Grapple What's needed for a grapple?

[eubie5]

Self explanatory-will be buying a scut within the next 6 months with a fel. Really falling in love with the idea of also buying a small grapple with it.
My questions is-when you swap out the bucket with the grapple, are the existing hydraulic connections not enough? Is that what the "3rd function" is for? I guess, the tractor hydraulics do the lifting and curling, but 3rd function is to open and close the jaws?
One of the tractors I'm looking at is the RK24, which comes with a set of rear remotes. Could you run lines from the grapple to the back and use the rear remotes?
Sorry if these are stupid questions. I've had a bx1800 for 15 years, but I've never had a fel.
REALLY looking forward to an upgrade as soon as i pay off the wife's car.
Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[eubie5]

Self explanatory-will be buying a scut within the next 6 months with a fel. Really falling in love with the idea of also buying a small grapple with it.
My questions is-when you swap out the bucket with the grapple, are the existing hydraulic connections not enough? Is that what the "3rd function" is for? I guess, the tractor hydraulics do the lifting and curling, but 3rd function is to open and close the jaws?
One of the tractors I'm looking at is the RK24, which comes with a set of rear remotes. Could you run lines from the grapple to the back and use the rear remotes?
Sorry if these are stupid questions. I've had a bx1800 for 15 years, but I've never had a fel.
REALLY looking forward to an upgrade as soon as i pay off the wife's car.
Thanks in advance for any answers.

Sorry, forgot another question. What are some of the better grapples for the subcompact?
I know being a sub, the lifting capacity comes into play, so the grapple can't be too heavy, or that eats up alot of the tractors lifting abilities.
Thanks

 

[ovrszd]

Existing hydraulics are not enough. You need a method of running a 3rd function.

Yes, 3rd function is for opening/closing grapple.

Yes you can run grapple off rear remote. Not very handy because of location of lever. But doable.

Cheapest method is to use rear remote.

Next cheapest is diverter valve. This diverts the curl function to 3rd function by depressing an electrical pushbutton.

Most expensive is true 3rd function. Electric over hydraulic valve is installed. Two buttons on the joystick handle. Open to open, one to close grapple.

 

[ovrszd]

Sorry, forgot another question. What are some of the better grapples for the subcompact?
I know being a sub, the lifting capacity comes into play, so the grapple can't be too heavy, or that eats up alot of the tractors lifting abilities.
Thanks

Cheapest and least heavy is to add a grapple to your existing bucket. Google search for suppliers.

 

[TractorGuy]

If you are looking at new RK tractors just have them add the grapple and 3rd function in the deal.

 

[Geotech]

Cheapest and least heavy is to add a grapple to your existing bucket. Google search for suppliers.

I think my 250 lb grapple weighs less than my 215 lb bucket with whatever the add-on grapple would weigh. You're probably right for all but the lightest grapples, though.

 

[Jchonline]

Here is the way they work.

If you get a FEL (ie Front End Loader) it will come plumbed with 2 sets of hydraulic lines. 1 set is for lifting and lowering the FEL arms. 1 set is for curling whatever is attached to the FEL in and out. Usually this is a bucket attached to a SSQA mount.

So if you get a grapple, you will want a 3rd set to open and close the grapple. I do recommend SSQA if it doesnt put your lift capacity below a # you are trying to reach.

I also concur, have the 3rd function added by the dealer if possible.

Additionally, if possible get true 3rd function. Some configurations use a diverter, so you hit a switch to divert flow from say the bucket curling to the grapple. This of course means you cant use bucket curl and grapple functions at the same time. Not ideal, but not impossible to live with either. The worst in my opinion is using a rear remote valve for the 3rd function and NOT actuating it with a switch on the loader control. You have to take your hand off the loader control joystick, move the remote valve lever forward or back to actuate grapple, then move hand back to joystick. Try and get true 3rd function if you plan on using the grapple a bunch.

 

[Jchonline]

Something along these lines will work. EA makes great stuff.

 

[k0ua]

I use the rear remote lever. BUT, I extended its length, and it is so strategical placed in front of the joystick, I can actually operate with my fingers while operating the joystick with my hand. Not many tractors are built like this, Most will have the rear remote lever somewhere behind the joystick lever, usually by your rear hip. So, not so convenient. In fact, probably not convenient at all. But it is cheap. A true third function would be best if you can afford it. And if you can have the dealer set it up before delivery, Well, that would be nice. I did it all myself, and I am very satisfied with the way my setup turned out. But it probably would not be the best for most tractors.

 

[eubie5]

If you are looking at new RK tractors just have them add the grapple and 3rd function in the deal.

I understand that, just wanted to know exactly what a 3rd function was and what it's used for with the grapple.