Installed a V&M Multiplier on L3430 Today

[GareyD]

About a year ago, I bought a "Piranha" root rake/grapple to clear up my 10 acres of woodlot.

Using the rear remote hydraulics to power the grapple worked, but it was really aggravating to have to release the joystick, reach back and down to operate the grapple, reach back to the joystick, etc.

From and older post here on TBN, I learned about V&M, called them and was pleasantly surprised with the help and attention that was supplied...ordered the "Add-A-Valve" and finally got around to temporary installation today.

Attached is the grapple on my L3430.

GareyD

 

[GareyD]

Was going to use steel lines like on the factory hydraulic plumbing...after getting and price and learning that it would take a couple of weeks to get them...I decided these 4000psi. rubber lines would work!!

Remember this is a temporary install to see if it works like I hope!!

GareyD

 

[GareyD]

Installation was fairly easy...Unscrew the factory hoses at the top of the steel lines, hook the line into the back of the multiplier valve, then with a short line hook the #1 on the front of the valve back to the steel line and run new line from #2 port to the bottom crossover on the FEL.

Wiring amounted to hooking the four black wires with spade connectors to the valves and finding a key switched positive to hook to the button on the new joystick.

GareyD

 

[GareyD]

For the joystick they send one already wired with a button to control the valves...simply unscrew the original knob and replace it with the new one....it also comes with some "U" bolts for installation on the rod, but I didn't like the look or feel of them, so I just used some "High Tech" black tape...couldn't find the duct tape /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The loader still works as it always has, with the exception that now I can push and hold the button, curl the bucket, which now closes the grapple...release the button and have curl function on the bucket again /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Sure beats having to reach down for the remote lever beside the seat....

Now all I have to do is have a 6 inch hose remade (I misfigured originally) so I can stack and permantly attach the valves to the loader arm and then reroute the new hoses to their permanent home /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif at the rate I seem to get things done around here...it shouldn't take me more than about 3 months to get this done. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

GareyD

 

[KennyV]

GareyD… You are right V&M is a good company, VERY helpful and the ‘add a valve’ is a neat product…

You will have to repost pictures if you go to steel lines… I am considering steel myself. KennyV.

 

[KiotiJohn]

This is a good, and I think, helpful post for many who have encountered similar dilemas. Thanks for taking the time to post it. John

 

[scout180]

Looks like this could also be used for either a top link or tilt link on a 3PH. I see on their website they're also Ritchie watering devices. We used them years ago for confinement hog watering - great products.

 

[MarkV]

Garey,

Looks like you are in business. That is a neat product that could be useful for a number of things. Looks to be just the set up for a 4in1 bucket or a hydraulic thumb on a backhoe.

MarkV

 

[Henro]

Gary,

That looks like the perfect solution.

What does one of those valves cost?

The only thing I wonder about after viewing you photos several times is whether I would like the button on the end of the joy stick. I will have to see how I usually control my loader. I think I usually rest the palm of my hand on the end of the joystick, but it has become second nature and I really don't know how I do it! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I guess I'm just suggesting that in my case having a button on the side of the joystick (maybe thumb operated?) might work better for me...Of course, I will need to get/build some kind of grapple first...before I worry about such things... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GareyD]

Henro

I seem to remember the "add-a-valve" kit being in the $300 range, the fittings and hydraulic lines were $85.

Took me longer to do all the initial hose measurements than it did to do the install (temporary)...I could probably just leave it like it is, hasn't moved in the 4 hours I've used it, think I'll do it right though.

The button on the handle doesn't bother me in the least, of course, I was trained to never have more than a couple of fingers on the controls of any equipment...I can hear old Uncle now..."light touch, light touch" immediately followed by a sharp rap to the back of my head if I didn't react quick enuff! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Here is the link in case anybody is interested..
V & M Hydraulic Multiplier