I recently upgraded my tractor and now have a MX5400. I added the 3rd function at the dealer. The tractor works great so far. Today, I connected my HLA grapple that I haven't used for about 2 years (stored outside) and the grapple won't open. I double and tripled checked the hydraulic connections. Has anyone had issues with the grapple hydraulic cylinder after siting a while? I am getting no movement what so ever from the hydraulic, however, can manually move the grapple top claw an inch or so by lifting it. Any suggested next steps to diagnose?
3rd function not working
- Thread starter FarmtoLake
- Start date
Is the 3rd function controlled by a electric switch in the loader controls?
If so I would look at that angle rather than at the grapple its self.
The grapple we have at work can be moved an inch of two by hand when unhooked so I assume that is "normal".
If so I would look at that angle rather than at the grapple its self.
The grapple we have at work can be moved an inch of two by hand when unhooked so I assume that is "normal".
NCL4701
Well-known member
Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
I second the recommendation to check the electrical part of the third function assuming it’s an electrically controlled diverter rather than a fully mechanical valve.
I have a dealer installed WR Long diverter type third function to run my grapple. Just today, while doing storm cleanup, it refused to open while I was trying to dump a load of brush. There are two little wires that go from the loader control grip where the switch for the third function is housed to the relay for the diverter. There’s a little plug in the side of the control grip for those wires. It looks like it would be more at home inside a computer case than on the outside of a tractor. I unplugged it. Plugged it back in. Worked another 4 hours without further problems. Second time I’ve had to do that in 650 hours. First time was at about 300 hours.
Every time I’ve had issues with the grapple lid hydraulics, it’s either been electrical (in my case, that little plug), or a quick connect that wasn’t seated (even if it looked like it was).
Chances it’s getting pressure and flow but the cylinder is the problem are pretty small. If that’s the case, you should see the hoses flex/pop a little when you actuate the third function. If you have hoses on the tractor side of the quick connect and have a problem with the quick connect, you should see that little bit of movement on the loader valve to front quick connect hose, but not on the quick connect to grapple lid cylinder hose.
You say you’re getting nothing at all, so I’m betting on an electrical issue. Quite likely a corroded or loose connection somewhere.
I have a dealer installed WR Long diverter type third function to run my grapple. Just today, while doing storm cleanup, it refused to open while I was trying to dump a load of brush. There are two little wires that go from the loader control grip where the switch for the third function is housed to the relay for the diverter. There’s a little plug in the side of the control grip for those wires. It looks like it would be more at home inside a computer case than on the outside of a tractor. I unplugged it. Plugged it back in. Worked another 4 hours without further problems. Second time I’ve had to do that in 650 hours. First time was at about 300 hours.
Every time I’ve had issues with the grapple lid hydraulics, it’s either been electrical (in my case, that little plug), or a quick connect that wasn’t seated (even if it looked like it was).
Chances it’s getting pressure and flow but the cylinder is the problem are pretty small. If that’s the case, you should see the hoses flex/pop a little when you actuate the third function. If you have hoses on the tractor side of the quick connect and have a problem with the quick connect, you should see that little bit of movement on the loader valve to front quick connect hose, but not on the quick connect to grapple lid cylinder hose.
You say you’re getting nothing at all, so I’m betting on an electrical issue. Quite likely a corroded or loose connection somewhere.
Thank you all for your replies. Problem solved. It was electrical. My old LX2610 had two red buttons on the joy stick to operate the grapple. I used the same dealer when I bought my MX5400 and they installed what looked like the same 3rd function device. As it turns out there was an additional switch on the right side of the of the 3rd function buttons to activate the 3rd function. Once activated, the 3rd function works great. No issues with the hydraulics even though they sat outside for 2 years. The buttons are reverse to my preference (top is close and bottom is open), however, I will just switch the hydraulic connectors on the grapple to solve this last issue. Thanks again!
thank you, problem solved. It was electrical.
My old LX2610 had two red buttons on the joy stick to operate the grapple. I used the same dealer when I bought my MX5400 and they installed what looked like the same 3rd function device. As it turns out there was an additional switch on the right side of the of the 3rd function buttons to activate the 3rd function. Once activated, the 3rd function works great. No issues with the hydraulics even though they sat outside for 2 years. The buttons are reverse to my preference (top is close and bottom is open), however, I will just switch the hydraulic connectors on the grapple to solve this last issue. Thanks again!
Problem solved. It was electrical. My old LX2610 had two red buttons on the joy stick to operate the grapple. I used the same dealer when I bought my MX5400 and they installed what looked like the same 3rd function device. As it turns out there was an additional switch on the right side of the of the 3rd function buttons to activate the 3rd function. Once activated, the 3rd function works great. No issues with the hydraulics even though they sat outside for 2 years. The buttons are reverse to my preference (top is close and bottom is open), however, I will just switch the hydraulic connectors on the grapple to solve this last issue. Thanks again!