Grapple grapple

[IslandTractor]

Right now I have the joystick up front for the bucket and two sets of rear hydraulics - one of which I could use for the grapple -- but I sure would like to get a lever next to the joy stick to make the use of the grapple a lot more user friendly

Where are the controls for your rear hydraulics? If they are within easy reach of the joystick then the simpliest thing is to just use them as is. It is easy to get some quick connects and a couple lengths of 3/8 hose and snake them from the rear remotes through the tractor to the grapple. That solution would literally cost only $100 or so for the connectors and hoses. A third function valve kit will cost you about a grand plus installation.

 

[medicshawn]

I think the 3rd function valves are running 700 for the Wr Long or the Kubota. Not sure about installation charges I had mine installed before delivery and thats what it cost me.

 

[IslandTractor]

I think the 3rd function valves are running 700 for the Wr Long or the Kubota. Not sure about installation charges I had mine installed before delivery and thats what it cost me.

That is not bad considering the diverter valve kits are only a couple hundred less.

 

[n.o.yat]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

 

[J_J]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

If your valve has a PB port, then you could add another valve for the grapple. You could even use a 12v electric valve and toggle the grapple with a thumb switch. The electric valves are around $100.00 If it is to fast, add a restrictor.

I purchased a joystick valve with PB from Surplus Hydraulics, around $200.00 Just put your FEL on this valve, and tie your other valve to the PB port, or use the electric valve, tied into the PB port.

 

[Kennebago]

Where are the controls for your rear hydraulics? If they are within easy reach of the joystick then the simpliest thing is to just use them as is. It is easy to get some quick connects and a couple lengths of 3/8 hose and snake them from the rear remotes through the tractor to the grapple. That solution would literally cost only $100 or so for the connectors and hoses. A third function valve kit will cost you about a grand plus installation.

Thanks IslandTractor -
The rear remotes are pretty tough to work when using the lift or curl at the same time. The grapple I am using is an ANBO grapple rake so there are lots of times I want to be able to open the grapple and raise or curl at the same time and since both the rears and the joy stick are on the same side but separated by about two feet it is pretty inconvenient. I want to be able to mount a switch on the joy stick - and operate essentailly like the Long kit. I will do the install myself, but was wondering if anyone had experience doing this with off the shelf components and making their own brackets.

I really dont want to spend the $1000 plus so was hoping some of you out there could share some experiences and photos that would make the job go a bit easier

Thanks again for the comments

 

[IslandTractor]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

You do not need a diverter valve or third function valve. A set of rear remotes are not expensive to install especially if you do it yourself with a Kubota kit. After that all you need are 100 bucks worth of hoses and fittings.

 

[Northland]

I bought a Tatro bucket grapple for $400 http://www.tatrosite.com/
and a WR Long valve kit ($600) Valve Kits for my B7800 a few year ago.

No rear ports required and I can use the QD hoses to power a hydraulic splitter when I buy one.

For a $1000 total it has been a great investment for me as I use it often for moving the maple trees I fell for firewood. It stays on all year round now.

 

[dangerdoc]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

Seriously, I added a third function to my Kubota in a couple of hours and less than $200. It would have taken about 45 minutes if I had done it before.

The hardest part is deciding where you want to put the second valve and measuring the hoses.

If you are worried about the cost of the extra valve, go to surplus supply and price them, they're not that bad.

 

[westbrooklawn]

Is that a WRLong or ATI? Looks like the ATI. I did not know that WRLong made a grapple bucket attachment.

Island... I would have replied sooner, but was out of town for the weekend and didn't have any internet acess. Yes, it is a WR Long... they offer both a single cylinder and a double cylinder version. Nelson convinced me that the single would be fine for my loader, and he was correct. The WR Long bolt on may look like the ATI, but it is heavier stock, and all around better quality in my opinion. Pivot points have grease fittings, cylinder has a protective cover, etc.

 

[dangerdoc]

Seriously, I added a third function to my Kubota in a couple of hours and less than $200. It would have taken about 45 minutes if I had done it before.

The hardest part is deciding where you want to put the second valve and measuring the hoses.

If you are worried about the cost of the extra valve, go to surplus supply and price them, they're not that bad.

