hyd grapple add on questions

workinallthetime · Jan 2, 2011

I have a B3030 tlb, i am interested in adding a grapple to the front bucket and have a few questions. since i have a BH what will i need to add to get power to the grapple on the front bucket? any ideas, links, experience, and dont do this would really help. I found the grapple i want at greens-machine.com. looks like just what i need.

i know this is a subject that is beat to death on here but i could use the help, thanks fellas

J_J · Jan 2, 2011

You need something like a diverter/selector valve, solenoid operated. The input for the diverter valve is the bucket hyd curl circuit. The diverter switches the fluid flow either to the bucket curl or the grapple, depending on switch position. Here is one of the most common diverter valves, with schematics.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-5117-A&catname=hydraulic

Select Instructions on the diverter page.

workinallthetime · Jan 2, 2011

J J, thanks man, i was hoping that with the BH i would not have to do much in the way of plumbing but the solution you gave me looks like a very simple way to get it done. If i understand it correctly you would interupt the hyd. ckt for bucket curl, would you still be able to curl the bucket and operate the grapple at the same time?

J_J · Jan 2, 2011

It is either /or .

A simple switch would switch the hyd to grapple, and release the switch would put you back in bucket curl .

workinallthetime · Jan 3, 2011

This sounds like the quickest and cheepest way to get it done. It would be real neat if i could some how find a switch that i could mount by my left foot like an old high beam switch on a car. i may still someday mount a 3rd function setup off the hydro for the backhoe also. I have a 9.1 gpm total output from my system is the valve you gave me the link to going to work since it is 6 gpm or should i go bigger?

your a big help man, thanks

J_J · Jan 3, 2011

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7852&catname=hydraulic

John_in_TN · Jan 3, 2011

J.J., I don't mean to hyjack this thread, but the valve you reccomend (in #6 above), shows a "related item" - a "Hirschmann Connector". The description for this item states "two required per valve". Can you please explain what this "Hirschmann Connector" is and why it is needed?
Thanks!
John