Third function for loader

[J_J]

The selector/diverter at Baileys is the low price valve I mentioned.

I don't think I would go so far as saying they are inferior to any other valve.

I would think that if there were any problems with that valve, they would have lots of returns and they would probably pull the item.

I guess the supply at Surplus dried up.

This valve was used quite often in the past as the selector valve to install for grapple.

SAE 8 6 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE 12 VDC P15544-2

 

[cj7m57]

Lots of good info and links! I'll have to think about this some- seems like the diverter is the better set-up, but a bit more expensive (am guessing $200 with diverter, switch, etc. versus $100 for a valve off the aux port (yes, I'm cheap)) and a bit more complex to install.

As always, I'm glad I asked the question- thanks everyone for the advice!

 

[J_J]

This valve is the manual version of the diver/selector valve with 6 ports.

1/2" NPT 20 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

This is a detented valve, otherwise it will stay where you leave it.

 

[ovrszd]

Lots of good info and links! I'll have to think about this some- seems like the diverter is the better set-up, but a bit more expensive (am guessing $200 with diverter, switch, etc. versus $100 for a valve off the aux port (yes, I'm cheap)) and a bit more complex to install.

As always, I'm glad I asked the question- thanks everyone for the advice!

We're all cheap in some way or another. In this case, if you truly need 3rd function, you will use it a lot, and the diverter method will become your favorite. At least 80% of my FEL use is 3rd function, the smallest details become very important as to the setup and it's function.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The selector/diverter at Baileys is the low price valve I mentioned.

I don't think I would go so far as saying they are inferior to any other valve.

I would think that if there were any problems with that valve, they would have lots of returns and they would probably pull the item.

I guess the supply at Surplus dried up.

This valve was used quite often in the past as the selector valve to install for grapple.

SAE 8 6 GPM DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE 12 VDC P15544-2

I didn't say it was an inferior valve, I said it was a cheap imitation. Ports are closer, which limits how to plumb and it is rough finished bare steel on the outside. Not smooth and plated. They both work, I sell both types, not many of my customers choose the $110 unit.

 

[cj7m57]

JJ, the manual option you mention, how would that work? Do you push the lever on the selector into detent to select the third function and then use the curl function lever to operate the grapple cylinder? Or does the diverter lever itself control the grapple cylinder function directly? I assume the latter but want to be sure I'm understanding correctly.

 

[J_J]

You first push the diverter/selector to select which function you want, grapple or curl and then use the loader valve to operate that cyl.

The selector valve just routes the fluid.

 

[cj7m57]

OK, I'm convinced that the diverter approach is the right way to go- the availability of a manual diverter means the setup is as simple to install as the other option, and comparable cost. I was a bit worried about losing the ability to curl and use the grapple at the same time, but since I can barely walk and chew gum at the same time, I don't think that is a real concern. More important is not losing the 3 point hitch functionality. It would be good to have the grapple available to move that log that you 'find' with the front tires while bush hogging- it would be hard to engage the aux port with the bush hog on the back, so the diverter is the better option. Thanks to all for the help!