NEW GRAPPLE PHOTOS

[LittleBlueTractor]

I do appreciate that using Surplus Supply fittings can significantly drop the cost but i doubt it is as cheap as twenty or thirty bucks for an extra couple lengths of hose.

Diverters clearly work, I have one, but they don't increase speed or accuracy. In fact when I am working quickly with my joystick mounted diverter switch is exactly when I have problems i never experienced with the rear remote setup. As open/close and dump/curl are the exact same joystick motion plus or minus depressing the thumb switch to activate the diverter, I do occasionally get out of sync when working quickly and either not press the diverter switch fast enough, or, I keep my thumb on the switch a little too long. In either case it disrupts work by dumping or opening the grapple inadvertently. Never happens with rear remotes as your hand is removed from the joystick while opening or closing the grapple. Would also be less likely with a true third function switch operated by an always active toggle. Not a huge deal, but something that happens enough to be annoying. There are also electric wires that need to be carefully routed to the joystick (need to protect from brush etc) and the diverter valve needs to be attached somewhere safe. Mine is mounted on top of the FEL arm which is safe enough but butt ugly. Bottom line for me is that the diverter added complexity without providing any significant benefit.

Your opinion about all things grapple carries a lot of weight with me, but I have to disagree with you here. I find the diverter VERY helpful when doing detailed work like snatching a fallen tree or log, uprooting brush, etc.... I often find I need to do very small dump/curl adjustments at the same time as I'm operating the grapple. I agree with you if most of what one does is push into piles of debris and the clamp down on stuff. And yeah, there is always the potential risk of an out-of-sync button operation (and I too have had that happen on many occasions), but it's really not that big of a deal for me. It is true that the lever for my rear remote is NOT in a real convenient spot -- under the seat.

 

[IslandTractor]

Your opinion about all things grapple carries a lot of weight with me, but I have to disagree with you here. I find the diverter VERY helpful when doing detailed work like snatching a fallen tree or log, uprooting brush, etc.... I often find I need to do very small dump/curl adjustments at the same time as I'm operating the grapple. I agree with you if most of what one does is push into piles of debris and the clamp down on stuff. And yeah, there is always the potential risk of an out-of-sync button operation (and I too have had that happen on many occasions), but it's really not that big of a deal for me. It is true that the lever for my rear remote is NOT in a real convenient spot -- under the seat.

I certainly agree that if the rear remote control lever is inconvenient then a diverter or third function valve is necessary. Both of my tractors have had the rear remote lever just about where a 4 on the floor gear shift lever would be in a car so it quickly becomes second nature to reach for it.

My work digging up small stumps with the grapple usually doesn't involve closing the grapple until the very end so I just haven't found it necessary to make small frequent adjustments. I just leave it open and use the combo of lift/curl and push to uproot stumps. Bigger ones wait until I have the backhoe mounted.

I don't mean to say that diverters don't work, after all I use one, but I still think that if I were to do it again I'd just start with the rear remote and see how it goes. And, if I found that lacking for whatever reason, I'd probably spend a few more bucks and get a true third function valve. Obviously the diverter I have is fine as I haven't bother to change it but it is for me still one of the lower bang for the buck expenditures. I'd feel very different if my rear remote was in an awkward location.

 

[ovrszd]

I'm all about using the assets available. Also all about doing it cheap. So that might justify using rear remotes to run a Grapple. But I'd sure hate to go there. I have kubota's 3rd function kit on my loader. Adds two push buttons on the joystick handle which run a third hydraulic circuit. I would assume it works very similar to a diverter circuit. To get a tight grip with the grapple I have to stop joystick action on the lift or curl circuit for just a second. But generally I can curl or lift and clamp at the same time. All actions done without moving my hand. I don't think I'd be happy at all moving my hand between the joystick handle and the rear remote handle. My rear remote handles are very conveniently located.

