A third function means you can operate either of the other two loader functions (lift/curl) at the same time as the 3rd function. Hence the name.
A diverter taps into either of the other two functions and diverts the flow from said function to whatever attachment you have whenever you activate it. When the solenoid is activated, you still have to move the joystick in the direction of whatever function you are diverting.
In reality.....there is little to no difference in capability and user function. Diverter gives you the ability to feather the control just the same as you would raising/lowering or dumping/curling the loader. Gives you more "feel" so to speak. Whereas a 3rd...its a button. Either on of off. Some people have reported being able to toggle a
grapple on/off to give a "feathering" like ability as to not crush something you are trying to pick up.
Only word of caution is that a diverter "may" not work if hooked to the curl circuit. I dont know what loader valve the
L3800 has. But my MX is a regen only valve. SO I had to divert the lift/lower functions. So my operation of the loader and
grapple is like this.....
Loader control works like always. I have a joystick with a trigger button. Squeeze trigger and pull lever back (as in raising the loader) and the
grapple closes. Squeeze trigger and push forward and
grapple opens. Dont squeeze trigger and push/pull lever and loader raises/lowers like normal
