Buying Advice 3rd function valve now or later

Mpking · Mar 28, 2011

I'm looking at getting Kubota L3540 sometime soon. I'd really like to have a grapple attachment for the FEL sometime in the future but I can't decide whether I should get the 3rd function valve when I buy the tractor or do once I'm ready to get a grapple. If I decide to save my money now, will it be a pain or cost more to do it later? Any thoughts?

Johnbro · Mar 28, 2011

It's a dealer install so either you can do it yourself or you could try to roll it into the total purchase price and financing with the dealer. But there's little advantage technically to doing it at any one time so little (if any) cost savings.

jtheise4 · Mar 29, 2011

Do it now and add it into the purchase price of the tractor. My dealer is actually picking my tractor up today to add one to my tractor today. Its costing me more than if I had it done with the original purchase, cause they charge for pickup and delivery. Plus, I have to let my baby leave home!!!!

TripleR · Mar 29, 2011

If I knew for sure I was going to need one, I would have it done prior to delivery.

We remain undecided, so didn't have one installed.

I believe rjkobbeman installed his own 3rd function valve and saved a lot of money.

Rockgod · Mar 29, 2011

jtheise4 said:
Do it now and add it into the purchase price of the tractor. My dealer is actually picking my tractor up today to add one to my tractor today. Its costing me more than if I had it done with the original purchase, cause they charge for pickup and delivery. Plus, I have to let my baby leave home!!!!

We're in the same boat my friend. I also had the dealer pick up mine last Friday (still there) to have the 3rd function kit installed.

Like jtheise mentioned, do it now and save yourself some cash. Put that money towards the new grapple.

BTW, have you picked out the grapple yet?

nybirdman · Mar 29, 2011

I would try to work it in your deal..close to $1,000 if factory Kubota.I like mine,use it on a Green's Machine Thumb.This with a tooth-bar is quite effective;may-be not as good as a full grapple but saves some weight and cost.

Snapper Head · Mar 29, 2011

I bought an L3940 back in August and had remotes put on then, as I planned to install a grapple. It is more expensive to have the dealer do it, but it's done and ready.

After a full week of tree work last week, I am cussing myself for not having the grapple yet.

Yes, I'm currently shopping grapples.

Big Al

Rustyiron · Mar 29, 2011

Do it now! I negotiated it in to the deal along with 2 extra sets on the rear. I think it's not that expensive for the dealer to do if he thinks it will make the deal. Tell him the green or red guy is willing to do it.:thumbsup:

Mpking · Mar 29, 2011

Rockgod said:
BTW, have you picked out the grapple yet?

Not the exact make/model. I read a couple of threads on grapple buying. Seems like everyone has their opinion on which size/duty is best but in the end everyone likes their grapple. I'm leaning towards something like a standard duty 48" model to save on weight... maybe one with two independent cylinders if thats possible. I'll mostly be moving cut down brush,tree limbs, and logs from my property as I clear out alder and fir trees and not as much scraping out roots so the maneuverability and light weight of a standard duty 48" model is appealing to me. Any recommendations on who to go with?

Mpking · Mar 29, 2011

Snapper Head said:
It is more expensive to have the dealer do it, but it's done and ready.

After a full week of tree work last week, I am cussing myself for not having the grapple yet.

Yes, I'm currently shopping grapples.

Big Al

Hmmm... now I'm thinking if I don't have the dealer do it I'll be in the same boat. I'm a terrible procrastinator so I'd probably end up in the same position wishing I had done it sooner when I had a big job ahead of me.

Sounds like it might be worth having the dealer install it. How much should I expect to have to pay the dealer at the time of purchase? I.e. If I get a quote and then ask them to throw in the 3rd function valve, is is reasonable for them to do it at no extra cost or is it too costly for the dealer to expect them to do that?

Thanks for all the info everyone! Very helpful.