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