need advice on grapple and 3rd function valve

[Lucyw]

We have a Mahindra 4540 and want to get a grapple. We have been told we need a 3rd function valve, but the prices seem to vary greatly so we aren't real sure we are talking oranges and oranges. One dealer wanted over $3000; another wanted $900. Can anyone advise us what to buy to make sure we get what we actually need? And should we buy Mahindra or does it matter? (same with grapple.) Thanks so much

Lucy Mcguffey
Crawford, Alabama

 

[Cataclysm]

Yes, call Travis or Ted at Everything Attachments. Tell them your needs and uses. They are the Gold standard. They are a vendor on this site as well.

Tractor Attachments And Skid Steer Attachments For Any Tractor Or Skid Steer

More than you ever wanted to know about grapples.

I have a W.R. Long 3rd function on my LS 4155HC with the twin lid 72" Wicked Root Grapple and couldn't be happier. I call it my Wicked Twin. I have several posts in the grapple thread linked above.

 

[Hamiltonville Farm]

We have a Mahindra 4540 and want to get a grapple. We have been told we need a 3rd function valve, but the prices seem to vary greatly so we aren't real sure we are talking oranges and oranges. One dealer wanted over $3000; another wanted $900. Can anyone advise us what to buy to make sure we get what we actually need? And should we buy Mahindra or does it matter? (same with grapple.) Thanks so much

Lucy Mcguffey
Crawford, Alabama

I would buy a Everything Attachments wicked grapple. My 4540 came with a 3rd function switch that was not a true 3rd function, as in you can't roll and lift at same time. But go research Wicked grapples by EA. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Lucyw]

thank you!

 

[Lucyw]

thank you

 

[swampy6]

We had a true third function kit installed for use with our plow, I'm not sure on the price but it wasn't $3000.00.

 

[RNeumann]

Two styles of dealer rip offs! The $900 third function is probably the Mahindra diverter valve that uses the bucket curl function and diverts that for the grapple.

The second, $3000 version, is probably a true 3rd function that would allow both curl and grapple at the same time.

The valve and switch are easy to source and cost a few hundred bucks. The brackets, plumbing and hoses are what chew up time. If you have time and an understanding of the hydraulics you are probably $600-$800 in parts.

The kit mentioned above is a true third function.

 

[TractorNH]

Two styles of dealer rip offs! The $900 third function is probably the Mahindra diverter valve that uses the bucket curl function and diverts that for the grapple.

The second, $3000 version, is probably a true 3rd function that would allow both curl and grapple at the same time.

The valve and switch are easy to source and cost a few hundred bucks. The brackets, plumbing and hoses are what chew up time. If you have time and an understanding of the hydraulics you are probably $600-$800 in parts.

The kit mentioned above is a true third function.

With the WR Long 3rd function kit if you feather your bucket curl or loader lift then you can also operate the 3rd function at the same time. Since it is installed in the power beyond port of the loader valve it is taking the flow AFTER that valve so the 3rd function is just taking whatever flow you are not already using in the other functions.

As far as price, my dealer installed the WR Long 3rd function for about $1500 and it seemed like that was the going rate around here when I was shopping for the tractor. If you are somewhat handy you can buy the kit from EA for under $850 and install it yourself. Had I known how easy it is to install that is what I would have done. The kit comes with everything you need including hoses to connect it for the specific tractor.

 

[mbohuntr]

I bought a add a grapple, and simply disconnected the roll cylinders, and used them for the grapple arm. Just bought the xtra hoses and fittings.. cheap..didn't need the roll function anyway.

 

[Lucyw]

Thank you all. I will show all of these replies to my husband.

Lucy

 

[EverythingAttachments]

Thanks to Hank and Cataclysm for recommending Everything Attachments. I'll elaborate a little more concerning our hottest selling grapple for tractors like yours, the 400 pound Wicked 60 Root Rake Grapple!

We combine the best materials money can buy; a combo unlike anything else on the market.
AR450 Steel and DOM tubing is incredibly strong, rigid and durable.
You値l find more pics and feedback about Wicked Grapples than any other tractor product out there. The last time I counted, there were 583 total EA Wicked Grapple reviews on our website alone!

Concerning the rake style grapple...
The dozer-like tine geometry of the rake style promotes a tractor's ability to push the tines through the ground with ease.
The root rake style allows you to pull brush, vines and other debris backwards, which isn't recommended with many long bottom grapples. Besides pulling backwards, you can also pull down. Reach up and snap a limb off the tree if you feel like it.
The root rake style will easier "unload", so you can hover over the trailer, dumpster, pile, etc., open it up and whatever you've captured is gone!

We are incredibly blessed and thankful for all of our awesome, proud and loyal customers who provide us with the feedback and pics to convince everyone that Wicked is the best tractor grapple on the planet.

Back to the subject at hand... Did someone say Mahindra 4540? Great!
These are from Carol in the EA Channel Group!

Man, this thing is so Wicked NASTY!!!
Travis

Multiple and off balanced objects/logs is no problem and the load stays close. #Ideal

 

[FTG-05]

Lucy, What the EA types aren't telling you is the dirty little secret of EA: 1983 ads Lay's potato chips - YouTube

 

[TractorNH]

Lucy, What the EA types aren't telling you is the dirty little secret of EA: 1983 ads Lay's potato chips - YouTube

Nope, you can't have just one EA attachment. Once you have one and see the quality you will want another and another and another!

 

[GunPilot64]

I have the Mahindra 3rd function (really a diverter valve) and a W.R. Long OBG-2 grapple on my 6075 cab. I am very pleased with this combination. The Mahindra diverter valve is just fine with me. Being able to curl the grapple while simultaneously opening/closing the grapple is not a big deal to me. Not a single time have I ever felt like I needed to simultaneously perform those functions. It has been a non-issue.

The WR Long grapple is very rugged. Here are a couple pics of me doing a little work after dark moving some concrete rubble. Not sure how heavy that solid piece of concrete was, but it was not light, and the OBG-2 grapple handled it with ease.

Here is the link for this grapple W.R. Long, Inc. | Open Bottom Grapple "OBG-2" & "OBG-1"

 

[heavy hammer]

Go with Everything attachments there grapples are awesome, built tough, light weight and the customer service is second to none! Once you get one, you will want more of their attachments!

 

[GunPilot64]

Go with WR Long. Their grapples are also awesome, built tough, light weight, and I do not know about their customer service because I have never had a problem with my grapple!

Bottom line is that you have to pick what works best for you in terms of price and features. EA sells great stuff. WR Long sells great stuff. Get what works best for you and beware of folks who are brand myopic that try to push what they have on you because what works well for them may not fit your situation.

 

[oosik]

I have a WR Long third function valve. Electric over hydraulic - $1100 installed. My grapple is a VERY heavy duty Land Pride - SGC1560 - $3175 installed. It weighs 820# but still allows me 3000+# of lift for what I do.

I do not want to be limited in what I can do by the limits of my grapple. And I am not.

 

[Lucyw]

Thanks. Looking at those right this minute.

 

[1tandem]

Obviously they all do a good job and are quality products. You will love having a grapple. My wife insisted I get one, what a smart gal.