Installed a V&M Multiplier on L3430 Today

[txdon]

GaryD, can you tell me which wire you taped into for the switch?

 

[ns_in_tex]

Garey,
I did about the same thing a couple years ago. I had a problem with mine, which was the grapple hydraulics, did not have near the holding pressure it had when operated off the rear hydraulics.

I could never find a brand name on my valve, but the invoice was written up as MS06-UDNA-01-12B Selector valve, 6 port, 6 SAE, 12V. The included instruction said it would have a certain amount of leak by, but it didn't have the same pressures, even while the valve was energize.

This valve was only energized when the button was held in. My supplier wanted to exchange it for a valve that had to have a solonide energized at all times, but I didn't like that idea and asked for my money back.

I would really like the idea of not having to move my hand from joy stick to rear remotes, if it would work the same otherwise.

Just wondered how yours worked along these lines

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I also like the idea of controlling all of the functions of a 4 in 1 bucket or grapple at the same lever as well. I'd love to see something like the thumb operated split control on semi tractor shift levers. Even a rocker type switch would be nice. Has anyone seen a setup like either of those?

I'm now concerned about the problems mentioned about the lack of pressure on the grapple. That's exactly where I'd be wanting good pressure. Has anyone else doing this had similar experiences with their grapple force?

 

[GareyD]

Don

I ran a fused wire direct to the battery...this was just for the temp hookup...added a switch to the wire after bumping the button a couple of times without the grapple attached to the tractor...pressurizing the unattached lines made the grapple harder to hookup the next time...So far I'm thinking of leaving it this way...it's only hot when I want it to be...not all the time the tractor is running /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GareyD

 

[GareyD]

Neal

I think I had a similar problem when I first installed mine...had plenty of clamping pressure...could squeeze the grapple point an inch into a green pine log...but it would seem to loosen off when I started to move away with the tractor...watched closely while a buddy was running the tractor...I had the hoses connected so that when the button was depressed and lever held to the right the grapples closed...release the button with the lever still to the right and the rake would drop down and separate from the grapple aiming the load down and gravity would take over, losing part of the load. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Seemed to be a lapse / loss of grapple pressure as the valves cycled....

Switched the hoses at the front...now when the valve "cycles" the root rake is curling up not down and the load goes back toward the "jaws" not the ground...bump the grapples closed a second time and it seems to be working "WAY" better. It still beats having having to play musical levers with the rear remote.

Just bought and have installed a sawmill....clearing 6-7 acres for new pasture and sawing lumber for a barn...the grapple should get a good workout for the next several months.

Sounds like a new post when I get it all going /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

GareyD

 

[Rory_Rhodes]

Garey - What kind of grapple are you using? Weight? I am looking at both the MarkhamWelding root rake grapple and the ATI. I have a 3130 with the 723 and am concerned about weight. Like you, I am clearing land for pasture near Jasper, GA. Any thoughts on grapples?

 

[txdon]

<font color="blue">"...I'd love to see something like the thumb operated split control on semi tractor shift levers. Even a rocker type switch would be nice. Has anyone seen a setup like either of those?"
</font>

toggle grapple control on joystick

Gary, I tested the above valve and toggle switch on a 3130 and a ATI grapple. Even though the literature says you can use all functions of the loader and bucket and grapple at the same time I found that the grapple slowed the loader controls down considerably, but I like the feel of the toggle and would probably only operate one at a time anyways.

 

[DSP348]

I'm going through the same process with my 4310 now. I have just about decided on a grapple (they call it a bucket claw) by Bogford. I ordered a switch/valve kit made by W.R. Long last week. I think the ATI grapple is made from 3/8 steel and weighs 135#. The the Bogford is 3/4" and a bit stouter so it is probably pushing 180#. For my uses the weight difference won't matter much.

http://www.wrlonginc.com/
http://www.borgford.com/

 

[GareyD]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Garey - What kind of grapple are you using? Weight? I am looking at both the MarkhamWelding root rake grapple and the ATI. I have a 3130 with the 723 and am concerned about weight )</font>

R_R

I'm using a 60" Piranha Grapple...weighs 550 LB +/- ...still leaves about 1100 - 1200 lbs capacity on your lift...with a 72" boxblade on the 3ph, I can still lift a 17" x 12' fresh cut pine log and set it on my sawmill...and the root rake will uproot everything up to about 2" except for sweet gum..they'll just lay down and spring back up behind the tractor /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

This grapple is tough!!...put it on my bud's 90 hp Case HiTrak skidsteer last week, and was taking down pines in the 6-8" range...barely even scratched the paint /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I will probably sell it later when the heavier clearing is done and get a lighter weight model...I was just worried about bending them while doing the initial clearing /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

GareyD

 

[ACMan]

I just bought one from Markham Welding 66" wieghs 750#. My tractor has about a 2000 lift capacity @ the pins and 1500# 19" from the pin. Markham Welding is just a few miles down the road from the CO that sells the Piranha. The grapple works like a charm and I can lift some pretty big logs and debris.

However, moving it , curling it empty it feels too heavy and may cause premature wear on my unit. I had to put a 6' box blade and a 8' cross tie on the back. If I was to do it again I would get the lightest unit I could find. There was one on ebay that did'nt look as good but I bet would do non-construction work...like brush and tree clearing. This spring I will try and sell mine and buy the lighter unit. Like this one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=74988&item=3859871750&rd=1