4 inch wide) that I'd like to take out w/ the tractor. So, that should give you a good idea of what I want to do w/ the grapple. Wondering what grapple might suit those needs the best.

Also, how do I go about getting all this done. I know nothing about hydraulics. I can drain the fluid and change the filters (just did that last weekend). That's about it. I plan on bringing it in to get this done but wouldn't mind taking on a project if it's not too hard. Who would I contact in central mn to get this done? deere dealer would be super $ right? would a hydraulics place do this? welding shop?

also, what do you think all this will cost?

Anyway, sorry for all the questions. Hope ya all can help!

Thanks,

Jason

nybirdman · Apr 5, 2012

Are there two hydraulic connections or just one?.You will need two to operate any type of grapple.Open and close.

Rackluster · Apr 12, 2012

there's just one unfortunately.

i'm having a really hard time finding anyone in mn that knows how to put on a grapple (including the hydraulic work). do i just go to a hydraulics shop for the 3rd function and somewhere else for the grapple? wondering how you all got this done. i'm not reallly comfortable doing it myself (at least the hydraulic work)

Dingo Man · Apr 12, 2012

Rackluster, I can't help you on the hydraulics other than I have heard a 3rd function valve is a given when using a grapple. If you look at the website for Everything Attatchments they have a couple of videos on that. I too will be looking into a grapple in a year or two. There is one member on here I believe it is Island Tractor that has a light duty 48" grabble from Markham. He states it does everything he asks it to do and it is just under $1,000

GregbkH · Apr 12, 2012

You can run a grapple on one set of rear remotes. Run 2 hoses from the back to the front, strapping them to the existing loader lines. Put quick connects on the hoses and grapple lines and you're in business.

StanR · Apr 12, 2012

I installed a third funcation value on my Kubota..and never worked with hydraulics. I was pretty easy. I used my grapple with the rear remote at first and the third function value was much better..

Artisan · Apr 12, 2012

Do a search for "GrappleOmatic" to see how I added mine w/ a Fasse Valve.

Piston · Apr 12, 2012

Rackluster,

Based on the size of your tractor and the uses you described, I would certainly recommend a 48" grapple, light duty is plenty.
You really don't have too many choices to consider for the grapple, aside from WHICH 48" grapple to get.
Island Tractor is the pro when it comes to grappling, hopefully he'll chime in as well.

As far as hydraulics, you are going to need to add them. I don't know where you could have this done aside from a dealership which will certainly cost a lot of money. I don't know how much time you have to research or how much ambition you have to do it yourself, but you can CERTAINLY do it yourself. I didn't even know how to change my own filter before I started asking questions on here, and I did it all myself and then some. I'm very happy with the results. Not sure if you've seen my thread on adding hydraulics to my tractor but here it is...
As bored as me? Let's have a little fun. How would you tackle this scenario??? - TractorByNet.com
and..
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/192676-adding-3rd-function-valve-top.html (this is my Q&A when I started the same process you are doing)

The easiest way to add them for the grapple, is to buy the WR LONG 3rd function kit. It will cost close to $700 when all is said and done, but you will install it in 2 hours and it will WORK! It comes with clear instructions and Nelson Long is amazing to deal with on the phone, ANY trouble you have at all and he will spend an hour talking to you and not hang up until it is right. :thumbsup:

Your other option is to add a hydraulic thumb on your bucket, however, a dedicated grapple is going to be superior in many ways.

If you have a dealership add hydraulics for you, then it will cost more than the $700 you would spend on the WR LONG 3rd function kit, so you may as well do it yourself, plus you would avoid the hassle of bringing it to a dealer.

The link I posted for my thread is boring, it's not really 'fun' to read, it's more of a step by step guide on how to add hydraulics (rear hydraulics) to a tractor.

Check out Teg's thread as well. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...7948-instructions-add-extra-spools-l2800.html

Oh and by the way....Congrats on deciding to take the plunge into the grappling world! :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Piston · Apr 12, 2012

3rd function kit, and diverter valve kit.
Valve Kits

It's more expensive to buy the kits that WR Long offers, than individually piecing them together, but it's a whole lot easier.

The difference between the two is this....
with the 3rd function valve, it is operated by a 'toggle' type switch on the loader joystick, making it very simple to use. The toggle switch operates a solenoid valve that will allow fluid to flow to the grapple.

the selector switch will also mount to your joystick. The way it operates is you will press the button down, and it will "switch" the function of your loader joystick so it is operating the grapple. Usually it is tied into the curl circuit, so you would go up to the load, position your grapple, then push down the selector switch and hold it, then use the curl function to close the 'claws' and when your happy, release the button, now you will be able to use your curl function again. then to dump the load you do the opposite.

The 3rd option is to plumb in rear hydraulics. I tried this out on another tractor and didn't like it, but i"m sure it's something you get used to. You would operate the grapple using a completely separate valve, however the advantage of this is it allows you to operate other hydraulics as well, such as a hydraulic top link or hydraulic scarifiers on a box blade or a hydraulic angle rear blade or a hydraulic.......... get the point?

Keep asking questions.

Piston · Apr 12, 2012

There has been some really good reviews on Wildkat Grapple as well. Check them out, if I was buying a smaller grapple I would probably buy their 48" economy grapple.
Others can chime in as I have no experience with them, but from what I've read they seem really good for their price.

You could probably get into a 48" grapple and 3rd function valve for right around $1,500.

WILDKAT ATTACHMENTS - Grapples

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/229471-new-wildkat-grapple-comin-way.html