3RD function FEL

[flINTLOCK]

I'm planning to have rear remote installed by dealer before I take possession of a "new" 2003 NH TC40DA. I am planning to use the remote for control of a grapple I have yet to buy. I'm trying to figure out how one controls the raising and lowering of the arms, the bucket tilt and use rear remote handle to control grapple all at the same time!!! Does anyone do this or is that the reason so many have installed so-called 3rd function on loader control stick??

 

[MadReferee]

Now you have figured out why I don't recommend using a rear remote to operate your grapple. A diverter or third function solenoid valve with a switch on the joystick is my recommendation.

However, that being said, there are people out there who are currently doing what you want to do. I assume there is a learning curve involved to do only two things at once. The trick is to not use all 3 functions at once, unless you have intelligent feet and toes.

 

[texbaylea]

flintlock
I control my grapple with a rear remote. I am not earning my living with the tractor so the few moments extra to move my hand back to the remote's control lever is of no consequence. In fact it keeps me from getting a stiff shoulder from keeping my arm up on the FEL controls for an extended period. I have thought about installing the fender mounted FEL joystick intended for cab models to make it more comfortable.

Vernon

 

[jeffinsgf]

If the millesecond that it takes to move your hand from the joystick to the 3rd SCV control is going to make a difference in your life, then spend roughly 3 to 5 times as much money, and get a joystick mounted diverter switch. Personally, I would have to put together a whole lot of milleseconds to justify $1,500 compared to $350.

Here's a scenario I envisioned when I was making the same decision -- how often is the diverter switched so that when you move the stick to perform an operation (let's say a dump) it does something unexpected (like opening the grapple)? Also, how much time are you going to spend trying to remember whether after you throw the switch, the grapple opens and closes on the forward/back or the right/left? I guess I am old enough that, not growing up with a Nintendo game controller in my hand, I would just as soon have a separate control.

Now, if you want to spend some money that is really going to make a difference, get the forward plumbing kit for your 3rd SCV. I have not done that yet, and I can assure you that I would rather have hard line plumbing on my loader for the grapple (instead of flex hose running to the back) than an electric diverter switch.

 

[MadReferee]

If the millesecond that it takes to move your hand from the joystick to the 3rd SCV control is going to make a difference in your life, then spend roughly 3 to 5 times as much money, and get a joystick mounted diverter switch. Personally, I would have to put together a whole lot of milleseconds to justify $1,500 compared to $350..

Price for a diverter and corresponding switch should be about $250 if you do it yourself, and around $450 if you buy from, say, WR Long. Plumbing is about the same cost and probably cheaper than using a remote due to length of hoses.

I have several hundred dollars less than $1500 on my entire grapple and third function valve setup. For $1500 I could have had it gold plated.

 

[coolhl7]

Mad,
less than $1500 for grapple, hose, controls, and rear remote?
did you do alot of that yourself?
How much would you have spent if it was dealer installed?
I would love a grapple for my MF1540 but dont have the time or trust my ability to install that myself.
Thanks

 

[flINTLOCK]

Not having operated an FEL before, I sort of envisioned approaching a pile of debris with loader arms and grapple low to see your target, raising it up at the pile as you rotate grapple downward as you open grapple. That would seem like 3 functions simultaneously, But,I guess you get good enough after a while that you can only need to do 1 or 2 of those operations at the same time!!!

 

[jeffinsgf]

...I have several hundred dollars less than $1500 on my entire grapple and third function valve setup. For $1500 I could have had it gold plated.

John Deere electric diverter switch with 3rd & 4th (or 4th and 5th) plumbing is $1150 for a 3320. Seems like it was a little more for my 4410, but maybe not. The hard line plumbing for the loader is $291 -- pretty close to $1500. 3rd party might be a lot cheaper, but the Deere 3rd SCV with rear remote is $211. That's a pretty big difference.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Not having operated an FEL before, I sort of envisioned approaching a pile of debris with loader arms and grapple low to see your target, raising it up at the pile as you rotate grapple downward as you open grapple. That would seem like 3 functions simultaneously, But,I guess you get good enough after a while that you can only need to do 1 or 2 of those operations at the same time!!!

I don't think you'll find yourself doing it that fast -- at least I don't. I open the grapple all the way, adjust height and angle of loader to push into pile, close grapple, lift and curl, then back out. Your description sounds like you're planning to pick up your pile like a claw. I think you'll find it more efficient to scoop in low and grab a bite.

EDIT:

A diverter valve won't allow you to do three things simultaneously, either. The diverter switch changes the function of your joystick from controlling the lift and curl to controlling the grapple. So, you have to stop lifting/curling to switch to the grapple with either a diverter switch or a separate handle.

 

[MadReferee]

Mad,
less than $1500 for grapple, hose, controls, and rear remote?
did you do alot of that yourself?
How much would you have spent if it was dealer installed?
I would love a grapple for my MF1540 but dont have the time or trust my ability to install that myself.
Thanks

Tatro bucket grapple just under $500 delivered, WR Long 3rd function valve $520 delivered, hoses and fittings about $100 (I reused the ones from WR Long but with different fittings). Anyone with any kind of mechanical talent can do this themselves. There are several posts on how to do it. A dealer would have uplifted the prices for the materials and probably charged in the neighborhood of $250-$300 for labor.