Loader 3rd function valve

[J_J]

A 3ed function valve is not the ideal valve for the grapple, as it is full on or off, no feathering.

I would recommend the diverter/selector valve for the grapple control using the curl circuit and a thumb switch.

The curl function will provide feather after switching to grapple mode.

This valve.

Surplus Center - 12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

 

[Piston]

A 3ed function valve is not the ideal valve for the grapple.....

I respectfully disagree. I have about 200hrs of use operating my grapple and I couldn't disagree more. It is absolutely the ideal valve in my opinion.

......as it is full on or off, no feathering.

This is absolutely correct. It is full on or full off, there is no feathering action of the valve. I have never once found this to be a hinderance in anything I have done. I've never once seen the need for feathering operation. Maybe if I was picking up wine glasses, or eggs possibly, this would be helpful, but in real world operation I have not seen any advantage to feathering.

I've operated all 3 methods on 3 different tractors. By far, the easiest, most convenient, quickest, and most desireable is the 3rd function valve. It is also the most expensive.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I respectfully disagree. I have about 200hrs of use operating my grapple and I couldn't disagree more. It is absolutely the ideal valve in my opinion.



This is absolutely correct. It is full on or full off, there is no feathering action of the valve. I have never once found this to be a hinderance in anything I have done. I've never once seen the need for feathering operation. Maybe if I was picking up wine glasses, or eggs possibly, this would be helpful, but in real world operation I have not seen any advantage to feathering.

I've operated all 3 methods on 3 different tractors. By far, the easiest, most convenient, quickest, and most desireable is the 3rd function valve. It is also the most expensive.

Well, I agree with fastest and most expensive part of your statement. As far as the rest, it applies to you and your circumstances and conditions IMO.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I put in a separate single spool valve. For me the cheapest way to go. About $275. Full feathering control (which I use all the time). Run both valves with one hand.

Parts Shipping
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Single Spool Valve Surplus Center $89.95 $12.98

5 1/2" X 6" X 1/4" Plate Walbridge Welding $5.00
Includes weld nuts

18" length 1/2" rod Walbridge Welding $6.00
Includes welding bushing

Knob for lever arm Messicks $15.37 $13.61

Fittings Discount Hydraulic Hose $55.77 $16.09

3 short 3/8" hoses w/ jic 8F $60.00 --------- ---------
$232.09 $42.68

 

[Black Sheep125]

I installed the Kubota kit on my L39 because I got it off Ebay pretty cheap.

1. It is NOT hard lines up the loader.
2. The valve sticks. It is only moderately annoying, but unacceptable from something so costly.

ac

Thanks for the info avc8130. I own an L39 and am looking into remotes for upfront. Is the Kubota kit you purchased really that subpar? I see you have sold it now. I also see this is an old post.
Im looking to install front remotes so I can purchase a grappler.
Thanks for the help.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I had the same experience as Stockwell. My dealer recommended the W&R Long valve over Kubota's due to better price and function. I now have the W&R on both my MX5800 and L6060. The dealer used steel tubing on the FEL arms and did a good job mounting the switch on the FEL joystick. The installation looks fairly easy. I would have done the work myself but the tractors were new and the few extra $$ the dealer charged made it worthwhile to let him do it when they assembled the tractors.

IMO, the need to feather cylinders using a 3 rd function valve is a very minor issue. Unless you're trying to pick up eggs with a grapple, using flow restrictors on the QR connectors is all you really need. I suppose this is a matter of personal preference though and others may disagree.

 

[caballero59]

I've never needed to feather the grapple on my M59. A grapple on the front and thumb on the hoe makes for one amazing utility machine.

 

[Tomtint]

I have the WR Long on my L3700. No feathering ever needed. I primarily use it to pick up brush and tree trunks to bring them to the burn pile

 

[JWR]

Thinking of adding a grappling bucket, but will need a3rd valve function. Who sells these besides the kubota dealership?

Others have mentioned WR Long and their ads are impressive as well as educational if you call up each one of their offerings and diagrams. Another good one used by my local dealer is V&M Hydraulic. They are at V&M Inc. Home Page for website and at 1-800-648-6507. I have not bought their hardware but have seen it and gone over the functions and features with my dealer's MF service shop who installs them. Looks to me like good quality hardware. They are located in South Dakota.

 

[galstaf]

A 3ed function valve is not the ideal valve for the grapple, as it is full on or off, no feathering.

I would recommend the diverter/selector valve for the grapple control using the curl circuit and a thumb switch.

The curl function will provide feather after switching to grapple mode.

This valve.

Surplus Center - 12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

Hey JJ
I am interested in this valve you posted a while back .. they have updated the URL now.

It appears it can be used to drive 2 x Bidirectional cylinders. Would this work for running a Thumb on the BH and a grapple on the Loader?

12/24 Volt DC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 Solenoid Operated Double Selector Valve | Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com