Adding 3rd function for grapple

chsdiyer · Mar 29, 2023

Hello, I'm looking to get a grapple for my XG3025H and know I need to add hydraulic lines for it but that's about as far as my knowledge goes here. Can anyone share any wisdom on what I would need to get to make that happen and where/how to install it? I could probably get help with the install here, just not sure how to spec out what part(s) i'd need and best place to tie in.

alexpops · Mar 29, 2023

Summit Hydraulics sells a kit to add third function to your loader joystick with instructions. Basically, all the electrics & solenoid valves, you just need to add hoses & couplers. Other option, if you have rear remotes, is run hoses from the rear to the front of the loader, & use the rear control valves to operate the grapple. Less convenient, but cheaper & just needs longer hoses & wire ties.

alexpops · Mar 29, 2023

LS Third Function Kits - Summit Hydraulics

To add a new hydraulic function, use a third function kit engineered by Summit Hydraulics. The LS specific kits are all-in-one complete kits to install a new implement.

summit-hydraulics.com

scaredychicken · Mar 29, 2023

unless this is a job that you want to do yourself ... it might be good to get a quote for the install from a service department of a local dealer, or from an agri maintenance repair place ... they would know that install and parts as routine. Then you can decide if it is worth your personal effort. Plus always good to build relationships for when you really need them. just my 2 cents. Grapples are great

Avenger · Mar 29, 2023

I added the WR Long 3rd function kit. I got it from Everything Attachments when I ordered my grapple from them. Its a kit that is easy enough to install. Several videos online on how to to do it. The hardest part is replacing the hard hydraulic line and putting the valve in its place. It connects to the power beyond port on your main valve system. Its sounds harder that it is.

For me though, it has been a love hate relationship with my kit. It died after a about a year, the circuit board, as simple as it is, broke somehow. I had to replace it on the valve. But since that day, its worked perfectly! The other issue I had was the replacement joystick, it's hollow plastic and feels cheap in the hands compared to the factory LS joystick. But that allows for the switch. I was also not a fan of the switch, and preferred buttons. So I replaced the entire joystick! I replaced it with a NIMCO and a new stem for better ergonomics.

Here is some links:
NIMCO Joystick
Stem
WR Long Kit

Here is the video I made of the process of fixing my kit and adding the new joystick:

1 of U · Mar 29, 2023

I have 2 extra hoses with the correct fittings that i bought for mine , 2016 XG3025 for sale
here is my link on my 3rd function . my price for everything was $640.00
I used the Summit kit , made my own mount plate aswell . my install

tacticalturnip · Mar 29, 2023

Avenger said:
I added the WR Long 3rd function kit. I got it from Everything Attachments when I ordered my grapple from them. Its a kit that is easy enough to install. Several videos online on how to to do it. The hardest part is replacing the hard hydraulic line and putting the valve in its place. It connects to the power beyond port on your main valve system. Its sounds harder that it is.

For me though, it has been a love hate relationship with my kit. It died after a about a year, the circuit board, as simple as it is, broke somehow. I had to replace it on the valve. But since that day, its worked perfectly! The other issue I had was the replacement joystick, it's hollow plastic and feels cheap in the hands compared to the factory LS joystick. But that allows for the switch. I was also not a fan of the switch, and preferred buttons. So I replaced the entire joystick! I replaced it with a NIMCO and a new stem for better ergonomics.

Here is some links:
NIMCO Joystick
Stem
WR Long Kit

Here is the video I made of the process of fixing my kit and adding the new joystick:

I'll second the W.R. Long kit. My Kioti dealer recommends the kit over the Kioti 3rd function, and I trusted them; I've been quite pleased with it thus far! What's funny is that if I had to find a fault it would be the controls; I have the same complaint regarding the feel, and have been considering replacing it. I'll be checking out the links you've posted for sure.

Avenger · Mar 29, 2023

I thought I did a video on the actual install of the WR Long kit!! I couldn't find it for some reason before. I blame my wife!

chsdiyer · Mar 29, 2023

Wow, thanks for all the great input!!

alexpops - Thanks for the link! Unfortunately I don't have rear remotes, so that wouldn't be an option.

Scardeychicken - the nearest LS dealer is about 2 hours away and the other dealers around here don't typically offer service/support for other brands. However, the Massey dealer here just sold to someone that was more of a truck and equipment repair place so they may be a good place to try now.

Avenger - thanks for the links and the videos. Glad you were able to get the part fixed your self. I had actually seen your install video after clicking on the first link you posted. Thanks for posting though, and for making the content.

1 of u - Thanks for the feedback, really cool mods you made on your tractor. So many times i wish i had a horn. I thought about trying to make my own, but at some point i have to realize i don't have time to do everything. I'm in the middle of trying to do my own pool with the chinese excavator i bought.

tacticalturnip - thanks for the feedback

Does anyone have any feedback on Jobsite attachments - Root Grapple Skid Steer Attachment | 60" they seem to be cheapest with MTL attachments, but a lot of reviews for MTL seems to suggest i'd rather not do business with them.

oosik · Mar 30, 2023

I bought my Land Pride grapple and WR Long third function valve from the local Kubota dealer. He installed everything. No mess - no missteps - has worked perfectly for ten years now.