Someone asked my to post quick instructions for installing an extra valve to the power beyond. Any detail questions would be better directed to the hydraulics forum but here goes.

The hose exiting the front of the joystick is the power beyond and formerly inserted into the hydraulic block below. Connect this to the input of your new valve. Make a hose long enough to go from the exit of the new valve back to the hydraulic block, closing the loop.

Make two hoses that go down the front loader to your new grapple.

I hope this helps.

Edit:

I have no idea why the picture didn't work, here is a direct link to the picture.

http://s594.photobucket.com/albums/tt22/dangerdockubota/?action=view&current=kubotavalvecopy.jpg

 

[Kennebago]

Dangedoc - thanks for the description and the picture - it definitely helps

 

[firec]

I just saw this thread and this is something that I been wanting for awhile. I have an L3830 and excuse my lack on knowledge but where the hydralic hoses plug in for the bucket or snowblower there is third connector that is not being used, could this be used for the third connection. I also have the kubota backhoe bh90 which gives me hydralic connection is the rear. I want to use this for clearing brush and lifting logs to cut up for firewood. I asked a dealer a while back and they gave me an estimate of $1,500 to add the third connection plus another $1,500 for the grapple. I looked at some of the grapple buckets mentioned on this site and they are considerably less.

Any help explaining this is appreciated.

 

[pitt_md]

no rear hydraulics on a l 3400. this is a project i may have to forget about sadly enough. just a little to much money. i think the most expensive part would be the third function valve. sure wish i could find a cheaper way out. but i would like to thank everyone for there input . this is agreat site i will visit it often!!!!

I was in the same place over the expense of a grapple and all the things that I needed to buy to use it. Seems like everytime I looked someone else had their hand out wanting more money. After it was all said a done I am VERY happy that I spent it. I just got done using it all last weekend. I cut down 7 large trees in the way of a new fence line and cut them up into sections and took them away and stacked them up for cutting into fire wood after a year.

If you can't get one now due to expenses keep it at the top of your list. You will be glad you did.

 

[dangerdoc]

I just saw this thread and this is something that I been wanting for awhile. I have an L3830 and excuse my lack on knowledge but where the hydralic hoses plug in for the bucket or snowblower there is third connector that is not being used, could this be used for the third connection. I also have the kubota backhoe bh90 which gives me hydralic connection is the rear. I want to use this for clearing brush and lifting logs to cut up for firewood. I asked a dealer a while back and they gave me an estimate of $1,500 to add the third connection plus another $1,500 for the grapple. I looked at some of the grapple buckets mentioned on this site and they are considerably less.

Any help explaining this is appreciated.

click on the link I posted above. It shows how to connect a valve to that third connector.

You can get a valve for well less than a hundred dollars. You then just need to get some hoses made locally and connect them. You can also find a grapple for well less that $1500, just search this site.

Including shipping, I have about $2600 invested and that includes a quick attach converter, a 4n1 bucket, a grapple bucket, the third valve and all the expenses of connecting evertything.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Dangerdoc, Are you running a third low pressure return hose from your extra valve, I didn't see one in the pic?

 

[dangerdoc]

Dangerdoc, Are you running a third low pressure return hose from your extra valve, I didn't see one in the pic?

No, the power beyond from the joystick valve to the third valve and just one hose from the valve back to the block where the original power beyond hose connected.

My third valve has the option of power beyond which requires the third hose but I do not have it set up that way.

 

[RadarTech]

ya know, I have been here for awhile now..
and a bucket grapple is on my list...
BUT just can't get all the variables and parts in line....

I want to do the electric selenoid like 3RRL did on Loretta's tractor..
the PB port on my LA463 just is not where I expect it to be. I see 1b and 2b ports but no PB port.

does anyone have an L3400 with an electric selenoid and thumb?

PICS would be great....
or if someone remembers this kinda post before can you point me that way?

thanks,
J

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

Does anyone know how much these run???? Got a bit of clean up around the farm and this type unit would help out greatly. Thanks. OK I see the price now thanks.

These grapples are similar to the ATI style, and can be found at several retailers. Just noticed that Star equipment in Hammond is a retailer for these.

Grapple - Add-a-Grapple - Precision Manufacturing

 

[newbury]

Grapple

a better link w/ prices