Front Remote Hyd. For Grapple BX

[BotaGuy]

Has anyone installed a front remote for powering a grapple bucket on a BX series machine? I have a grapple mock-up on the board, and I would like to get the hydraulics in place. I have searched the site and found plenty of info for the rear hydraulics.

 

[jrlichina]

You could use the rear hydraulics to power a valve(or set of valves) which you would use to power your grapple. Another method would be to use an electric diverter plumbed into the curl circuit. You would then run the button to the loader handle. Now when you press the button and activate the curl it would divert to the grapple cylinder. I would use this method.

 

[BotaGuy]

The diverter sounds like the system I would imagine. Pushing a button on the loader joystick to activate the grapple mechanism.

 

[shoppintractors]

Did you get the optional 4 way loader valve with your BX?

A concern is the added weight of the grapple on the bucket. Lift capacity is 460 lbs. For every pound of grapple, subtract off a pound of lift capacity.

Don

 

[BotaGuy]

Yes, I have the 4 way valve. I am not concerned with the weight. The grapple will be used for brush, tree trimmings, etc. That stuff will not affect the loader capacity, I have a bunch of tree trimming to do, and it will be easier to "grap" the brush than it is to get it into the bucket.

 

[L3710GV]

I'am in the process of building a grapple for my L3710, what I came up with for the control was to mount a single spool valve under the loader valve, on the same plate-with some 1" spacers it fits perfect, on the BX I don't know if you have the room or not. The reason I went with a plain manual valve was because I was concerned about the pressure loss and flow restriction of the smaller solinoid flow diverter valves, and haveing it mounted out there on the loader boom where it could get damaged.

 

[jrlichina]

You should have no difficulty finding a diverter that is rated for the tractor's hydraulic system. Surplus Center has one rated at 8.0 GPM, 3000 psi (12 VDC 1.3 amps) for $89 bucks. If you call them they may have something even less expensive. They have more than what they show in their catalog.