Several years ago I saw a thread on here where the OP added a diverter valve and ran it with his left foot on a push button. His tractor was right foot Hydro controlled of course. So when he curled and clamped he simply moved the joystick into the curl position and briefly tapped the floor button with his foot. Seemed to work okay.

 

[94BULLITT]

I would want at least a divertor to run a grapple but I prefer a 3rd function. I can keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the loader joystick and I have the ability to run all 3 functions at once.

 

[IslandTractor]

I would want at least a divertor to run a grapple but I prefer a 3rd function. I can keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the loader joystick and I have the ability to run all 3 functions at once.

Have you ever tried using a rear remote to control a grapple? I think the benefit of operating "all three functions at once" is over rated as that circumstance just doesn't come up often. Diverters don't allow use of three functions at the same time anyway. Reaching for the rear remote lever, so long as it is conveniently positioned, is simply no different than reaching for the shifter on a manual transmission car. Muscle memory develops quickly. Besides the unnecessary added expense, my practical beef with the diverter is that I find myself making more errors with early or late pushing of the diverter button than I ever made reaching for the remote lever.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of being happy with their diverter, just pointing out that the low tech and cheap rear remote solution is a perfectly viable alternative (assuming the remote lever is conveniently located) and that most of us who tried using the remote actually are 1) happy with it, and 2) have about $500 extra to buy implements etc.

 

[94BULLITT]

Have you ever tried using a rear remote to control a grapple? I think the benefit of operating "all three functions at once" is over rated as that circumstance just doesn't come up often. Diverters don't allow use of three functions at the same time anyway. Reaching for the rear remote lever, so long as it is conveniently positioned, is simply no different than reaching for the shifter on a manual transmission car. Muscle memory develops quickly. Besides the unnecessary added expense, my practical beef with the diverter is that I find myself making more errors with early or late pushing of the diverter button than I ever made reaching for the remote lever.

I'm not trying to talk anyone out of being happy with their diverter, just pointing out that the low tech and cheap rear remote solution is a perfectly viable alternative (assuming the remote lever is conveniently located) and that most of us who tried using the remote actually are 1) happy with it, and 2) have about $500 extra to buy implements etc.

No have I have never tried using a remote to run the grapple. I never said a diverter would allow use of all 3 functions, I know you can only run 2. My luck the function I would loose with a divertor would be the one I need to run while I opening or closing the grapple. If you had a 3rd function you would not have to worrry about pushing the button early or late. I don't think a remote would be as good of a way to run a grapple because your hand has to the leave the joystick.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Island, something that you need to keep in mind is that just because the Kioti"s have reasonably priced rear remotes and some in fact come std with 1 does not mean that everyone else's options are the same. I have just recently had customers tell me that their tractors rear remote options were $1000-$1200 for each additional OEM remote. These were for a TC model New Holland and a 30 series Kubota that are now discontinued models.

 

[IslandTractor]

Island, something that you need to keep in mind is that just because the Kioti"s have reasonably priced rear remotes and some in fact come std with 1 does not mean that everyone else's options are the same. I have just recently had customers tell me that their tractors rear remote options were $1000-$1200 for each additional OEM remote. These were for a TC model New Holland and a 30 series Kubota that are now discontinued models.

Good point. However, assuming that someone recognizes the utility of having (and budgeting for) at least one set of rear remotes, it makes sense to consider using them for as many purposes as practical. I cannot imagine having a $15-25K invested in a tractor and not be able to utilize the hydraulics for more than just 3PT and FEL.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Good point. However, assuming that someone recognizes the utility of having (and budgeting for) at least one set of rear remotes, it makes sense to consider using them for as many purposes as practical. I cannot imagine having a $15-25K invested in a tractor and not be able to utilize the hydraulics for more than just 3PT and FEL.

Well, I sure agree with that. :thumbsup: That's why I have 4 additional remotes on both of my Mahindra's and need to add 1 more to each one of them. No reason to limit yourself if you don't have to.

