Grapple 3rd function question

[norsker]

I'm adding a grapple and 3rd function to my 2120 for moving logs but can also see myself using a root grapple for clean up work. Is a grapple controller with momentary switches preferred, or are On/Off rocker switches more desirable? I realize that if I use On/Off switches I will be taking flow away from my loader whenever one of those switches is activated, but do the momentary switches lock the grapple onto a log?

Thanks!

 

[dstig1]

Mine uses a diverter with a momentary switch on the FEL joystick. Push the button and hold it and then the dump/curl becomes grapple open/close while you hold it. Most of my work is brush and logs and it works great.

 

[oldnslo]

Your 3rd function valve should have the work ports blocked in the spring loaded home position so grapple would hold position with valve not energized.

 

[norsker]

Interesting....so is that something which can generally be assumed about 3rd function SOVs? I'm probably going with a Summit kit.

 

[norsker]

Mine uses a diverter with a momentary switch on the FEL joystick. Push the button and hold it and then the dump/curl becomes grapple open/close while you hold it. Most of my work is brush and logs and it works great.

Is there a reason you chose a diverter in lieu of an SOV on the PB circuit?

 

[oldnslo]

Is there a reason you chose a diverter in lieu of an SOV on the PB circuit?

It depends on what the intended use(s) are for the 3rd function

Diverter on curl circuit allows you to feather the flow via the joystick to the 3rd function so you can operate that function slowly or full speed. Also not in main pump line so no added line loss creating heat when not in use.

3rd function with solenoid operated valve in the power beyond circuit is on or off flow like a light switch so no fine movement of that function. This a better choice if wanting to run a motor like FEL mounted post hole auger.

Hopefully these explanations make sense.

 

[Jtsnow]

I'm adding a grapple and 3rd function to my 2120 for moving logs but can also see myself using a root grapple for clean up work. Is a grapple controller with momentary switches preferred, or are On/Off rocker switches more desirable? I realize that if I use On/Off switches I will be taking flow away from my loader whenever one of those switches is activated, but do the momentary switches lock the grapple onto a log?

Thanks!

I have a true third function. It is just on and off each way with two buttons on the stick. I do like being able to curl and close at the same time but that said operating the loader takes most of the flow away from the grapple anyway. I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

 

[JeepHead]

I have a true 3rd function on mine but I did it myself without a kit. I just bought a 2 spool valve, plumbed it into the PB on the loader and ran ports to the front for a 3rd function, and to the rear for a hydraulic top link. Can do this for under $400. I did have to fab up my own brackets but that was simple. This setup works very well for me.

 

[dstig1]

Is there a reason you chose a diverter in lieu of an SOV on the PB circuit?

Easier. Possibly cheaper too, but nothing is cheap when you are talking hydraulics...

 

[5030]

I have neither actually. My M9 Kubota's both have plenty of hydraulic flow so what I did / do is I ran a set of hoses from the rear that I engage the top most remote (I have 3 sets on each tractor with flow control on the top set), I plug the males into the top most remote (Pioneer break away under pressure) and use the top valve levers in the cab to control the grapple and what I did was bought a Green Machining weld on grapple that fits on top of one of my buckets (I have 3) and I use that grapple on the bucket. Bought the appropriate hose and 2 Pioneer female fittings and fabbed up and welded on a mount for them on the loader lower cross tube. My loader are both 2 lever Bobcat style detach so I can use the grapple bucket or mu power angle snowplow or just a regular excavation bucket on either tractor. Like I said I do have a lot of hydraulic flow however and it's not power beyond but rather closed center.

 

[zzvyb6]

I added a 3rd function as a momentary pushbutton on the control stalk. Use it for a tree sheer and soon to be delivered root grapple. The simultaneous button-lateral_lever combo is very natural.

 

[John_Mc]

You do not want switches that stay on when released for grapple control. When properly plumbed, the grapple will stay "grabbed" when yo release the control. It may be subject to leak-down over time (like leaving your loader up in the air, and it will settle a bit over time if you don't goose the controls a bit after a while). I've never had the grapple releasing get to be a problem.

 

[Fxfymn413]

Just my $.02, but I have a third function on my L4060 and I do not use it since the valve cannot be "feathered" to close or open the grapple slowly. Its either full close or full open so I ran lines from the rear remote to operate the grapple so I can use the standard valve to retain full control over the speed and force of the grapple.

Its pretty common for me to open the grapple a little to let a log slide out slowly into the dump trailer for example.

I know most folks don't care about this, but I just don't like hydraulics operating at full force with little or no control.

 

[JeepHead]

Just my $.02, but I have a third function on my L4060 and I do not use it since the valve cannot be "feathered" to close or open the grapple slowly. Its either full close or full open so I ran lines from the rear remote to operate the grapple so I can use the standard valve to retain full control over the speed and force of the grapple.

Its pretty common for me to open the grapple a little to let a log slide out slowly into the dump trailer for example.

I know most folks don't care about this, but I just don't like hydraulics operating at full force with little or no control.

I made my own true 3rd function using a Summit valve so I can feather my grapple as well. Wouldn't have it any other way. This is the perfect setup.

 

[dstig1]

Just my $.02, but I have a third function on my L4060 and I do not use it since the valve cannot be "feathered" to close or open the grapple slowly. Its either full close or full open so I ran lines from the rear remote to operate the grapple so I can use the standard valve to retain full control over the speed and force of the grapple.

Its pretty common for me to open the grapple a little to let a log slide out slowly into the dump trailer for example.

I know most folks don't care about this, but I just don't like hydraulics operating at full force with little or no control.

Using a diverter allows the same control with the FEL controller, when you hold down the little button at the same time.

 

[Balazar]

Is there a reason you chose a diverter in lieu of an SOV on the PB circuit?

I have a 55hp tractor with pretty good hydraulic flow for its HP range. My 3rd function is power beyond. Unless I am running a fairly high rpm (2500+), I still don't have enough flow to do 3 functions at once. Whatever function is most downstream on the hydraulic valve block will be slow or completely unresponsive until the upstream function is completed and the flow can travel to the downstream function.

If you must stop curling the bucket to actuate the grapple anyway, why not save some cash and just use a diverter?

Yes, I can lift, curl and grapple at the same time with full throttle. I don't do it that often. But when I have a lot of brush to move, I run nearly wide open and get after it.

 

[grsthegreat]

I also just ran a set of hoses from rear remote up front. I installed a set of parker disconnects between tractor and loader to facilitate loader removal. I also fabricated an extension handle from my rear remote handle to extend alongside loader controls. Very easy to use this setup for snow plow or my new grapple.

Also way cheaper than 3rd function estimate at the time i installed it. Like $1,000 less.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

I also just ran a set of hoses from rear remote up front. I installed a set of parker disconnects between tractor and loader to facilitate loader removal. I also fabricated an extension handle from my rear remote handle to extend alongside loader controls. Very easy to use this setup for snow plow or my new grapple.

Also, way cheaper than 3rd function estimate at the time i installed it. Like $1,000 less.

Currently on eBay there are diverter valves at around $160, the Summit is $165. Since the rear remote valves for my tractor are TYM dealer only, and cost $600 or more, (that was three years ago).

The diverter on one of the loader circuits is far less expensive. The hoses will be shorter and cost less, the other fittings, couplers, etc., will be the same.

And with a 5-gpm max flow, there is no way to run a grapple, or most anything else, as a true third function..