Third function control for a John Deere 855

[IvanS]

12 volt actuator for a grapple is going to be slow to open and close - if it has any force to it all. Also some of the small tractors don't have a lot of spare alternator output, which might be required to operate an electric actuator. Be sure to check into those parameters while making your choice.

 

[kennyd]

53M, what loader do you have on your 855?

While and electric actuator would technically work, I agree that it would be slow and subject to damage from potential shock loads.

There are a few bucket mounted grapples on the market, the "thumb" from Greens Machine is very popular, the "Add a Grapple" style is as well, but both of these have limited functionality over a regular style grapple due to the side of the bucket getting the the way.

 

[Fallon]

12 volt actuator for a grapple is going to be slow to open and close - if it has any force to it all. Also some of the small tractors don't have a lot of spare alternator output, which might be required to operate and electric actuator. Be sure to check into those parameters while making your choice.

I put a 400lbs rated actuator on my old L3200 to activate the SSQA handles. It worked well, but definitely was slow. Also they have a lot of small parts & wear areas. While mine didn't fail in a couple years linear actuators tend to wear out far quicker than hydraulics in industrial or high vibration enviroments.

If you get bigger actuators, they get expensive quick along with big amperage requirements & lots of $$$. There is a reason there aren't a lot of big linear actuators around.

I'm likely to build my new power SSQA as hydraulic as I have a 3rd function & the plumbing up there for it already. But would consider another linear actuator. A 200lbs rated one is strong enough for that application & cheap. Cycle time isn't a huge deal either. A grapple has high force & speed requirements that aren't conducive to a linear actuator though.

 

[TractorGuy]

I would look into tapping into the power beyond option.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/159592-power-behind-jd-855-a.html

I am in the process of adapting an old Ford FEL to mine. It has the old style 2 spool valve control. My tractor has the power beyond and I just connected the supply and return hoses to that and it looks like it will work fine. In the future I may add a grapple and plan to just get a 3 spool valve.

 

[52Miner]

I have the 70A loader. The person I bought it from, changed it to the newer style quick hookup for the bucket, like the later model Deere's come with.