Recent content by selftot

In my mind, a grapple add-on sounds half axxed. A dedicated grapple might be more functional and offer other uses.

Yeah - that's the "direct connection plumbing" i realized after my first comment. Make sense. I would be tempted to try for a dedicated toggle switch to control ssqa but i guess that requires a bit more plumbing and a valve rather than diverter.

Yeah - kinda. I just switch hoses at the third function quick disconnect and third function operates whatever i have plugged in. The selector seems unnecessarily complicated unless you need a forth function on the front for something. More than 1 way to skin a cat.

What value does the selector valve add ? Is this so you dont have to disconnect SSQA when you use the grapple ? You'll be at the connection anyway when you connect the grapple hoses. You could use the same 3rd function connection by switching SSQA hoses with grapple hoses. Maybe I'm missing...

I have used uniseal fittings for many years without leaks. Silicon lube helps to install the pipe helps. I normally use 3/4 schedule 40 pvc but it comes in many sizes. Put a valve or whatever on the pvc.

I’m an amateur welder. With that in mind here are some tips: - Dont weld. Just make the plates big enough to fit the cylinder. 5elevendesignz got it right - in the link above. - If you want to weld something for adjustable length like I tried, add it to one of the plates, not the cylinder...

Nice looking kits ! Although i prefer gray over those colors.

A 10” cylinder made sense to me. 1.5” bore because thats what was available at Princess Auto (similar to Harbour Freight). A longer cylinder allows for more tolerance for any small errors I make on the plate design. To do it again, I might add more material on the plate so the cylinder attaches...

I unplug the SSQA hoses once the grapple is locked in place and plug in the grapple hoses. Reverse when taking it off. I have to get off the tractor to connect/disconnect grapples hoses anyway so there's no value in having both circuits active at the same time. This upgrade doesn't help a lot...

I thought about using the factory handles but decided to use "handless" handles for 2 reasons. 1) The factory handles do not extend down far enough, so the pivot point of the cylinder would be higher (less mechanical advantage). I just didn't like the idea of the cylinder pushing between the 2...

I finally got around to my hydraulic SSQA. It works better than expected - i thought there would be some messy around with the dimensions / movement. Measured multiple time before i started. I can get the factory handles back on and working in minutes if i ever need to - just 2 factory bolts...

I started with 500lb on my 3400 plus 75 for the quick hitch. When i went up to 700lb it felt much more stable. I tend to run heavy loads on the FEL. Gravel, logs, forks.

Nice! Would be great to see a picture from the other side with the jack up.

When a song sparrow sings, i stop in my tracks and listen - instant trance. My wife says it looks i hit a critical error and takes a few minutes to reboot.

Mine spins several rotations but the useful adjustment is within about a quarter turn.