Grapple How does the solenoid valve to control the grapple?

[OakHillFarmer]

I've read a lot of excellent posts here about grapples. I plan to buy one over the winter but was wondering about something that wasn't clear in what I've read. I'm not new to tractoring but I only have a loader and some ground engaging implements that don't use hydraulics. How exactly does the solenoid valve control the grapple? Does it change the boom or curl funcions to a close function when pressed?

I tell you, I should have bought the thing before clearing 2 acres for new horse paddocks at the farm earlier this year. Having never cleared land on that scale, I had no idea how much time a grapple would have saved. I did it on a vacation week- just me the Stihl, the Kubota and a rip roaring fire. 25 trees 60 to 80 feet and about a million trees with 2 to 6 inch trunks. On day 1 I called to see how fast I could get a grapple set up. It wouldn't have been in time to get the paddocks done for the new horses that were scheduled to come in. I worked my butt off from dawn to dusk that vacation. I was never so happy to get back to my "real" job!

You better believe I will not limb on more tree or clear any more brush without that grapple!

 

[SkunkWerX]

Does it change the boom or curl funcions to a close function when pressed?

Yes, correct, typically the Curl function is used.
If using a solenoid "selector" valve, you pipe it so that you are selecting either Curl or Grapple via a switch.

And you are correct, for clearing, the grapple increases productivity by a long shot.

You will like it.

 

[hill]

SkunkWerx has described the solenoid operating a diverter valve to redirect curl flow to a grapple ram and back again. It's an either/or arrangement.

The other common use of a solenoid valve is to provide third function hydraulic from the loader power beyond, if present, and this method allows for simulteneous use of both curl and grapple.

The grapple needs a hydraulic valve for operation. Using a solenoid actuated valve allows the avoidance of an overcrowded control area by moving the bulky valve to the owner's choice location while activating the valve from the driver seat with a simple small on-off-on switch.

See an example in the kit made by W.R. Long....W.R.Long the 4N1 Bucket People

 

[bjcsc]

In most cases it is as skunkwerx described, but it can depend on the tractor setup. My third function is EH, but operates a solenoid on the 3rd mid SCV. It has no effect of the other two functions and has a locking dial for rate control. With the grapple, I haven't seen much advantage. But with my 4in1, I can pick up piles of little stuff (sawdust, chips) by trapping it and closing the jaw while curling the bucket and lifting the boom.

 

[6sunset6]

I am almost finshed with my install experience of a diverter valve on a NH TC34DA. A Fasse valve. Go look at my post in Hydraulics. I also installed a manual diverter valve on a NH 1320. Thats there somewhere also. You need somekind of remote port to do this either a built in remote and you can then use that directly usually plumbing from the back . then you can have curl and grab.
Or you can use power beyond port , then you need a 4 way for the grapple,
I have two remote ports on the back ,one for top cyclinder and the other for the chute swivil on a snowblower. They both have their own 4 ways built in. So for the front I chose to use a diverter valve on the curl. I had a very difficult time finding a place for the valve until I put it way out front.