Grapple hydraulics

Mike Gibson · Jan 29, 2016

I have a CK27 and plan to buy a grapple in the coming months. What are some methods of hooking up hydraulics for it. I would like to retain the crowd function while being able to control the claw or lid to the grapple. Do the folks who use a grapple regularly see a need for this? I've also heard pros/cons of the electric button diverter VS manual. Any advice would be welcome.

One issue I started having is when I start the tractor sometimes I just get a click and when I retry a couple of times it starts right up. It's not dirty cable connections. Could it be the starter switch or is it a solenoid somewhere? Thanks again.

/pine · Jan 29, 2016

Not familiar with Kioti loader valves but my personal preference would be to use PB and add a dedicated SCV for the grapple if possible...others prefer the electric diverter etc...

As for the clicking issue...you mentioned it's not a cable issue...but just curious if you've checked both ends of the battery ground cable??

VictorW · Jan 29, 2016

I don't have a grapple and have only read what others are using. I'll let them comment.

As far as starting, if you're sure all your cable connections are good, then the ignition switch is a common culprit. The grease put inside when manufactured gets hard along with dust and sometimes moisture. Some have used an electric motor cleaner or WD-40 sprayed directly in the switch, working it numerous times just after spraying. This will usually clear it up. I had to eventually install a new one on my CK30hst.

Xfaxman · Jan 30, 2016

Mike Gibson said:
I have a CK27 and plan to buy a grapple in the coming months.-----------

One issue I started having is when I start the tractor sometimes I just get a click and when I retry a couple of times it starts right up. It's not dirty cable connections. Could it be the starter switch or is it a solenoid somewhere? Thanks again.

Can't help with the valves but this might help the no start issue, from k0ua: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../325421-dk40hst-wont-start-2.html#post4006910

powerscol · Jan 30, 2016

I have the Bobcat CT 235 which is the clone to the CK35 which you CK27 is a family member. If you don't have the Kioti rear remotes you will need to get them. Kioti offers a dual remote kit that I can recommend. I put the second Kioti kit on my Bobcat. Then all you need to do is run hoses to the front to run your grapple. I did than on my Bobcat (search my user name) Brian with Fit Rite Hydraulics ( an advertiser here) can set you up with a good kit to get your grapple to work. Brian also has pictures of my set up on his site. Good Man - give him a shout.

Hope this helps
Keith

powerscol · Jan 30, 2016

Mike Gibson said:
I have a CK27 and plan to buy a grapple in the coming months. What are some methods of hooking up hydraulics for it. I would like to retain the crowd function while being able to control the claw or lid to the grapple. Do the folks who use a grapple regularly see a need for this? I've also heard pros/cons of the electric button diverter VS manual. Any advice would be welcome.

One issue I started having is when I start the tractor sometimes I just get a click and when I retry a couple of times it starts right up. It's not dirty cable connections. Could it be the starter switch or is it a solenoid somewhere? Thanks again.

As to your no start issue....carefully inspect your positive battery cable. The way it connect to the battery is with a top clamp and then it goes down around the post with a thin copper ring, before it goes to the starter. The thin copper ring can corrode to give the issue you describe (top looks great). The only way to know is pull the battery connections and clean. On my tractor the thin ring had cracked and sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not. Other no start issues have to do with the go peddle safety switch. I have just gotten used to tapping it on a no start to get it going. Tapping the go peddle resets the safety switch there.

Hope this helps