Hello All, 1. I just bought a used (1998 ?) Case 1838 skid steer. I'm in the process of doing a full service (repack lift cyl., repair rusted bucket, etc.) and other required checks/ adjustments. 2. I bought the 1838 to move some dirt that has build up behind in a ditch behind a 70 L. x 50 W. building. The building wall/ ditch is 6 ft. high and 6 to 7 feet wide. I have CAT backhoe but it not will fit in the narrow (concrete) ditch with a high sloped bank on the other side of the ditch. -------------- I have priced a slip on tooth bar to help in the digging process. The soil is from the spring run off in 2014. This was caused by several small trees growing in the ditch. I live in FL and the building is in PA. No one walks behind the building and noticed all the dirt (deposited) there, was found a month ago. 3. I have checked the Homemade Forum and found (3) examples of DIY Grapples. I need a grapple to clean up this property and will be making up a grapple add-on in the next month or so. ............ Now, I do not have a AUX Hook Up on my Case 1838. I have done some checking on EBay and other vendors. Anyway you slice it... AUX Hyd's. are fairly expensive and an involved installation. ............ I have (2) snow plows in PA and one of them has a new electric pump and (2) way valve (up/ down. & side angle) control. --------------- 4. I was thinking of using this new snow plow hyd. control & pump on my 1838 to operate the Grapple Cyl.; it would not be as fast as the AUX Hyd. Sys. on factory plumbed machine. ------------------- 5. I'm thinking it would do the job, the snow plow cyl. lifts the snow plow fast enough to suit me. I'm using (1) cyl. on the Grapple. The few seconds of added wait time would be Ok vs. buying a complete Aux Hyd. Sys., about $ 1,500 as an estimate & install time. --------------- 6. Operation... could be as simple as (3) position electric switch clamped on one of the sticks to open & close the grapple. Wiring the connecting electrical cables is not a problem. ------------ 7. Anyway, let me know your thought's.. does it sound like a reasonable/ workable idea ?!? ------------ Thanks' in Advance, Avery