New Owner - help with hydraulics and grapple

[sbeausol]

I should be taking delivery of a used L3240HST next week, and I believe a grapple would be a great help for the tasks I have planned that include lots of brush and tree work. The tractor has a rear remote with a lever just to the right of the seat. As I understand it, I should be able to use this remote for the grapple arm, is that correct? If so, can someone point me to a vendor that sells the quick connect for this? From what I've read, a 90 degree 1/2 connection brought down to 1/4 then routed under the tractor to the FEL is the way to go. Also, any grapple recommendations are welcome, and as always any help is greatly appreciated!

Here is a shot of the remote level. You can see it in the back left.

 

[TripleR]

Check with these guys:

Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Hydraulics>>

Fit Rite Hydraulics - fitritehydraulics.com

My brother uses a Tomahawk grapple, I have two Loflins, ETA sells WR long and makes some of their own design, there are several grapple threads worth reading, sorry I'm sure no expert on them and have relied on others who are.

Good luck.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I can typically get you set up for about $200 or $275 if you want to be able to have the hoses come apart for loader removal.

As far as grapples, lots of opinions, there, my recommendation is Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapple. Width is your call, opinions really vary on that.

 

[J_J]

Sure you can use the remote valve for a grapple, but do you want to reach back every time you want to use the grapple.

Why not use either a 3rd function or a diverter valve to operate the grapple.

Once setup, a push button on the FEL handle will operate the grapple.

It all relates to human engineering, as to what you would do normally, or easier.

A 3rd function valve will let you use open/close using switch on the FEL handle.

A diverter setup will let you choose curl or grapple using the FEL handle.

The links in post #2 above can set you up with what you need.

You can also do it yourself by scrounging up the parts .

 

[TripleR]

J_J makes a very good point worth considering as it relates to your tractor. My brother has no trouble running a grapple off the rear remotes off his rear remotes on his Kioti and it's not too bad on our M8540, but on our L5740, I went with a third function due to the placement of the controls and bad shoulders. We will probably put a diverter setup on our M8540 some day as you can get the kit for around $300 or components a bit cheaper. Always something else to spend our money on right now though, like our second grapple...

Here is what makes it so easy on a Kioti: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...extension-control-valve-lever.html?highlight=