k0ua
Epic Contributor
Like anything, once you learn the controls...it becomes second nature and just like an extension of your arm.
I am sure that may be person dependent, but I had the hang of operating mine in less than a day.
To the original poster, if you have a remote already, and it is convenient to operate, that would be your cheapest solution, and your easiest solution. that is what I did. I was out about $150 for hoses and couplings. I used discount hydraulic hose, and surplus center as source for all parts. I don't know where the remote valves are on your machine, but just determine if operating them would be easy or a PITA to operate each time you wish to open or close the lid of the grapple.