After years of rolling logs into the bucket of my FEL, and picking up brush piles by hand, I've been thinking of getting a grapple to use on my John Deere 855. Neither the tractor or my back is getting any younger. The 855 doesn't have a third function control, just the two-way joystick for lift and tilt of the FEL. Has anyone added one to their 855? Is it possible and how difficult? Any info, tips, sources, etc., would be very welcome.
Third function control for a John Deere 855
- Thread starter 52Miner
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kennyd
Advertiser
I diverter would probably be the simplest and cheapest solution for your 855, do a search of this forum for the term "diverter" for a few hours of reading. Price will be ~$400 or so by the time you get all the hoses and fittings.
CincyFlyer
Veteran Member
I went a bit further, and replaced my valve with one with a third spool for the grapple: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/384911-swapped-out-fel-valve-got.html
kennyd
Advertiser
Yes, but the valve on his 855 is integrated into the fender and transmission-not mounted up on the loader mast like yours, your solution wouldn't really work for him.
CincyFlyer
Veteran Member
Very unusual. However, with a plasma cutter and a large enough hammer ...
kennyd
Advertiser
Not unusual at all for most John Deere tractors over the last 20 or so years, it's much more ergonomic that up on the mast.
IvanS
Silver Member
That is so true, most new tractors now have fender mounted loader valves and they are friendlier to operate. Actually makes it possible to mount or dismount the tractor from either side without impaling yourself on the loader valve. An electric diverter valve with a foot actuated switch is a great solution. I see no need to add another valve if you are only going to add a grapple. A diverter just makes more sense over all and is less work than adding a valve.
While doing my reading assignment, per Kennyd, across the diverter forums, a poster said that he disconnects the hoses for his bucket that control the curling, and connects the grapple hoses there. He is then able to use his 2 function spool controller for the grapple open and close. Is this a simple solution, or are there some problems that might not be obvious on first look?
IvanS
Silver Member
Yes, if you do that, you loose the curl function while using the grapple. That's stupid (edit: "Stupid" is a strong word. Let's say "foolishly frugal" ) on the posters part. You need all loader functions plus the grapple open and close operation while using the grapple. Keep reading....
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Thanks IvanS. You're right. As I was reading further I did discover that. I'm learning. This isn't something I was familiar with before a couple of days ago. Another thing I've seen, but don't see a supplier yet, was a bucket mounted grapple that operates with an electric powered hydraulic cylinder instead of using a third function valve or diverter in the tractor hydraulics. Again, seems simple for installation and cost, but there's probably more to the story.