 

[GreenWannabe]

My tractor came standard with one rear remote with an option for a second one, which I purchased. With top 'n tilt installed and a quick hitch, both cylinders are in use. When it comes time for a grapple, I will have to add a diverter or a true third function valve, no alternative. I think I would want the true third function for front-mounted attachments even if it is more money. If I ever get any rear mounted or towed implement with haydraulic cylinders, I will also need a diverter with connectors for each additional circuit. I'm currently considering getting an adapter made for a hydraulic cylinder to control my rollover box scraper, since reaching the lever would be difficult from the cab especially with the quick hitch.

 

[IslandTractor]

My tractor came standard with one rear remote with an option for a second one, which I purchased. With top 'n tilt installed and a quick hitch, both cylinders are in use. When it comes time for a grapple, I will have to add a diverter or a true third function valve, no alternative. I think I would want the true third function for front-mounted attachments even if it is more money. If I ever get any rear mounted or towed implement with haydraulic cylinders, I will also need a diverter with connectors for each additional circuit. I'm currently considering getting an adapter made for a hydraulic cylinder to control my rollover box scraper, since reaching the lever would be difficult from the cab especially with the quick hitch.

I cannot imagine a scenario where you would need the tilt function at the same time the grapple is being used. Simple matter of switching quick connects which should take about fifteen seconds to operate the grapple. On my previous tractor I had only one rear remote and switched the BH and grapple in the field if needed. No sweat.

 

[ovrszd]

I cannot imagine a scenario where you would need the tilt function at the same time the grapple is being used. Simple matter of switching quick connects which should take about fifteen seconds to operate the grapple. On my previous tractor I had only one rear remote and switched the BH and grapple in the field if needed. No sweat.

No offense meant here,,,, but I use my Grapple bucket with a rear blade for pilling the small stuff. I regularly use my Grapple and my top/tilt function within seconds of each other. Can't imagine getting off the tractor and hooking/unhooking hoses to do that.

 

[IslandTractor]

No offense meant here,,,, but I use my Grapple bucket with a rear blade for pilling the small stuff. I regularly use my Grapple and my top/tilt function within seconds of each other. Can't imagine getting off the tractor and hooking/unhooking hoses to do that.

You tilt the rear blade while grappling? I also use my topping lift while grappling to adjust the bush hog but I cannot imagine tilting a rear blade. Are you just using the tilt circuit to adjust the angle of the back blade? Seems that for simply piling brush a single angle could be selected thus freeing up the circuit for grapple use.

I imagine there might well be a need for more than one or two rear remotes but if that is the sole reason for adding $$$ expense for a diverter or third function valve it is something to be thought through carefully at time of tractor purchase. My DK40se came with one remote standard and it cost $350 for the second. If NH dealers (?others) are charging another $600 plus per remote then that clearly should go into the financial comparison.

 

[94BULLITT]

I also use my 3rd Function to run a snow blade. When I move snow I have a blade on the 3PH and I float the tilit cylinder when I use it to move snow. So I need 2 remotes and a 3rd function. I can see when it would be handy to use a TNT and grapple in some cases.

 

[ovrszd]

You tilt the rear blade while grappling? I also use my topping lift while grappling to adjust the bush hog but I cannot imagine tilting a rear blade. Are you just using the tilt circuit to adjust the angle of the back blade? Seems that for simply piling brush a single angle could be selected thus freeing up the circuit for grapple use.

Last week I topped a dozen elm trees around our farm buildings. Using the blade to pile up the small stuff. Used the tilt function dozens of times so to not gouge the sod in off camber situations.

Like you can't see the need for all that, I can't see the need to reach for a rear remote lever to grip with the grapple. Everyone's situations are different.

The money issue is important. That's why I ALWAYS say, BUY ALL YOU CAN AFFORD. We're talking about tractor functions what will be used tens of thousands of times over the life of the tractor or operator.