Options for Hydraulic Grapple Operation (Yes Again)

[Luke'sScreenName]

I just added the land pride 3rd function 380-166a to my mx5200. It was easy to install and everything fit properly. I bought mine online from German bliss for $695. Installs in 30min.
Land Pride Part# 38-166A

Dude! I wouldn't have out of the box and instructions read in 30 minutes! Lol. :drink:

 

[oosik]

I went ahead and had the dealer install the WR Long third function valve. I've not removed the grapple since it was installed three years ago. Its one of the most used implements I own. I even will push snow with the grapple. I'm in the process of making a "blade" that I can clamp in the grapple to make snow pushing better. Its a 2' high by 5' wide piece of 1" plywood reinforced with 2x4's on all four sides. I seldom push snow but it will be handy when I want to use it.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I've looked at a few 3rd function valve kits including the Land Pride 38-166A & W R long and none I've seen provide instructions / fittings for a tractor with a backhoe. The CA 4 you-tube video provided by RNeumann (thanks BTW) mentions "getting a hose to run back there" for tractors with a BH. No mention is made about what to connect to "back there" or what fittings are required. I'm sure I could modify one of these valves to make it work but for what these things cost, I shouldn't have to cobble on it.

Can anyone recommend a valve for a tractor with a BH?

 

[RNeumann]

Call CA and talk to them. It's a simple hose and hose connection. Typically hydraulics go FEL to BH. So with this kit it would be FEL to 3rd function to BH or FEL to BH to 3rd.

 

[k0ua]

I realize this has been discussed here before at great length but I'm looking for advice specific to the MX series tractors with LA1065 FEL's. I've seen many options discussed here for operating grapple hydraulics on other Kubotas and I'd like the opinions of what other MX owners have used.

To me, it's a choice between a 3rd function valve and using a rear remote but I'm open to other suggestions.
My dealer wants around $1500 to install the OEM Kubota 3rd function valve. I know there are cheaper aftermarket valves out there but I'm concerned about quality and ease of installation issues.

I can buy hoses and fittings to connect to a rear remote for <$250. I understand there is a loss of convenience in having to take your hand off the FEL joystick to operate the remote valve. Is this loss of convenience really worth spending +/- $1000 more to correct?

Any advice specific to the MX and LA1065 would be greatly appreciated.

If you want an opinion, and that is all it is, it wasn't worth it to me. I really enjoy using my grapple with the rear remote. I don't find any loss of speed or function slowing me down at all. BUT on my particular tractor the Kioti DK35se the lever to operate the remote was in a good and handy place, and I made the operation better by extending that lever so I could keep my hand on the main joystick and still operate the grapple lid. If your lever was not near so easy to operate, you would have to decide if it was worth saving all that money or not.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Thanks for your comments and suggestions everyone. Based on advice gained here and from a couple of other threads, I made a decision. My dealer quoted a fairly good price on installing the W. R. Long 3rd function valve and since my time is presently occupied by a home reno project, I decided to let him do it. He also recommended a Blue Diamond heavy duty 72" Root grapple for the LA1065 FEL:

Skid Steer Grapple | Heavy Duty | Blue Diamond Attachments

My only complaint about the product design are the top mounted hyd. cylinders which seem to me to be in harms way while doing heavy work. Otherwise, the unit appears to be well constructed using 1/2" steel.

Since I plan on doing ground level work clearing heavily overgrown fields, the dealer suggested I go for a grapple width which equals the rear tire spacing. At 620#, the Blue Diamond seems to be a good compromise over the Land Pride SGC1572 which is 300# heavier and costs $1000 more. The price quoted for the valve, installation and Blue Diamond grapple is $3250. I could probably do better by shopping around and doing the install myself but due to time constraints, I thought it better to spend a few extra bucks. The Kubota dealership is just a mile away and it saves transportation charges since I can just drive the tractor over there.

Anyway, thanks again for all your input!

Rick

 

[ovrszd]

Where the cylinders most need protection is from material poking them from the bottom when clamping. Protection on top would only be needed if you tried to get under something and lift it, which you probably never will.

You are really going to like this setup. Your productivity will go up dramatically. Only down side is a Grapple will make you a bit lazy. You'll spend 5 minutes moving something you could have gotten off the tractor and moved by hand in a minute or less.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I think you done good. You are now required by TBN Law to defend your choice as the best one. .

Also, not sure anyone has mentioned this but- YOU MUST PROTECT YOUR GRILL SCREEN from sticks poking through your grapple as you push into a pile and curl your bucket! Do it now or you WILL REGRET IT.

Even if you temporarily zip tie some plywood up, do it. Cheers. :thumbsup:

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

 

[LD1]

Dealer is probably recommending the grapple just based on what he sells. While 620# isnt too hateful especially considering its a 72" and double lid. The tomahawk, which is the same brand as mine, is 535# for their 72" dual lid grapple made from 1/2" steel as well. Mine being single lid, 66" and 3/8" plate is a 415# grapple.

Hard to tell on price if its a good deal because whats the breakdown? How much is just the grapple? and how much for the 3rd function?

Why did you not consider a diverter? I installed my diverter in just a few hours and had $225 not counting the couplers. Need two sets to attach the grapple, and they can range in price from $5/pair up to $60+ per pair just depends on what you want to go with. I had originally went with 1/2" flush face like most skid loaders. Didnt like them but dealt with it.

When it came time to install my snowplow, I swapped them to standard 1/4" parker 60-series couplers. Which is what ALOT of old meyer snow plows have, and I have a ton of them.

So....you could potentially have a diverter for ~$250 done yourself......and a ~$1100 grapple for a total of $1350 and a few hours vs $3200+ at the dealer. I am sure the blue diamond cost more. But it all comes down to how much you value your time. I dont value my time as high as the dealer, which is why I do most stuff myself.