True 3rd function or diverter valve for grapple?

[streamin]

ovrszd and jcummins: so do you feel there is no need to feather anything, just full on or off? Maybe trying pick up something small and needing more accuracy?

 

[lostcreekranch]

Some of the above 3rd function operation comments /descriptions could lead to confusion regarding "feathering" of the grapple lid. When you press open or close you can stop the lid / lids at any point in their rotation. It isn't full open or full closed. Yeah, you cannot vary the speed of open or close but, that's not an issue.

My 3rd function controls, on both tractors, is a toggle switch and not two discreet buttons. My 3rd function hydraulic connectors, on front of FEL, are one male and one female. This assures that whichever tractor grapple, tree puller, etc. is installed on, pushing top side of toggle switch opens and bottom side closes.

 

[ovrszd]

ovrszd and jcummins: so do you feel there is no need to feather anything, just full on or off? Maybe trying pick up something small and needing more accuracy?

Once in awhile I wish I could delicately close on an item, but that's very rare. The ability to have 3 functions at once far outweigh that ability.

Every variation has +/-. Even the type of switch used. At a minimum locate the switch on the joystick so it can be used by a single digit without removing the hand from the joystick handle.

 

[k0ua]

Sometimes when I pick up small branches that have blown into my road from a windstorm or when I move small rocks, I am glad I can feather the clamp force. If you clamp a small rock too hard, it will explode. I know this from experience. Below is an example of picking up a small rock. It is not a big problem most of the time, but sometimes you want to "soft mouth" something.

 

[ovrszd]

James, when I want it most is when picking up a single dead limb that spans the Grapple. If I grip it too tightly I'll break it into small pieces that I then have to chase down.

When I used my Grapple on my previous L4400 tractor the GPM was low enough that I didn't have issues. Now with the M9540 it's much more noticeable.

I've always said a Grapple will make a "lazy" man out of you. I'll spend a couple minutes trying to pick up something small rather than get off the seat and do it physically......

 

[k0ua]

James, when I want it most is when picking up a single dead limb that spans the Grapple. If I grip it too tightly I'll break it into small pieces that I then have to chase down.

When I used my Grapple on my previous L4400 tractor the GPM was low enough that I didn't have issues. Now with the M9540 it's much more noticeable.

I've always said a Grapple will make a "lazy" man out of you. I'll spend a couple minutes trying to pick up something small rather than get off the seat and do it physically......

I know exactly of what you speak. I have picked up some pretty small "twigs" out of the road. I figure it is just good practice that might come in handy some day to gain more precision. It is so easy with a hydro tractor to position correctly, and my wicked single lid precision fits to its mating lower tine.

 

[ovrszd]

I know exactly of what you speak. I have picked up some pretty small "twigs" out of the road. I figure it is just good practice that might come in handy some day to gain more precision. It is so easy with a hydro tractor to position correctly, and my wicked single lid precision fits to its mating lower tine.

I frequently do Grapple chores for my neighbor at the farm. He just shakes his head in amazement of how precise I can be with it. That's the result of those "small" tasks used to fine tune my skills.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Yep , I've exploded a few limbs of my own. I too have gotten lazy and spend a bunch of "fun" time picking up stuff that i really should just get put and do by hand, but no fun in that. my last 2 tractors I have built 3rd functions for , so I've stayed with that setup because I'm use to it. Its a give and take between the 2 systems and just depends on uses and what you've gotten use to using. Either way you will be happy to have a grapple.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep , I've exploded a few limbs of my own. I too have gotten lazy and spend a bunch of "fun" time picking up stuff that i really should just get put and do by hand, but no fun in that. my last 2 tractors I have built 3rd functions for , so I've stayed with that setup because I'm use to it. Its a give and take between the 2 systems and just depends on uses and what you've gotten use to using. Either way you will be happy to have a grapple.

Your last sentence says it all !!!!

The most poorly configured hydraulic Grapple is soooooo much better than no Grapple at all...... :coo

 

[lostcreekranch]

One thing I've seen on a couple of grapples, both 3rd function and diverter control, is really high hydraulic flow to grapple lids. Both could be corrected with some flow restriction which should result in a bit slower open / close speed and smoother operation