Texas Grapple Shootout

[TomSeller]

I use one of my rear remotes and I do A LOT of grapple work. I would be okay with a 3rd function but I personally would not go to that expense. It is all second nature to me at this point and I am not even really aware that my hand moves from the joystick to the rear remote. But to each their own. Get what you like.

 

[k0ua]

I use one of my rear remotes and I do A LOT of grapple work. I would be okay with a 3rd function but I personally would not go to that expense. It is all second nature to me at this point and I am not even really aware that my hand moves from the joystick to the rear remote. But to each their own. Get what you like.

See the way I had it figured, I could re-use most of the $150 I invested in hoses and fittings if I did not like the remote activation of the grapple and decided to go for the 3rd function.
But after using the remote (and extending it to make it even easier to reach) I decided I was happy with just using it as is. The motion is totally automatic now. But every one to their own.

 

[NativeSon]

In that case..........double hugs. I needed to do it for me.
hugs, hugs, Brandi

Brandi- proving again that there is never too many hugs.

Big ole bear hug, Charlie

 

[pacerron]

Don,
Wondering how many more hours you have used your grapple since the extra valve discussion took off?
Are you anymore comfortable using it just as you had it hooked up originally?

It sounded like your original problem was more of needing an additional remote to supply your box scraper tilt
than one of a dexterity problem in operating your grapple as you originally hooked it up.
Do you really need to operate the tilt on your box blade while using the grapple?

More goodies are fun to contemplate but often become just one more leak or electrical problem to fool
with down the road a bit in addition to not really improving efficiency that much.

 

[IslandTractor]

More goodies are fun to contemplate but often become just one more leak or electrical problem to fool
with down the road a bit in addition to not really improving efficiency that much.

Exactly.

 

[Deerherd]

People need to realize that there is a wide spectrum of tractors on here and what works for you can be a bad idea for someone else. Not to mention defy the laws of physics. Here is a picture of the layout of my tractor. There is no way anybody could switch between levers quicker than keeping your hand on the FEL and pushing the button. I don't care how many years you practice you would still be faster and safer with the button.



My last two tractors have top and tilt and I wouldn't own one without it so I need three rear remotes just to run other hydraulics. TNT is not only great for grading, box blading etc, it makes hooking up heavy Cat 2 stuff a breeze. So not only is the third function valve faster for my snow plow and grapple, it frees up my third rear remote for other hydraulic needs.

And yes, it is more potential problems but the efficiency and safety of not removing my hand from the FEL control makes it the right choice for me.

 

[deerseeker001]

I would go with the larger jaws.

 

[k0ua]

Every time I use the rear blade, I keep thinking Top-N-Tilt and even hydraulic angle. would sure be nice. Oh well, just need 3 more rear remotes. Nothing a thousand bucks and some work wont fix.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Every time I use the rear blade, I keep thinking Top-N-Tilt and even hydraulic angle. would sure be nice. Oh well, just need 3 more rear remotes. Nothing a thousand bucks and some work wont fix.

Any problem, buried deep in train ridin' dollars, is easily solved!

 

[TomSeller]

Here is a picture of the layout of my tractor.

Nice looking operator station.

 

[bindian]

Nice looking operator station.

Just to illustrate different opinions. All I see in the photo is all that plastic that will crack out some day.

 

[TomSeller]

Just to illustrate different opinions. All I see in the photo is all that plastic that will crack out some day.

You are a little fired up lately, I like that. I can't say there is any more plastic than in any new auto. By the way, does the cab glass provide UV protection?

 

[txdon]

Don,
Wondering how many more hours you have used your grapple since the extra valve discussion took off?
Are you anymore comfortable using it just as you had it hooked up originally?

It sounded like your original problem was more of needing an additional remote to supply your box scraper tilt
than one of a dexterity problem in operating your grapple as you originally hooked it up.
Do you really need to operate the tilt on your box blade while using the grapple?

More goodies are fun to contemplate but often become just one more leak or electrical problem to fool
with down the road a bit in addition to not really improving efficiency that much.

Ron, It has been cold down here also but I have operated it a full 2 days and I OK with the remote operation away from the joystick. I think I found a $99 valve (+ connections) to add to one of the rear remotes to keep my top and tilt operations on the box blade. I just can't figure out if I need a 3/4" valve or a 1/2" valve. I'm leaning to a 1/2" today. ?
Metro Machine Selector Valve, 1/2in. Port, 20 GPM Flow | Machine Selector Valves| Northern Tool + Equipment
Comparing 2 Items| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is one that might be easier to operate: 1/2" NPT 20 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

 

[pacerron]

Ron, It has been cold down here also but I have operated it a full 2 days and I OK with the remote operation away from the joystick. I think I found a $99 valve (+ connections) to add to one of the rear remotes to keep my top and tilt operations on the box blade. I just can't figure out if I need a 3/4" valve or a 1/2" valve. I'm leaning to a 1/2" today. ?

Sounds like a simple solution.
Have you compared the cost to getting a kit with a new handle and solenoid valve to go into your "power beyond"
rear remote line?
How does the cost compare?

Here's a video with your brand. How To Series - 3rd Function Auxiliary Hydraulics for Tractor Loaders - YouTube

 

[IslandTractor]

Sounds like a simple solution.
Have you compared the cost to getting a kit with a new handle and solenoid valve to go into your "power beyond"
rear remote line?
How does the cost compare?

Here's a video with your brand. How To Series - 3rd Function Auxiliary Hydraulics for Tractor Loaders - YouTube

Ted is great but his premise that "you're going to want to operate the grapple open/close and loader dump/curl at the same time" is debatable. Many of us do just fine with sequential operation.

 

[txdon]

Ron I saw that video but I might have an issue with it because that's where my BH is connected.


For $524 I can get a Kubota third remote added to my Kubota double stack. There is already an open slot for the remote lever next to the other two. I'll have to check into that tomorrow. Here is what half of it looks like on Ebay for $300. (but the dealer sells it for $284)((part #L8344))
Kubota L30 Series Double Acting Remote Hydraulic Control Valve Assembly | eBay

This is the other part but I can't seem to find a image. (part # L8308)
VALVE L8308

Another cold front is hitting tomorrow so no tractoring for the next 3-4 days lots of time to figure it out - diverter valve or 3rd remote.

 

[txdon]

Ted is great but his premise that "you're going to want to operate the grapple open/close and loader dump/curl at the same time" is debatable. Many of us do just fine with sequential operation.

IT, sequential operation is OK with me also.

 

[pacerron]

Looking a bit further.
3rd function auxilliary hydraulic kits for all brands of tractors and loaders! purchase online, free shipping within 1,000 miles!!
That adds another 30% to the cost of your grapple.

I'd keep doing it the way you are now. But I'm a cheapskate.
I really wouldn't want a couple hoses with couplings on them up there if the grapple was not attached.
Then they'd have to be covered to keep the dirt off.

 

[txdon]

Here is one that might be easier to operate: 1/2" NPT 20 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

Thanks Xfaxman!