Grapple Grapple Installation – WR Long on JD5420 542FEL

[GaryBDavis]

I just finished up my WR Long grapple installation on my JD5420. The grapple ran about $2,000 and the electro-hydraulic valve kit just under $400. The valve kit was less than it normally runs because I ordered it without the control grip and wiring.

WR Long seems to be the only folks willing to make up aftermarket valve kits that contain all the parts you need to do the installation yourself. They make up kits for several different tractor models. While I installed my own control grip and did the wiring myself, the kit came with all the hoses and fittings I needed for my specific tractor. I modified the mounting plate as I had a particular mounting orientation in mind. I didn’t have to go to the store once for a fitting, hose or any other parts.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Grapple in an open position. It’s something like 70” tall when full opened.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Grapple in a closed position

 

[GaryBDavis]

I used a Sure Grip handle with a trigger and thumb switch arrangement. The trigger closes the grapple and the thumb opens it. You can get different threaded bushings to adapt the handle to your particular joystick.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Another shot of the control grip mounted on my FEL joystick.

 

[GaryBDavis]

My modified mounting bracket painted a matching JD green.

 

[GaryBDavis]

The electro-hydraulic valve installed. You can’t see it in the picture, but there are sealed indicator lights on the valve. They come on when you engage the valve. This will be nice for trouble shooting someday should my wiring go bad. They look really cool at night.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Overall, I was very impressed with the quality. Good welds, nice finish and the pieces look like they were cut out with some type of computer controlled plasma system.

I also can’t say how nice it is have someone answer your questions and work with you to customize your order to how you want it. Good folks to work with.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Another detailed pic

 

[GaryBDavis]

Another detailed pic #2

 

[GaryBDavis]

Another detailed pic #3

 

[PineRidge]

Gary thats really a nice looking setup. I'm sure that heavy duty grapple will be with you for many years to come and should be a real workhorse.

 

[markie61]

Sweet pics! Now all we need are some action shots!
Mark

 

[SkyPup]

That is a super nice grapple on a super nice JD rig.

About how much does it weigh?

 

[Rip]

Looks like a real nice piece of equipment Gary. The narrow slots between the lower tines should work well for ripping unwanted vegitation out of the ground. Looks like a good deal for $2 K and the controls are real nice too. I'll keep them in mind other applications as well.

 

[Henro]

Gary, that is a great looking setup! Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures.

By the way, who makes that electrically operated control valve? Do you happen to have a manufacturer/part number for future reference?

I doubt my little B2910 Kubota would even lift something like that...but I guess I can still dream a bit... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GaryBDavis]

The electro-hydraulic valve is made by a company in Houston, Texas called Hyvair. You can check them out on the web at http://www.hyvair.com/welcome1.html. Their technical specifications are available on the web. Look at the D03 and D05 depending on your flow requirements. They have several different configurations. The one that would be most common grapple applications is a D03S-2-C-12D-35 for flows up to 12GPM. Substitute a D05 for up to 25GPM. Then there is a side or back connection subplate to pick from. Mine is the side connection.

The control handle is from Sure Grip and for that, you can buy directly from the manufacture. You need a handle that has switches rated for 5 amps. The solenoids draw 2.5 to 3 amps depending on which size you get.

I think the 72” RBG from WR Long weighs something in the order of 665 pounds which is about right for me. It’s thick and heavy on the bottom where I need the strength to rip stuff out of the ground and the teeth are made from hardened steel wear blades. But, it has a large bite (70 inches in the open position) which is what you need to grab a large pile of brush. For me, I needed one that had the combination of a thick, heavy bottom, but with a large bite using a not too heavy upper section as I don’t want to sacrifice lifting capacity. The Skidsteersolutions ANB grapple is similar, but something like 300 pounds heavier if I remember correctly. It was in the $3000 to $3500 range.

 

[1savoy]

Henro,

I have seen those solenoid valves also at Surplus Center and Northern Tool. I have been thinking about using one for a grapple. Surplus Center sells Gresen, Northman, Hydraforce, Parker, and Eaton Vickers valves. Some of them need subplates and some do not. Not sure the brand Nothern sells.

 

[PineRidge]

1savoy whe're presently using one of the electric divertors form Surplus Center at less than 150 bucks. It seems to work very smoothly and its responsive so far. We didn't need any additional sub-base either.

 

[JimMorrissey]

Gary,

That's a nice looking grapple. I had WR send me a catalog a few months ago...nice stuff.

Is you tractor unstable when you lift the huge grapple up in the air like that? I guess at 600+ pounds it's not too bad. I've heard bad things when grapples get beyond 800lbs on CUTs....highly unstable when full at any height in the air.