Grapple Grapple Installation – WR Long on JD5420 542FEL

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I am thinking about using a solenoid valve instead of a diverter valve. )</font>

The only thing I do not like about the solenoid valves is that they are not proportional. They are either ON or OFF, so it seems it would be hard to "feather" the pressure on the grapple.
Just my opinion...it's worth what you paid for it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Note that some diverter valves have two solenoids and one of them has to be active at all times to get a “normal” flow. Realize that for a solenoid to be constantly energized, the coil has to be rated for a 100% duty cycle. Something to check into if you are using this type of diverter valve. )</font>

The one PineRidge and I used from the SurplusCenter is NOT like this. It is only powered when the "diverted" circiut is active.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Gary, Very nice looking setup. Thanks for posting pics. Keep us posted on how well it works on cedar and mesquite...Kyle

 

[WhiteRock]

Gary, I have been giving a grapple a lot of thought. I was wondering if you have hit something pretty solid with it yet like a stump or a rock? Does it feel very strong? Would you do a heavy curl?

What about working width, is 72" about right? Would you go wider or narrower.

I would like to not have to worry about breaking something if I can. This looks like a nice grapple. Thanks for any insight.

 

[GaryBDavis]

My advice on the width is to go with the same size as your factory bucket. My 542FEL came with a 72" bucket so I went with a 72" grapple. You could go a bit larger if you are just handling light stuff, but I want to dig roots with it.

There were a couple of things I was after in a grapple and this one was the closest to matching them. I wanted a heavy, strong bottom with hardened steel teeth with a large, but not too heavy clamping bit for large piles of brush. Here is a close up of the bottom section. The vertical supports are 3/4" thick steel. I've uprooted one tree with it so far and it showed no sign of bending.

 

[WhiteRock]

My tractor came with a 84" bucket. I wanted to be able to comb small brush off of the ground and out of the grass. It just seems like 84" is pretty wide. Seems like one might get more than they bargained for. I don't know.

I think the width has plenty of advantages in the piles.

The teeth in that pic do look strong. They also look like they are designed close in to the loader lift pins which should make it real strong.

 

[kennyd]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I used a Sure Grip handle with a trigger and thumb switch arrangement. )</font>

Gary, Could you please supply more info on the handle, like how much it was and where you purchased it from?

 

[GaryBDavis]

Sure thing kennyd,

http://www.suregripcontrols.com/

I purchased the "S" Handle. You can get it with different switch configurations. I purchased it direct from Sure Grip themselves, but had to pay list price. I think my switch was around $100 or so plus shipping. They were very good to deal with.

 

[rdbrumfield]

Nice set of grapples Gary. For ground clearing that sould be great as the dirt can be shaken out for burn piles. About all the valving, I had a extra remote installed when I bought my 5300 JD. Having that extra port has been very useful. I mounted a hyd winch in the loader frame and just ran the hoses up front.

 

[burnetma]

Some pictures of your winch set-up would be great!