I have a L3200 and I just purchased the "thumb" for it made by greens machine shop. I got it today and in the box were some flow restrictors. Should I use them? Seems like you would not want to slow it down, but maybe I am wrong, I appreciate any info....
Shout out to everyone with a grapple
- Thread starter rparkinson
- Start date
try without it first, it shoud be easy to slip them in if needed. Maybe you'll want it only on the clamp line and let it open faster. please post some pics I'm looking at adding a grapple soon.
I did not get the flow restrictions with mine. I planned on running 1/4" lines or hoses like the loader cylinders have installed on them, I didn't think I wanted it any slower than the bucket was.
I think it worked out good, I like the speed it opens and closes when I'm grabbing something in the bucket, when I'm going from fully open or fully closed it could be a bit faster I think but it's not bad. Maybe with 3/8 hoses it might but probably still wouldn't be too fast though a 3200 may be pumping a bit more than my 2620. I would think you can always add them if you think you need them later..
Either way I bet your going to enjoy having the thumb, I do.
I think it worked out good, I like the speed it opens and closes when I'm grabbing something in the bucket, when I'm going from fully open or fully closed it could be a bit faster I think but it's not bad. Maybe with 3/8 hoses it might but probably still wouldn't be too fast though a 3200 may be pumping a bit more than my 2620. I would think you can always add them if you think you need them later..
Either way I bet your going to enjoy having the thumb, I do.
Great, thanks for the input. I will plumb it up and I guess I can put them in pretty easily anyway. The ports on the cylinder are 3/8 so I assume I should run a 3/8 hose. I think that is what my tractor is plumbed with-
I did not use the flow restrictors when installing my thumb kit. It works great. I haven't crushed but the most rotted of logs. I did receive the restrictors just opted not to use them yet/ or maybe ever.
Yes I did get the green machines. The smallest model 20" IIRC.
It is finished and plumbed now, this was a pic during lay out.
It is finished and plumbed now, this was a pic during lay out.
What are you using to control the grapple? I bought a diverter valve from Surplus Center and just use a simple switch (momentary pushbutton, to be replaced with a motorcycle brake light switch and a roll pin) it works great. Much less expensive than the WR Long kit.
Yeah, I am dont the same thing. I bought the diverter valve from surplus, should be here tomorrow. I just bought a momentary toggle at napa.... I will be sure to post some pics. I think the grapple will be a good addition. I hope it works well.
Here are some pics mocking it up and a box I made to house the momentary switch to the loader valve. It just hold it with a hose clamp from the bottom. I dont think you will be able to really see the clamp when it is on.
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nice job, I'd like one in kubota gray when you get the time.
Any thoughts on where u mounting the diverter?
I'm leaning towards just under the loader hose qc's.
Any thoughts on where u mounting the diverter?
I'm leaning towards just under the loader hose qc's.
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(to be replaced with a motorcycle brake light switch and a roll pin)
please elaborate on that a bit. preferably with pictures. thanks
please elaborate on that a bit. preferably with pictures. thanks
I am not sure where I am going to mount it. I will have to wait until tomorrow when I have it in my hand.... I will get back to you on that.. kub grey, coming right up!
I mounted my diverter on the arm that holds the joystick. That way everything comes off as a single assembly.
The motorcycle brake light switch ( the mechanical kind used in rear brakes) which is cylindrical and has the wires sticking straight out, not at a 90 degree angle. Will be installed into an aluminum bracket (it will look like a double barreled shotgun) where the switch threads in 1 barrel. The other barrel will be a clamp or bore with a set screw which will clamp on the joystick. The roll pin will install thru the hole in the switch and give a T shape to the assembly. Much like a 2 speed rear end switch on the shifter. But cheaper!
The motorcycle brake light switch ( the mechanical kind used in rear brakes) which is cylindrical and has the wires sticking straight out, not at a 90 degree angle. Will be installed into an aluminum bracket (it will look like a double barreled shotgun) where the switch threads in 1 barrel. The other barrel will be a clamp or bore with a set screw which will clamp on the joystick. The roll pin will install thru the hole in the switch and give a T shape to the assembly. Much like a 2 speed rear end switch on the shifter. But cheaper!
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I am using the curl function of my loader. When I push the momentary button it diverts the flow of the hydraulics to a separate circuit, in my case the grapple. I believe this is referred to as a third function. The only negative is to remember the return to the middle position of the joystick before letting go of the button. Otherwise the curl function starts to occur quickly or more quickly than I desire. It really is just a matter of familiarity as it has caused no problems. If the grapple is grabbing it, you can shake the crap out of it.