Grappling fun - A Picture Thread....

[kminnick]

Island Tractor makes a good point about cost. About the only disadvantage to the diverter or third function setup is cost.

I've used all three, I have the third function by WR Long on my tractor, and I really like it. I used to think it was much better than the other two methods, but after running another tractor with the diverter setup, I now don't see much of an advantage, aside from personal preference.
I also ran a tractor with the rear remote operated grapple, and did not like it. I would not go with the rear remote setup unless cost was your major factor (which it is to many of us so that is a great reason to go that route).

Operationally, I can say that "my" personal preference would be either the diverter, or third function setup, and I would not put a rear remote setup on to operate the grapple.

It all depends on "your" personal preference. It's pretty difficult, but if your fortunate enough to be able to try out the different methods before you buy, that would solidify your decision. I was able to and it changed my mind about the diverter vs. third function, and confirmed my thoughts on the remote valve setup.

Can you explain the difference of a 'diverter' Vs a 'Third Function'? Seems they both use an electric solenoid to open or close the grapple. Thanks,

 

[PSEbowhunter]

Can you explain the difference of a 'diverter' Vs a 'Third Function'? Seems they both use an electric solenoid to open or close the grapple. Thanks,

Quick and short version. The diverter is a button operated electric solenoid that when activated diverts fluid flow from the curl and dump functions to another function. So when the button is pressed you move the joy stick to open or close the grapple.

The 3rd function is also an electric solenoid but it is tied into the power beyond circuit and works as an off/on switch for the fluid flow to open and close the grapple just by pressing the button.

 

[IslandTractor]

Can you explain the difference of a 'diverter' Vs a 'Third Function'? Seems they both use an electric solenoid to open or close the grapple. Thanks,

A diverter valve "borrows" hydraulic flow from the curl/dump line. When activated electrically it allows operation of the grapple in both directions but while active you cannot simultaneously dump/curl.

A third function valve gets its flow from the power beyond port of the loader valve. By doing that it doesn't interfere with dump/curl so both can be done simultaneously. If you can think of a task that really needs simultaneous dump/curl and grapple open/close that would be an advantage.

Just as everyone likes whatever style/brand/size grapple they buy, the same holds true for using rear remotes/diverter valve or true third function valve to control the grapple. They all work but some cost a lot more than others.

 

[Gordon Gould]

To further explain with a diverter you have one button - normal position is bucket curl/dump with the FEL control. Push the button and the FEL curl/dump control becomes grapple open/close while the button is pressed.

On the 3rd function you have two buttons or one button with two active positions. Grapple open and grapple closed. The FEL curl/dump remains active while a grapple button is pushed but if curl/dump and grapple open/close are used simultaneously one or both are limited because some or all hydraulic flow and pressure is split between the two devices in an uneven way depending on there pressure and flow requirements.

 

[streamin]

so if you have the diverter set up, does the grapple lid remain closed when you release the button? and even though you can't operate curl simultaneously,seems you would be constantly switching back and forth, is that a bit cumbersome?

 

[Tomtint]

I have a 3rd function valve on its way to me, Should be installed by next weekend. Now the hunt for a grapple is on. My use will be primarily moving brush and downed trees under 9" diameter. I have numerous buckets and have looked at the weld on or bolt on thumbs. Also looked at Tomahawk brands that seem to be light duty builds. I think I would like a skeleton bucket with its own grapple but they ate spendy. My tractor is a L3700 SU. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[k0ua]

so if you have the diverter set up, does the grapple lid remain closed when you release the button? and even though you can't operate curl simultaneously,seems you would be constantly switching back and forth, is that a bit cumbersome?

Yes the grapple lid will remain closed. Remember you have applied fluid to the cap end of hydraulic cylinder and of course still have fluid in the rod end also. When the valve snaps shut the fluid is "trapped" in the cylinders and has no where to go. The fluid is incompressible so the system stays static. I hope that made some sense.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a 3rd function valve on its way to me, Should be installed by next weekend. Now the hunt for a grapple is on. My use will be primarily moving brush and downed trees under 9" diameter. I have numerous buckets and have looked at the weld on or bolt on thumbs. Also looked at Tomahawk brands that seem to be light duty builds. I think I would like a skeleton bucket with its own grapple but they ate spendy. My tractor is a L3700 SU. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

My tractor is bigger than yours and has a more powerful loader. I am perfectly happy with a 48" single lid light duty grapple. Right now the nicest such grapple IMO is made by Everything Attachments, they call it their 50" for compact tractors and it is the smallest they make. I think it is the same one Koua has and his tractor is about the same size as yours. It isn't the cheapest one out there and companies like Titan make something similar but less carefully engineered for less. Just make sure that the structural tubing is 0.25" thick as some cheapo grapples are made with 0.125 thick wall and that is prone to failure.

 

[streamin]

Yes the grapple lid will remain closed. Remember you have applied fluid to the cap end of hydraulic cylinder and of course still have fluid in the rod end also. When the valve snaps shut the fluid is "trapped" in the cylinders and has no where to go. The fluid is incompressible so the system stays static. I hope that made some sense.

yep, makes sense, thanks. so the only issue would be the constant switching back and forth. I can see where it would be nice to have dump/curl available all the time like setting a log on a mill or something. now to figure out the cost difference...

 

[IslandTractor]

yep, makes sense, thanks. so the only issue would be the constant switching back and forth. I can see where it would be nice to have dump/curl available all the time like setting a log on a mill or something. now to figure out the cost difference...

As I noted earlier, I have used both rear remotes and a diverter valve. I'd personally not use the diverter again. Not so much because it doesn't work (it does) but because it simply isn't a $500-600 improvement over simply using the rear remotes. I'd rather have an extra implement for that money.

If I were rolling in dough, I would consider the third function valve as a convenience but again, I might decide that it isn't worth two extra implements.

If you can drive a 4 on the floor, use the rear remotes so long as on your tractor the lever is in a handy position to drop your hand to from the FEL joystick. If you must have a button to push, I'd suggest pondering what other tractor toys you could add for the $800-1000 that a third function will cost you and then decide.

Here are some of the extra implements I have that could have been spent on a fancy valve. Tree boom, forks and ripper tooth for my BH. Each one has saved me WAY more time than any button on a joystick.