Adding lines for root grapple

Hobie918 · Jan 9, 2015

Hi everyone, I know this question gets asked a lot on here, but I am still confused after reading through a lot of similar posts.

I have a John Deere 4400 with a 430 FEL and have a root grapple that I need to add a line for the open/close function. From what I have read, I don't believe my tractor has a power beyond and I would like a true third function for the grapple. I went to my local Deere store and they quoted me out at 10k to get the 3rd function, so that is out of the question.

When taking a look under my FEL joystick it looks like there are two more ports that are just capped off and maybe those could be used? (Pictures attached)

Anyway, I'd appreciate any help on getting these lines hooked up and let me know if there's any info you need that I left out!

MtnViewRanch · Jan 9, 2015

If you don't mind me asking, why do you want a true 3rd function valve to use with your grapple?

Hobie918 · Jan 9, 2015

The way I should have said that is that I want to be able to tilt and close the grapple at the same time, regardless of how that is accomplished. The way I interpreted a true 3rd function is that you can use it simultaneously with another function and other methods would only allow for one movement at a time.

k0ua · Jan 9, 2015

Hobie918 said:
The way I should have said that is that I want to be able to tilt and close the grapple at the same time, regardless of how that is accomplished. The way I interpreted a true 3rd function is that you can use it simultaneously with another function and other methods would only allow for one movement at a time.

Everyone will have an opinion on this, but yes, I have one too. And I think the "true third function" is overated. But then again, I don't have/use one. I have a convenient rear remote valve that I use with my fingers while my palm is on the joystick, I again opinion only, but I believe I can operate and set up and grab rocks and brush just as fast as a "true third function" button setup. I also believe a diverter that uses your joystick to control both the lid and curl function would also be just as fast. Others will disagree, but just how many angels CAN dance on the head of a pin?

MtnViewRanch · Jan 9, 2015

Ok, I suppose it makes a big difference with how one goes about picking stuff up. I guess if you are grabbing stuff from over the top and coming down on the material, then that may be the way to go. If you drive into the pile and grabbing from the bottom, then ( I anyway) would want to close the grapple before I ever even thought about curling up or raising the grapple. The way that I operate my grapple, it would be a huge waste of time to curl and close the grapple at the same time. To much stuff falling out that would not be clamped yet.

I also guess that you meant $1000 for the true 3rd function from your dealer, not $10,000.

$1000 installed is not really all that bad of a cost. Yes you can do it cheaper, a lot cheaper, but most likely won't be getting the same things either.

Good luck.

murphy1244 · Jan 9, 2015

k0ua said:
Everyone will have an opinion on this, but yes, I have one too. And I think the "true third function" is overated. But then again, I don't have/use one. I have a convenient rear remote valve that I use with my fingers while my palm is on the joystick, I again opinion only, but I believe I can operate and set up and grab rocks and brush just as fast as a "true third function" button setup. I also believe a diverter that uses your joystick to control both the lid and curl function would also be just as fast. Others will disagree, but just how many angels CAN dance on the head of a pin?

View attachment 406044 View attachment 406045 View attachment 406046

just how many angels CAN dance on the head of a pin? Exactly 5966014

/pine · Jan 9, 2015

Not sure about simultaneous operation of the curl and the grapple but this is a fairly cheap option...

If the FEL valve does not have a PB port...buy a valve that does...service the grapple with the new valve with the pressure line now on the FEL valve...then from the PB port back to the P port on the FEL valve...Tee the return port on the new valve into the existing return on the FEL valve...

Hobie918 · Jan 9, 2015

k0ua, that looks like a pretty nice set up and would accomplish what I need moving brush and debris. Could you explain to me a little bit about what a remote valve is or what parts are required to get it installed? Each time I see a diverter conversation, it always seems to have such mixed opinions that I started looking into other options.

Hobie918 · Jan 9, 2015

MtnViewRanch said:
Ok, I suppose it makes a big difference with how one goes about picking stuff up. I guess if you are grabbing stuff from over the top and coming down on the material, then that may be the way to go. If you drive into the pile and grabbing from the bottom, then ( I anyway) would want to close the grapple before I ever even thought about curling up or raising the grapple. The way that I operate my grapple, it would be a huge waste of time to curl and close the grapple at the same time. To much stuff falling out that would not be clamped yet.

I also guess that you meant $1000 for the true 3rd function from your dealer, not $10,000. $1000 installed is not really all that bad of a cost. Yes you can do it cheaper, a lot cheaper, but most likely won't be getting the same things either.

Good luck.

When I was thinking about the simultaneous operation, I was thinking a little more about when I'd be dumping it into a trailer, but it sounds like it isn't that much of an inconvenience to control them independently. Also, the $10,000 wasn't a typo, they left me dumbfounded when they hit me with that number!

MtnViewRanch · Jan 9, 2015

Hobie918 said:
When I was thinking about the simultaneous operation, I was thinking a little more about when I'd be dumping it into a trailer, but it sounds like it isn't that much of an inconvenience to control them independently. Also, the $10,000 wasn't a typo, they left me dumbfounded when they hit me with that number!

I would be looking for a new dealer, WOW, that is unbelievable. Is there something special about your hydraulic system that just is not very common?

Anyway, cheapest electric diverter system is going to be from Kens grab hooks. He can walk you through this. The electric diverters really are the way to go IMO and pretty simple to install.

Keep asking questions and we will keep, well we will keep something or another.