2320 - add hydraulics for grapple?

[Tenn_Blue]

Hi everyone - I am considering building a brush grapple for our JD 2320. It would be a light duty one, in keeping with the lift capability of the 200x loader. BUT, my tractor doesn't have front (or rear for that matter) hydraulic accessory lines for the grapple cylinder.

Wonder if there are any 2x20 owners out there that have had the hydraulics installed - either JD brand (if availible) or aftermarket, and if you are satisfied with them. Can I buy the parts and do it myself, of is it a dealer-only install? Ball-park, what should something like this cost me?

Also, for a grapple type attachment, could I use a diverter circuit, or would I be better to run a whole third line and control?

I've got the mechanical and hydraulic aspects of the grapple/bucket figured, but a little foggy on how to get the tractor side supply to it.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[kennyd]

Yes it can and has been done:thumbsup:

For the JD machines, the "electric diverter" is the simplest way to get a front remote

Here are a few threads:

Added Remote to FEL... - TractorByNet.com

2520 - Diverter Valve Project - TractorByNet.com

Here are some on rear remotes:

Installing a 2 spool SCV on a JD 2320 - TractorByNet.com

2520 - Rear Remotes Added - TractorByNet.com

Adding Power Beyond, 3-spool hydraulic valve, and T-n-T to a JD 2520 - TractorByNet.com

Rear Remotes on a JD4110 - TractorByNet.com


A search of the term "diverter" both here and in the Hydraulics forum will turn up hours of reading also.

 

[2720wes]

You can save some money and do it yourself or go the easy route and have the dealer do it. I chose easy. They put a Fosse valve diverter on and ran the lines to the grapple. Not as complicated as I thought it would be. Cost for the valve, parts and labor was around $600-700, I think. Works great

 

[beenthere]

kennyd
Thanks for that summary.

 

[Tenn_Blue]

Thanks for the info guys! I had looked before posting - guess I didn't look far enough back....

If I went the diverter route, which is the "accepted" circuit to tie into - Lift/lower or curl?

Can the diverter work while the circuit is in use, or do you have to let off the "tension" first? For example, if I put it on the bucket curl circuit, could I be curling the bucket, hit the button (without letting off the joystick) and it would switch over to the grapple, or would I have to let off the joystick before switching?

Sorry for all the questions. This is all new to me! 4 years ago, I had never SAT on a tractor, now I are an owner/operator

 

[kennyd]

If I went the diverter route, which is the "accepted" circuit to tie into - Lift/lower or curl?

]

If you searched the term "diverter" as I suggested, then you you would have that answer...it's place on the dump/curl circuit 99.9999% of the time-you never want to interrupt the lift/lower for safety reasons IMHO. Plus it's just more useful that way.

Can the diverter work while the circuit is in use, or do you have to let off the "tension" first? For example, if I put it on the bucket curl circuit, could I be curling the bucket, hit the button (without letting off the joystick) and it would switch over to the grapple, or would I have to let off the joystick before switching?

Yes, you could...but I wouldn't recommend it.

Sorry for all the questions. This is all new to me! 4 years ago, I had never SAT on a tractor, now I are an owner/operator

No worries...we where all new at one time. That is the reason I implore you to search-not just because I am lazy:laughing: There is so much info in the older threads.