3rd function, PT-180

curtjeep · Oct 12, 2024

Hey folks,

So… after 2 hurricanes in as many weeks down here in FL. I need to add a 3rd function to my ‘lil 180. Any one here tried it? I am going to start researching the loader valve first and then look to see if I need to try to run a diverter on it or if I will need to put in a secondary valve to run just the 3rd function. Also, I wonder if PT would make me a utility grapple and put the 180 mount plate on it. If not I’ll figure it out… I’ll probably end up with a mini skid grapple and just weld the PT mount to it.

MossRoad · Oct 12, 2024

From what I gather, if you want to add a diverter for a grapple jaw, you can put it in the line for the dump/curl function. In normal operation, dump/curl. If button is pressed, it flips the solenoid to operate the grapple open/close with the same lever. Let off the button and it goes back to dump/curl function.

Is that what you're after?

ponytug · Oct 13, 2024

Summit racing sells diverter kits.

If it were me, I would keep an eye on the overall attachment weight. I think that it is pretty easy to eat into the actual load capacity if one isn't careful. PTs aren't exactly skid steers with 7,000lb lift capacities.

All the best,

Peter

2manyrocks · Oct 13, 2024

Haven't asked, but suspect this guy could make a diverter kit with a manual diverter valve if you provided him with pictures and hose sizes?

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I tend to think PTs may be more suited to the Ryan's grapples or Branch Manager style grapples if you have the $. Trouble is they seemed to be priced to tree services who can pass the cost along to their customers, IMPO.

m5040 · Oct 13, 2024

I was thinking about doing the same. I first converted the tractor to a single lever bucket control, that way your hand never leaves the handle and I have mine on the hoist up/down cause that is the way the grapple will move (up/down or forward/back) and with one lever, set up that way, you can tilt both directions and close the grapple at same time and when done with the grasp, release the button and raise the hoist.
Like you, I was going to order a 422/425 grapple with the 180 plate and kind of waiting for a need to go to that area and combine the stops before I ask them to do it.
A negative for me is it adds weight to the tractor. I move mine on a aluminum trailer to pickup stuff. I put the valve on all my other PTs and after all said and done it will be like 20 lbs. Not bad, but it all starts to add up.

curtjeep · Oct 14, 2024

A neighbor of mine has a john deere 1023. My loader will lift more weight on my PT than his will to my max height. He has a small 26” grapple on his and it works pretty well for him…. I am also considering purchasing a regular tractor right now so that I can load into my dump trailer. With my PT I have to load from the rear or drive up the ramps to load which tends to get sketchy sometimes. The only/biggest drawback to the PT 180 is loading into something…

As far as a grapple for the PT goes:

Mossroad, yes a diverter. Which is what all subcompact tractors use it appears, not a true 3rd function.

We will see what the future holds. I’m too tired to think right now because I spent all weekend loading 2 dump trailers with storm debris and running to the dump and was up at 4 this morning to make my final trip to the dump prior to work. I did make the landfill 30k lbs heavier between Friday evening and this morning…

SpringHollow · Oct 15, 2024

Added Additional Hydraulic Circuits on PT1850

I have been wanting to do this for a very long time and finally got around to doing it this summer when I had a minute here and there. Finished it a few days ago and it works well. Now I can use the auxiliary lever to control the quick attach system and the joystick to control lift and tilt or...

www.tractorbynet.com

BillCroasmun · Feb 22, 2025

curtjeep said:
Hey folks,

So… after 2 hurricanes in as many weeks down here in FL. I need to add a 3rd function to my ‘lil 180. Any one here tried it? I am going to start researching the loader valve first and then look to see if I need to try to run a diverter on it or if I will need to put in a secondary valve to run just the 3rd function. Also, I wonder if PT would make me a utility grapple and put the 180 mount plate on it. If not I’ll figure it out… I’ll probably end up with a mini skid grapple and just weld the PT mount to it.

I am a few months late on seeing this thread but there used to be some decent pics of Beechwood doing this to his 180.

The threads are all still here but the pictures seem to have all been removed:

Mini Hoe

I'm getting ready to build a mini hoe for my 180 and I need some information. What are the dimensions of the attachment plate, length of crowd arm, wall thickness of the arm and bucket, what is the bucket size?. Could someone who owns a mini hoe post some close up pictures of the attachment...

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