"The Thumb" Bucket Grapple questions

[k0ua]

Yes, a True 3rd function, so does a False 3rd function imply the use of a diverter valve. Thanks for these high lighted links, outstanding trick. Your taken me down the road I want to go, but there does seam to be some high price tolls on this route, I don't know if I have that much ink in my printing press, starting to look like the thumb grapple is the cheapest part.

yep, it is all up to you.. A diverter is a cheap way to go. And since you do not have any rear remotes yet, adding a diverter would be your cheapest route. Surplus center just added a cheap diverter, Maybe you want to look (click here) at one of them.

Again I am not trying to talk you out of the 3rd function valve kit, because it is a good convenient way to go, all I am saying is if the bucks are a little scarce, there are other ways to go and save some money. Might not be just what you want, but it is pretty cheap. But you can also self source the 3rd function yourself, Just put together the parts yourself.

Whats that you say? you don't know how?. Well you can start by doing some studying and asking a lot of questions. Another way is to start searching TBN for other guys that have done it. Of course you have got to have some mechanical/electrical/planning ability. Then you have to have some construction skills, and lastly you have to have the confidence in yourself that you can plan this out and implement it and not give up.

All you are paying for with the $800 kits is about $300 of parts and the rest is them doing all of that planning, measuring, and fitting and thinking to make a "turnkey" kit that with a good set of instructions just about everyone can make work. Along the way they are feeding their families too.

It is all up to you.

 

[Oldpath05]

Also one reason I like my Rear remote valve setup for my grapple lid, I can feather it's closing speed. But the main reason I like the rear remote solution is because I am cheap! I have $150 bucks or there-abouts total in hoses and fittings and QD's. I made the torque tube mounting bracket myself out of old Kubota scrap metal. Of course I HAVE a rear remote valve. If you don't have one already on the tractor, then the other options start to look a lot better money wise.

Way back 4 or 5 days ago, George mention this Rear remote valve setup, is that another way to have a 3rd function or is it a 2-1/2 function, and is there a separate lever or button for it, and how do I know if my L3400 DT has a Rear remote setup, I'll take a look at the front of my tractor tomorrow see if I can find it.

 

[J_J]

The so called true 3rd function valve is a solenoid controlled valve with on/off flow control at full pump flow.

The diverter valve is a solenoid controlled valve that switches between two circuits and the actual operation of the cyl is by the joystick valve allowing you the ability to feather.

The cost from surplus is about the same.

No one seems to know why the terminology doesn't change with using several of these valves.

Why is there not a 4 th function or a 5 th function valve.

Should three of the solenoid valves connected together be called a trio function or a 3 stage gang banger.

Some people think the grapple valve is the 3rd function, or the 4-N-1. I supposed it could be.

 

[k0ua]

Way back 4 or 5 days ago, George mention this Rear remote valve setup, is that another way to have a 3rd function or is it a 2-1/2 function, and is there a separate lever or button for it, and how do I know if my L3400 DT has a Rear remote setup, I'll take a look at the front of my tractor tomorrow see if I can find it.

No point at looking at the front of your tractor, you can look at the rear of your tractor and see if you have any Quick Couplers on the rear.. Now I will tell you that a Kubota L3400DT does not have any as standard equipment. However it can have some as an option. But if you don't have a control valve lever by your side and at least 2 quick couplers on the rear of your tractor then you don't have any.

A Kioti DK35se like mine comes standard with one set of quick couplers on the rear and a control valve up front near the loader joystick.

 

[k0ua]

Should three of the solenoid valves connected together be called a trio function or a 3 stage gang banger.

I like it.:laughing:

 

[Oldpath05]

yep, it is all up to you.. A diverter is a cheap way to go. And since you do not have any rear remotes yet, adding a diverter would be your cheapest route. Surplus center just added a cheap diverter, Maybe you want to look (click here) at one of them.

Again I am not trying to talk you out of the 3rd function valve kit, because it is a good convenient way to go, all I am saying is if the bucks are a little scarce, there are other ways to go and save some money. Might not be just what you want, but it is pretty cheap. But you can also self source the 3rd function yourself, Just put together the parts yourself.

Whats that you say? you don't know how?. Well you can start by doing some studying and asking a lot of questions. Another way is to start searching TBN for other guys that have done it. Of course you have got to have some mechanical/electrical/planning ability. Then you have to have some construction skills, and lastly you have to have the confidence in yourself that you can plan this out and implement it and not give up.

All you are paying for with the $800 kits is about $300 of parts and the rest is them doing all of that planning, measuring, and fitting and thinking to make a "turnkey" kit that with a good set of instructions just about everyone can make work. Along the way they are feeding their families too.

It is all up to you.

"Whats that you say? you don't know how", you took the words right out of my mouth, good thing I'm researching this grapple thumb now, this is going to take me a while, because I suffer from that H.I.S. problem.
No Rear Remote hookup on my L3400, cross that off the list. Ever since J_J mention that ability to feather the thumb with the Diverter valve, then you find a $160.00 price on that from Surplus Center, and then you say the 3rd. function Kit is $800.00+. just $300.00 in parts, Hum, I've welded for a pay check for 30 years now and never came close to that kind of profit to feed my family, that prove's one thing being a weldah is not a high paying job.

This is the only thread I found on a thumb grapple for a tractor bucket, everyone else has full size grapple on the FEL, not doing that, (mechanical, I cant even find the spark plugs on my tractor),(electrical, I hooked up a cigarette outlet on my tractor so I can charge my cell phone), (planning ability, I look stuff up on YouTube, and TBN, and then look in my wallet, then I make a plan), ( constructions skills, have some, I built a house with lot of mistakes, built a garage with lot of mistakes, probably because when I measure and cut a 2x4, three times, it's still TO SHORT, but that's how I learn to speak in tongues.

 

[Oldpath05]

With several lengths of thumbs available, what would be a good length to get to fit my bucket, I measured 2' from the top down to the cutting edge, so that must mean I should get a 2' thumb, I thought so.

 

[nybirdman]

My bucket on my L4240 was the HD roundback version.I went with the 28"Thumb.I can't get to the bucket right now to measure it(3ft.of snow).
You want the Thumb to close on the bottom edge of the bucket.I had to add a piece of angle and roll it to be able to close completely.I also added a tooth-bar.This combo works very well.
I welded the nuts to the bottom of the angle so the Thumb can be removed easily.

 

[ENC]

I have the 3rd function and have not noticed an inability to feather the grapple function. I have heard this before but don't understand it. I don't know if my grapple has flow restrictors or if my pump is so slow as to not cause problems. But I can pick up a sheet of tin and not dent it but the hold the button down and put the grapple teeth right through it.

 

[Oldpath05]

My bucket on my L4240 was the HD roundback version.I went with the 28"Thumb.I can't get to the bucket right now to measure it(3ft.of snow).
You want the Thumb to close on the bottom edge of the bucket.I had to add a piece of angle and roll it to be able to close completely.I also added a tooth-bar.This combo works very well.
I welded the nuts to the bottom of the angle so the Thumb can be removed easily.

I have 3ft.&1in. of snow on the ground, makes me the winner, I cant even go in the woods with my tractor and I have chains on. You must have your snowplow on instead of your bucket, I'm quite sure your bucket is a lot bigger then my L3400. Good idea adding nut so it can removed, that's how I have all my tractor add-on's.

 

[Oldpath05]

I have the 3rd function and have not noticed an inability to feather the grapple function. I have heard this before but don't understand it. I don't know if my grapple has flow restrictors or if my pump is so slow as to not cause problems. But I can pick up a sheet of tin and not dent it but the hold the button down and put the grapple teeth right through it.

What I understand is a 3rd function is different than using a diverter valve setup, with a diverter setup you have turn, push, pull, hit, yank, move a switch so the curl function for the bucket operates the grapple thumb, and that's how the feathers start feathering. I feather my bucket all the time when curling.
Where did you get your 3rd function button setup, I'm leaning in that direction until my wallet says other wise.

 

[nybirdman]

My third function is the Kubota unit,the button is located on the joy-stick.Nice but about $800.Mine is used for my snow-plow and thumb.

 

[ENC]

I had my Kubota dealer do the install. I told them I wanted a true 3rd function over diverted valve. When I picked it up the added valve has WR Long logo on it. Another local dealer told me 3rd function wasn't a dealer option and they would only install a diverter setup.

 

[donk2014]

Just had a WR Long 3rd function installed on my B2620, the Kubota factory was a diverter valve. I also had the WR Long bucket grapple installed. A heavy duty piece of equipment.

 

[Oldpath05]

Just had a WR Long 3rd function installed on my B2620, the Kubota factory was a diverter valve. I also had the WR Long bucket grapple installed. A heavy duty piece of equipment.View attachment 414755

That grapple sure does look heavy duty, I'm thinking on having something a little smaller like a thumb. So with the diverter valve installed, which bucket function did you loose, lift or curl when you operate the grapple?

 

[donk2014]

I did not loose any...went with true third function

 

[DJP]

HI anyone thanks for the Questions: I have a Mahindra 4500, with a front end loader. I have the TAS LOADER--Model ML360. I want a front end grapple on my tractor to pick up cut branches. I was informed A THUMP with a toothbar will work for me. But now based on your questions and remarks, I not sure which is best the THUMB or the Grabble. you stated the Thumb blocks your view when using it. Would that be a good reason to go with the grabble instead of the thumb. Do anyone know where I can find/view a grapple for my Mahindra 4500 with the TAS loader model-ML360???

 

[George2615]

HI anyone thanks for the Questions: I have a Mahindra 4500, with a front end loader. I have the TAS LOADER--Model ML360. I want a front end grapple on my tractor to pick up cut branches. I was informed A THUMP with a toothbar will work for me. But now based on your questions and remarks, I not sure which is best the THUMB or the Grabble. you stated the Thumb blocks your view when using it. Would that be a good reason to go with the grabble instead of the thumb. Do anyone know where I can find/view a grapple for my Mahindra 4500 with the TAS loader model-ML360???

I have the thumb (actual name Thumb by greensmachine). I bought 2 base plates and mounted one on my forks, the other on the bucket. The thumb does not block your view any more than a grapple would. Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost. The thumb gets the job done for me. I don't have enough work to need a grapple. Mine is powered by one set of rear remotes. I ran hoses up to the front.

 

[flingwing1969]

Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost.

I like that unit, what did you pay for it with the extra base? I use my forks a lot and can really move a lot of brush with it and my homemade brush forks that fit over the tines giving me a full width five-tine platform to pick up the brush with, but I would find the thumb useful for holding the load on. I would likely buy/make a shorter set of forks for the lift backer so that I could use the Thumb for grabbing a load of stuff from a trailer (for example) where I couldn't slide under it and had to do the full dump and grab - the 42" on my forks would be too long to permit this. Much lighter in weight than a full root grapple too - BTW, I use my forks to get roots out, including manzanita burls and they work very nicely. Thanks for the post. I'll do a post on my brush forks when I can dig them out from the snow and take some pix - pretty simple setup.

I already have a third-function for my 4n1 so that expense is already taken care of. I wouldn't use the thumb on my 4n1 but I'm thinking of getting a lighter bucket for snow and odds and ends when I don't need the 4n1 and the second bracket for a thumb might be attractive in that case.

 

[DJP]

I have the thumb (actual name Thumb by greensmachine). I bought 2 base plates and mounted one on my forks, the other on the bucket. The thumb does not block your view any more than a grapple would. Plus its a lot cheaper, less than half of what a grapple would cost. The thumb gets the job done for me. I don't have enough work to need a grapple. Mine is powered by one set of rear remotes. I ran hoses up to the front.

Thank for the quick reply. I viewed you pictures and I like the one with the two red long extended bars, it appear to get under anything better, to give you a better grab. What is that piece you have the thumb and bars attached to, which is not a bucket.? And you have a picture with the thumb on your bucket. what host/h.-fluid line do I need to make the thumb functional. My Mahindra 4500 has four h-fluid lines, and they are all used for the TAS loader>ML360 I already have on it. What will I need to do/add to my Mahindra 4500 to operate a thumb mounted on my bucket???