Problem using new grapple with hydraulic remote. help please!

ErikVann · Jan 9, 2016

Hello,
I have just completed plumbing for my new grapple. I intended to run it off the rear remote. My tractor is a MF 1742 with one rear remote. The remote has a detent. After hooking everything up I was very eager to get grappling. Unfortunately it would not function properly. The grapple would open reasonably quickly but would not shut with any pressure. When I switched the hoses there would be no functions at all. Of course the grapple was closed when I switched the hoses. I started at the back of the tractor changing qds and switching to straight unions where possible. Nothing seemed to change the condition. After working my way to the front of the tractor I I took the qds off and checked flow with the the tractor on and the valve in all positions. One side has good flow with pressure. The other side had lackluster flow and no flow when in detent. Is this normal for this type of remote valve? Is there something wrong with the valve? Thanks in advance.
Erik

BukitCase · Jan 9, 2016

Sounds to me like your valve may be a single-acting one with a float position - power up, float down, or hold, Depending on the lever position. My thinking is that in one direction, it would LIFT the grapple lid but only FLOAT down, reversed it would power down but you'd have to put the whole tractor upside down before float would OPEN the lid(s)

Other than that, I got nuttin'... Steve

ErikVann · Jan 9, 2016

Thanks that's what i am thinking might be the issue. Didn't think that would be the case with the only factory valve installed on the tractor. Or is that typical?

IslandTractor · Jan 9, 2016

I've never heard of a one way valve being installed as a rear remote. Doesn't make sense to do that given most common use of a rear remote would be things like topping lift or log splitter.

I'd wonder if there was a connector issue. Did you power down before connecting to the rear remotes? Are you sure the connectors are well seated? Otherwise maybe there is a problem with the valve.

blueriver · Jan 9, 2016

Maybe not push the lever all the way in the down mode .... just thinking u may be passing the point and going in to float????

Steave · Jan 9, 2016

With no hoses hooked to the rear remotes operate the control lever in one direction with the tractor running it should max out the pressure relief valve and you hear your engine slow down. Now move the control lever into the opposite direction and you should hear the same noise if it's working like you need it to. If not further diagnostics will be needed. I'm not a hydraulic mech this is just something I would try. You may have already tried it.

ErikVann · Jan 9, 2016

I don't understand why a one way valve would be installed either. I have undergone a pretty thorough process of elimination in regards to the connectors, either swapping them out or installing straight union connectors where possible. I always powered down and relieved pressure on the valve before making changes to connections. The fluid is typically bubbly almost frothy when the hoses are cracked. I guess I will need to contact the dealer on Monday and inquire about the type of valve they installed. I will also try to dead head the valve in both directions and see if the engine labored in both directions.

Steave · Jan 9, 2016

It don't make a lot of sense and I've never heard of one like that. If you bought the tractor used the original owner could have ordered it that way for some particular reason. Hey thanks for helping me out on the terminology.

TSO · Jan 10, 2016

The rear remotes on my 1652 have power in both directions. They both push strong with my Top Link, Stump Grinder, etc... I'm wondering if there was something missed during the install on yours? The open station units don't come standard with a remote, maybe your dealer didn't install it correctly?