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CrestonM 
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8454
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 Topic: OC: 3pt Brush Grapple?
Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:10pm |
Hey guys...Dad has a Deere 4720, and I've been thinking about adding a 3rd remote so I can install a brush grapple on the loader. But...that's a super expensive route. $2,100 for the parts and installation. Yikes!  So...being the penny pinching "wanna-be farmer" I am, I thought about improvising by building a 3pt hitch mounted device. It would be sort of like a carry-all in basic design, but have the grapple piece at the top operated by a hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic top link to tip the whole assembly. The tractor has a loader, and I'm wondering (since I just need to move some brush piles every now and then, and not heavy regular use), if I could just unhook the loader hoses (with the loader left on the tractor) and plug in the hoses for the grapple cylinder and hydraulic top link?
I'll be the first to admit, I don't know much about hydraulics. What do you guys think? Thanks
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jaybmiller
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 24583
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:19pm |
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If you've got a 'free' or 3rd remote available, I'd bodge a grapple on the loader.
easy enough to add a 'set of lower' forks to the bucket, then all you need is a 'bent arm' that the 3rd remote controls.
The set of lower forks could just slide into the bucket, use a chain + hook to 'secure' to bucket. I'd use wood to fab up the grapple BEFORE cutting/welding steel. wood's a LOT easier to use, lighter, cut fast, screws together easy too!
You could do the carry-all-grapple the same way but heck loaders already there and it would be easier to drive !
Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
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CrestonM
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8454
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:22pm |
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Thanks, Jay. That was my original idea, but see, I don't have a 3rd remote. Installing a 3rd remote is what I got the quote from John Deere for.
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bauerd44
Silver Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Wentzville, MO
Points: 350
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:36pm |
Take a look at this. It makes 1 set of outlets into 2 and it is electrically controlled. There are also manual models. I did a search for "hydraulic multiplier valve" and got a bunch of different designs. https://summit-hydraulics.com/product/hydraulic-multiplier-scv-divertersplitter-valve-couplers-switch-box-control/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI16Gtg9yM1wIVgYd-Ch0CagosEAAYASAAEgLUVfD_BwEHope this help. Certainly a lot cheaper. Dale
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Missouri Allis-Chalmers Club
CA Allis, 175 Allis, 185 Allis
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CrestonM
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8454
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 4:49pm |
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That certainly is interesting!
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jaybmiller
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 24583
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 5:37pm |
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OK.. no 3rd remote...
possible options...
add a 12v winch, use cable to move the grapple. similar to snow blower chute operation.
the grapple doesn't need a lot of holding power, just needs to lightly grab the load as forks carry the bulk of the material.
you could just use a long cable and long arm,like trip buckets have. old school and after 20-30 loads your arm might get tired.....
maybe google 'homemade grapple', images .. to see what comes up...
Jay
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3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
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DiyDave
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Gambrills, MD
Points: 53879
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 5:49pm |
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Creston, Hydraulics are really not that hard to bodge up. The electric multiplier valve above is a pretty good value, but likely you could find a 3 spool valve (manual or joystick) from surpluscenter.com, maybe for less. You need to know if your system is open or closed center, the PSI (pressure) and the flow rate (GPM) for your particular tractor. Once you have this info, go to surpluscenter.com, and see if any of their valves match up. They also have an excellent tech help section, if you have questions...
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CrestonM
Orange Level
Joined: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Oklahoma
Points: 8454
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 5:51pm |
Thanks guys!
I've been thinking on this, and I got to thinking since the bucket is easily removed/installed, maybe I can make a grapple to mount on the loader, and use the 12v winch like Jay suggested to run the grapple. Like he said, the grapple part will just be holding the load down while the forks support it, for the most part. I don't think I could go a manual route, as the tractor has a cab. Or...spend a little more and go the splitter route. Seems like I've got a few options to choose from. I'll think about it and make a decision off what seems to fit my need/budget best.
Edited by CrestonM - 25 Oct 2017 at 5:58pm
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steve(ill)
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: illinois
Points: 87242
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Posted: 25 Oct 2017 at 5:53pm |
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I would put a manual valve / splitter on the bucket DUMP line and run it to the grapple... You would have raise/ lower and grapple open/ close...... when not needed, remove the grapple or bolt it wide open and use the bucket as raise / lower and bucket fill/ dump.
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Like them all, but love the "B"s.
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shameless dude
Orange Level
Joined: 10 Apr 2017
Location: east NE
Points: 13607
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Posted: 26 Oct 2017 at 2:00am |
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look up GNUSE manufacturing in Arlington NE.
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CaseyCreek
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: L.A.
Points: 332
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Posted: 26 Oct 2017 at 3:21pm |
I have been using a hydraulic splitter for years to help with my stump grinder. Wouldn't want to be without one. It looks like the pricing may have gotten better since I bought mine, which is good news for you. The best feature is the momentary switch, which might help you quite a bit on the grapple. http://www.allischalmers.com/forum/hydraulic-multiplier_topic115167.html
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D17 Series III,D17 Series IV, 185
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