Grapple - WR Long 3rd function valve issue (2024)

Hey folks hope i am posting this in the correct place. I have a WR long 3rd function valve on my grapple. It has worked without issue for many years (6 or 7). I don't use my tractor and grapple every week so unit probably has less than 500 hours.
This week end the 3rd function valve would open the grapple without issue. However close only worked a time or two right after starting the tractor and then only for short distance or amount, not even enough to close a quarter of the way. I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close.

I am not a mechanic by any means and know less about hydraulics. I was thinking it might be the rocker switch. Before ordering one I thought I'd check with you guys to see if any of you had any similar experience with a 3rd function valve. I used an ohm meter on the switch and it seemed to make contact (close) in both rocker directions. I thought maybe it might react different if there was load versus just resistance test.

I hope some of you have some insight. Miss my grapple!

Samandothers said:

Hey folks hope i am posting this in the correct place. I have a WR long 3rd function valve on my grapple. It has worked without issue for many years (6 or 7). I don't use my tractor and grapple every week so unit probably has less than 500 hours. This week end the 3rd function valve would open the grapple without issue. However close only worked a time or two right after starting the tractor and then only for short distance or amount, not even enough to close a quarter of the way. I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close. I am not a mechanic by any means and know less about hydraulics. I was thinking it might be the rocker switch. Before ordering one I thought I'd check with you guys to see if any of you had any similar experience with a 3rd function valve. I used an ohm meter on the switch and it seemed to make contact (close) in both rocker directions. I thought maybe it might react different if there was load versus just resistance test. I hope some of you have some insight. Miss my grapple!

Click to expand...

I had a similar issue the other day. It would open but not close. It ended up being the thumb switch. Easy to diagnose. The switch had one red wire in the middle and two black, one for each switch. I swapped the black wires and it worked to close the grapple. I did have to have both black wires hooked up or nothing worked.

Hopefully yours will be this easy. Good luck finding a momentary switch. I had to get mine from the dealer for $15.

Samandothers said:

I could then open the grapple but try to close and nothing. no solenoid clicking or anything on close.

Click to expand...

If you aren't hearing the solenoid click when you press the button - then you have an electrical problem not a hydraulic one.

As Cataclysm and woody have already stated, If you have a volt meter then hook it at the solenoid end and see if you get voltage when you press the button. If not you have a bad switch (most likely) or a break in the wiring (second most likely) and if you do have voltage then you have a bad solenoid (possible but not nearly as likely)

The intermittent operation almost leads me to think break more than switch. Again some quick multi-meter testing at the switch would help prove or disprove this theory.

I'm not familiar w/ the W. R. Long switch set-up as I built our 3rd function set-up from scratch & used a different control grip, but if it is in fact removable / replaceable with-in the grip then it shouldn't be a big deal to fix. Just make sure any replacement switch you buy is rated to handle the current draw of the solenoid (usually from 3 to 5 Amps)

Digikey, Mouser, and Grainger are all good online sources to find a switch once you know what you need.

Good Luck & be sure to let us know what you find.

Thanks all for the quick replies!

I did not have a multi meter with me this weekend when I was using the tractor. It is not located where I live. I will take one back with me so I can test voltage at various locations. I appreciate the insight.

Now I have to wait a couple of weeks to go back. :thumb down:

Initially I thought I'd order a switch but when it ohm'd out ok I thought I'd wait and check with you guys. Did not what to spend the money on a switch only to have it not solve the issue.