Well, just watch alled 39 minutes of your Part 2 Hydraulic Thumb modification. I was wondering why you priced out a new/replacement joystick switch when you bought the grapple. I agree that $450 is ridiculous. My package price for the grapple with switch included the directional valve and switch for around $400. You'll be interested to know that I got a price here in the USA for a replacement switch of just over $200. The reason I priced one out is that despite me being the first on TBN to buy this grapple, I still can't use it since the switch is defective. First I had to wait over 2 weeks for LP to send me the missing quick connects, and now I have a broken switch or wire. I do know the directional valve works after hooking it up to a battery directly. I had 12 volts to the switch but nothing coming out of it. So, called my selling dealer and they called LP and they're sending me a new joystick switch/knob with the wires. I have to send back the bad one for LP to check and if they say it's not defective, I'm on the hook for the $200 replacement cost (probably plus shipping). But, I'm pretty confident the switch/wiring is bad. While $200 is a lot better than $450, it's still way too much for what you get. There must be aftermarket joystick knobs with 2-way momentary switches included, but I couldn't find any with an online search.
The reason I priced out the joystick was I knew I'd be adding a cylinder to my mechanical thumb and I figured it would be a fast way to power it up. When I got the price I said "No Way" not paying that. Like Waxman said. It's big and ugly anyway and I agree but if it was a $100. I might have bought it. Yours is simple to check. Run 12 volts to the two red wires and with a test light going to ground touch the test light on each of the two remaining black wires and each button should power each wire. Now that I made my own I really like the feel of it. I didn't have to change anything on the back hoe controls and when I need to use the thumb I use MY thumb to operate it. My switch cost me $1.99 plus some scrap aluminum and a few hours. Nutt'en to it.
I don't think your being treated right. When my two male QC's were missing my dealer pulled them from another kit and had them on my way that day. I looked on line for something I'd like for a joystick with switch and I didn't see anything that I liked plus what I did see weren't cheap.
I am a little confused on your quick connect compatibility issue. I know that what LP provides is not the same as what's on the rest of my tractor. From adding dual rear remotes plumbed into the backhoe powerbeyond loop, I know that the Kubota OEM QC's are ISO 7241-1B / Parker 60 series, which are 1/4" QC's with NPT threads. The LP QC's are Parker SM series 1/4" O-ring, but I'm not sure what the threads are (SAE??). Anyway, I would have assumed someone would make an adapter fitting to go from NPT to SAE (or whatever the LP hoses come with). I know one thing - I sure couldn't do that silver solder trick if I had that issue.
After watching your video, I was thinking why not buy another directional valve and plumb it into the backhoe power beyond loop at the back of the tractor? Then you wouldn't have to switch hoses when you go from grapple use to hydraulic thumb use. Just a thought, though added expense. Don't get me wrong, your installation is top notch and beyond what I could do with what tools and skill I have. Maybe your "future mod" addresses the need to switch hoses.
Yes there are adapters for every type of fitting but you have to realize that I live on an island out in the middle of the North Atlantic and man it's tough getting things when you need them and that's why I do what I do. More people in my area come to me for being the guy who solves these types of announces and that's just what they are. The only issue I had was my new connectors (two of them) wouldn't fit into the QC's on the 3rd function valve but after the little bit of machining and silver soldering I know it will outlast me and more besides me and I included it on the video for the reasons. #1. to show anyone doing this what to look out for. #2. one way to get around the issue and #3. Silver soldering.
Yes I could have purchased another 3rd function kit but I felt that I was being gouged by Land Pride on the price of the switch and I'd spent a $1000. not to buy it from them after that. Ya I'm stubborn :laughing:
As you already know, there's not much extra space on these little BX's for another 3rn function set up and when I'm using the grapple I won't be using the back hoe so there's no foul and all I have to do is plus in two QC's anyways at any given time. :confused3:
Anyway, congratulations on another top notch mod. You could make a fortune selling aftermarket Kubota modification kits, though I know you're in it more for pleasure than profit. As for your BX, I think you're going to run out of "real estate" before you run out of mod's to make. :laughing:
