3rd function hydraulics
- Thread starter Bagley374
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Michael In Tennessee
Gold Member
A grapple if you buy it. Did you read your manual?
Manual doesn’t explain anything in regards to loader joystick button. Cabelas fell off the face of the earth with tractors they offered! It’s a nice unit with great features that I obtainEd at a good price! I want to install a grapple for cleanup after a logging operation and future use on property I own! Have a grapple in mind to purchase, just unsure what I may need to operate the grapple open/close!
old and tired
Veteran Member
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- L2800 HST, 2005, R4 tires
Depends on how the hydraulic ports are plumbed... If you can post a photo of what the lines go to, might help.
I'm going to assume it's a diverter valve.... So if you follow the hydraulic lines back from the front. I'm guessing they go to a diverter valve, with 6 lines. 2 going in, two going to the grapple and 2 to either the lift or curl cylinders... (need to know which one) because once you press the button, the lift or the curl will not work but the grapple will open or close via. moving the joy stick one direct or the other..
Most likely you just need the grapple to have the same connector as the hydraulic ports that you have and you should be in business.
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Michael In Tennessee
Gold Member
He can test which function is diverted without a grapple. Just use the button while exercising the loader and see what doesn't work. If the button is just momentary on, it has to be a diverted. If the button is a rocker switch (or pair if buttons) its a true 3rd function. Either way, Its a nice option to have.
I agree pictures will help.
Follow up: 43 hp, 1900 lb lift capacity, and 8.8 gpm flow. You can use a pretty decent grapple on that tractor.
I agree pictures will help.
Follow up: 43 hp, 1900 lb lift capacity, and 8.8 gpm flow. You can use a pretty decent grapple on that tractor.
Joystick has a single button, (momentary on?), with that how do you open and close grapple? How do you change hydraulic flow to operate grapple?
K5lwq
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Pushing the button changes the flow from your loader function (either lift or curl) to the grapple. With button held in you just move the joystick to open and close the grapple.
Michael In Tennessee
Gold Member
Ok, still want pictures to be sure. Also, what grapple are you considering and why?
Pics will have to wait as tractor is at different location but joystick button control now makes sense! I’m looking at a root grapple to cleanup and after a logging operation, mostly brush and limbs no big or heavy logs or butts! Want to clear brush and such off skidded trails making them walkable and general clean up of logged area!
npalen
Elite Member
"Pics will have to wait as tractor is at different location"
Hope the tractor is not in Nigeria or Timbuktu!
Hope the tractor is not in Nigeria or Timbuktu!
No it’s in a garage at my hunting property, and thanks !"Pics will have to wait as tractor is at different location"
Hope the tractor is not in Nigeria or Timbuktu!
Michael In Tennessee
Gold Member
Ok, do you have specific grapple chosen? In that tractors size range, a wicked 60 is about right. That is what i have on my MX. Its expensive and has a long lead time, but a darned nice grapple. Maybe something a little smaller even.
60” or smaller? I was thinking 72” to match bucket width and stay out beyond front wheel width! You saying 72 is too big?
Michael In Tennessee
Gold Member
You don't really need width. You want it strong enough to do the job, but not so heavy you lose lift capacity. But, in the end, its a personal decision.
Tell me, why do you think you need wider? How much does your current choice weigh? 700, 800 lbs? Thats half your available lift capacity.
Tell me, why do you think you need wider? How much does your current choice weigh? 700, 800 lbs? Thats half your available lift capacity.
Your probably right! Bigger isn’t always better! Smaller may actually be easier to use to maneuver around property without sacrificing performance. I found some 72” grapples locally but might want to reconsider and shop around for a smaller unit! Thanks again!
ericm979
Super Member
My tractor has a 70" bucket. I went with a 60" grapple and I have never wanted a wider one. I could have gone with a 54".
Be aware of the grapple's weight. Some are made from mild steel and are really heavy, maybe intended for skid steers that have more lift capacity. With only 1900 lbs capacity a grapple that's 800 lbs vs 400 will be using up a lot of your capacity.
Be aware of the grapple's weight. Some are made from mild steel and are really heavy, maybe intended for skid steers that have more lift capacity. With only 1900 lbs capacity a grapple that's 800 lbs vs 400 will be using up a lot of your capacity.
I’ll will reconsider and shop around thanks to all for info!
oosik
Epic Contributor
I have 65hp and a 60" grapple. Width's main benefit is if you are dealing with a whole lot of brush to clean up. Otherwise - as others have said - width only uses up available lift capacity. See attached pic.
You would be wise to modify your grill guard also. See attached pic.
You would be wise to modify your grill guard also. See attached pic.
