Trigger or Thumb Switch and Loader Hydraulic Threads?

ritcheyvs · Apr 5, 2017

I decided to get a diverter setup from Brian to control my grapple lid via the loader curl circuit. I'm looking for advice:

1. I can get a control handle with either a trigger switch or thumb button to engage the grapple. Which is better? I normally control the loader (now) with the palm of my hand on top of the knob which might interfere with a thumb button. On the other hand, I'd need to grab the new control handle from the side to operate a trigger switch. Obviously, I can "learn" to use either but which would be more natural? Pondering is fine but there is no substitute for actual experience, so I'm asking.

By the way, I use a rear remote for the grapple now but it's cumbersome. I always need to look down to locate the control lever and then I grab the wrong one a lot. So I'm going to try the diverter.

2. My DK45s has a KL451 self-leveling loader. Does anyone know what type of threads are on the JIC-like adapter where the loader flex hoses join the hard lines? They look like JIC fittings but I think they may be the Japanese Industrial Standard or Komatsu. I'll try to check it with a caliper and thread gauge but I thought I'd also ask here while I was posting. I don't know who made this loader.

Thanks

countrybumpkin · Apr 5, 2017

On my old tractor I had a handle that had both a thumb switch and a trigger, one opened and the other closed the grapple. The handle however was high and up front near the steering wheel so it was more natural to grab the handle and use both buttons. My new tractor has the joystick mounted next to the seat and lower and I went with a side mounted thumb switch handle from Deere. I don't think the trigger would have been very natural feeling to use on this tractor nor would a top mounted switch. So something you might look at is one mounted on the side of the handle.