Third function moving s-l-o-w!

[Vahunter]

Hey guys....I have a third function on the front of my L4310 and use it for a bucket and grapple. I noticed this morning my grapple lid is closing much slower than it opens and seems to be lacking clamping pressure. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Any tips on how to correct it? Thanks!

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hey guys....I have a third function on the front of my L4310 and use it for a bucket and grapple. I noticed this morning my grapple lid is closing much slower than it opens and seems to be lacking clamping pressure. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Any tips on how to correct it? Thanks!

What sort of third function is it? The most common one is a second solenoid operated valve which is independent of the loader valve. Do you have a diverter system that lets you use the bucket control for the grapple?

Dan

 

[Vahunter]

It is a second solenoid, I have to open and close the grapple using a separate lever , which can be a pain.

Go Hokies!

What sort of third function is it? The most common one is a second solenoid operated valve which is independent of the loader valve. Do you have a diverter system that lets you use the bucket control for the grapple?

Dan

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I suspect a bad solenoid, either the coil or the actual spool valve. Hopefully the coil is an easy 'field replacable' unit.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I suspect a bad solenoid, either the coil or the actual spool valve. Hopefully the coil is an easy 'field replacable' unit.

Not likely a solenoid of any type if he uses a "second lever" to operate the grapple. I think its time for a few pictures of the third function valve and controls.

Dan

 

[Vahunter]

Not likely a solenoid of any type if he uses a "second lever" to operate the grapple. I think its time for a few pictures of the third function valve and controls.

Dan

Thanks for all of the feedback...have to get back down to the farm to take the pics then I'll post them.

 

[i7win7]

Thanks for all of the feedback...have to get back down to the farm to take the pics then I'll post them.

While you're on the farm disconnect couplers and reattach them. Retest grapple functions

 

[TheOldHokie]

While you're on the farm disconnect couplers and reattach them. Retest grapple functions

Interesting ....

Dan

 

[Vahunter]

Sure will. thanks

 

[Vahunter]

Sure will. thanks

OK guys...here it is, the front lever controls the opening and closing of the grapple. Back level is my normal FEL control lever, manufactured by a company called Wescon. I did as recommended (disconnected the hoses) and still have the same result. Again, it opens great, closes slowly and doesn't appear to have much gripping pressure. Thanks again!

 

[i7win7]

Looks like it is cable driven. Any slack or play at valve end? Cable pulls OK but flexes sideways when pushing? Reverse hoses, don't need much pressure to open grapple.

Wouldn't expect it on a grapple but they make hydraulic restrictors to slow oil flow to cylinders, think hydro top link

 

[Vahunter]

Looks like it is cable driven. Any slack or play at valve end? Cable pulls OK but flexes sideways when pushing? Reverse hoses, don't need much pressure to open grapple.

Wouldn't expect it on a grapple but they make hydraulic restrictors to slow oil flow to cylinders, think hydro top link

Haven't checked but I have been bush hogging some heavy stuff so it's possible I could have pulled it loose. I'll check it tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Haven't checked but I have been bush hogging some heavy stuff so it's possible I could have pulled it loose. I'll check it tomorrow. Thanks.

Looks like the joystick controls a remotely mounted 2 spool valve. I would be interested in seeing a picture or two of the valve itself and how it is mounted. Joystick resembles the pictures on the Fit Rite site.

Edit: on second look I only see one cable so maybe just a lever and single spool????
Dan

 

[Vahunter]

At the recommendation of another grapple owner, I cleaned the fittings, switched the hoses (I have two female fittings instead of one male and one female), reattached them and it works like a champ!