Grapple won't open!!! Kubota M8560 3rd Function Valve or Hydraulic lock?

[workinallthetime]

i have a L45 and had the same problem with my 4n1 bucket, the problem was a combination of cheap wire used to run and the installer pulling on the cable to hard. i found that 3 of the 4 wires in the handle were broke. Later on the 4th broke at that point i quit trying to repair the wire and just ran new wire and made sure there was enough slack. you have gone through the exact steps i did thinking it was a fluid problem, you might try pushing and pulling on the wire in the handle and see if it starts working again.
the wires were broke inside the insulation, and about 4 inches from the top. the only way to identify the issue was to check the resistance from the switch in the handle to the connector, once identified i pulled on the wire in 2" segments until i found the section that would give.

 

[workinallthetime]

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/344670-l45-4n1-hesitation-then-inop.html

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Hi All,
First post here because I am desperate and my dealership are not able to cast any light on this topic. I have a new Kubota less than 12 months old and the grapple quit working properly. I had the factory 3rd function valve kit installed when I bought the tractor and it has worked flawlessly until now. It appears that there is pressure going into the grapple but it will not open. Here are some things I have done so far to get this thing to open:

1) I topped up the hydraulic fluid...it was a little low but this didn't help.
2) I cracked all the hoses at the grapple and on the backside of the FEL 3rd function connectors to relief any hydraulic lock pressure. Still won't open.
3) I removed the grapple hoses completely and relieved pressure in them then reinstalled...still won't open.
4) I operated the grapple and can hear the valve screeching and applying pressure to close the grapple so I know that pressure is getting down there.
5) When I press the open trigger though I hear nothing which leads me to suspect there is something wrong with the 3rd function valve...maybe the solenoid?

I cannot leave this post without telling you that I did have to replace the left hand side grapple cylinder which was sticking due to a bent rod. It worked for a couple hours after the incident and then the grapple quite opening. So I don't know if this is related? This is why I cracked all the hoses cause I was thinking I created some kind of lock in the system. Regardless however I have replaced the defective cylinder and still the grapple will not open.

Does anyone have any ideas? Is this something I can "jimmy"...as in tap on the solenoid (I have no idea where it is).

Do I need to bleed the system somehow?

Is there another reason why I wouldn't hear the valve opening and the screeching noise?

I am desperate for help and had planned to use the grapple all weekend to clear some land. Thank you in advance gentlemen.

Mark

What did you seal the fittings with when you swapped out the bang cylinder?

 

[ovrszd]

Turn the ignition key to on, dont start the engine. Push each of the 3rd function buttons. You should hear a distinct click under the right side floorboard. If you dont hear a click when a button is pushed that tells you either the solenoid is bad or the wiring to it. One of mine got unplugged by brush once.

The valve is under the floor next to the FEL valve. Remove the grey shield on the right side and you'll see all the valving. You'll also see the solenoids and wiring harness. Check all connections.

 

[markjm]

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your input...what a great community. Sorry I didn't get back with the outcome but for some reason I have not received any notifications of replies on this thread. I pestered the dealer and they picked up the tractor to take a look at the valve. Turned out the valve was broken (solenoid maybe) and they have replaced it. While the tractor was there I had them do a service and just before I had it brought back I told them about the excessive creep of the FEL as in it drops about one foot every 6 minutes. At first the dealer had told me that this was normal. But now they had the unit back they saw the problem with their own eyes and agreed there was a problem. Turned out there was a leaking FEL valve so that is being replaced as well. Alls well that ends well