Bearsixty7 · Mar 30, 2023

I also went with the W.R. Long kit, in fact I bought it with the grapple from Everything Attachments Wicked Root Grapples
and it was really pretty easy to install.
Only tool I needed to get was a crowsfoot wrench to hook up the hydraulic lines under the seat/ on top of the axle. I tried and tried with wrenches and adjustable wrenches for 30 minutes. Bought the crowsfoot (a set for maybe $19) and boom, done in 2 minutes!

Jaygyver · Apr 1, 2023

Most of the aftermarket 3rd functions seem to be an easy install. I went with a Summit kit on my MT 235he. I just bought a 6x4x1/8" (?) inch strip of metal or whatever at a hardware store and just bent it around the existing connections and used the existing mounting bolts. Just used a little longer bolts. It even worked with my LS rear remotes when they finally got here a year later. If you use the Summit kit it has the buttons instead of the switch on the handle and you don’t really need to cut the oem lever shorter if you don’t want to but there will be a gap with the rubber boot and the handle will be a few inch's higher.

Edit:
Added a pic of my home made bracket and Summit kit. I think I got 14' hose's but I could get away with a foot shorter where's it's mounted. If you try to measure the hose length use a stiff water hose as it will be about as stiff as the Hyd hoses are so you get a better measurement.

Rockbadchild · Apr 1, 2023

there is a few options you could go for ...

1. you can get a single 3-spool valve that replaces your existing loader valve. This is probably the most expensive option Ive check and its around $1000
2. You can get a single spool valve hook in series if you have power beyond on your existing control spool valves .. (that's the option I did valve cost like $200 plus hoses)
3. You can get an 3rd function valve.. like many have mentioned but usually with this option you can't use the tilt with the grappler.
4. you could get a manual directional valve just like the 3rd function kit but it is manual... valves is like $60

Exmasonite · Apr 30, 2023

Not sure this is helpful but will share:

I had an XR3135 with the 2 rear remotes. Wanted to add on a grapple. Short of taking it back to the dealer, the mechanic from the dealer proposed a second option: he came out, ran a set of hydraulic lines from the loader up under the chassis and back to the rear remotes. I could plug those in and use the side control handles to open/close grapple and the loader control stick for other functions. Maybe not the most ergonomic but only cost me $625 or something. when not in use, I ran a bungee off the base of the ROPS to keep the hydraulic lines out of the way and free up the remotes for other things. Wish I had pictures of that set up... ex has that tractor now.

DTLS · May 4, 2023

Exmasonite said:
Not sure this is helpful but will share:

I had an XR3135 with the 2 rear remotes. Wanted to add on a grapple. Short of taking it back to the dealer, the mechanic from the dealer proposed a second option: he came out, ran a set of hydraulic lines from the loader up under the chassis and back to the rear remotes. I could plug those in and use the side control handles to open/close grapple and the loader control stick for other functions. Maybe not the most ergonomic but only cost me $625 or something. when not in use, I ran a bungee off the base of the ROPS to keep the hydraulic lines out of the way and free up the remotes for other things. Wish I had pictures of that set up... ex has that tractor now.

I have the MT335H with the 2 rear remotes. Do you remember what length the long hoses where. I saw a video where an individual with a slightly larger LS tractor said he used 14' hoses. Did you use 1/2" hoses? Thanks for any info.

Exmasonite · May 4, 2023

I don't.... I just ordered an Mt335h and just got the rear remote. Dealer didn't seem to keen on doing that retrofit again, different mechanic there now.

I wish I could go measure the hoses for you but sadly the ex-wife has that tractor. It was a pretty slick retrofit, ran it for 3-4 years with zero issues. will see if I can find any old pics

Exmasonite · May 4, 2023

Found a pic with the grapple on... they ran the hose over the right loader arm with the rest of the hydraulics. Sorry, about all I got

DTLS · May 4, 2023

Exmasonite said:
I don't.... I just ordered an Mt335h and just got the rear remote. Dealer didn't seem to keen on doing that retrofit again, different mechanic there now.

I wish I could go measure the hoses for you but sadly the ex-wife has that tractor. It was a pretty slick retrofit, ran it for 3-4 years with zero issues. will see if I can find any old pics

I guess I will just feed a length of garden hose on see what I end up with. This is my first tractor of my own and for all the options and the price it seems like the MT335H can't be beat. A dealer 20 miles from my property had one in stock with 10 hrs on it and I jumped on it. He had new LB1100 backhoe that was a take off and had been sitting for awhile. He gave me a deal on that so he installed it and delivered both for free.

What is the wait time on your MT335H?

I always had local people who would do any work I needed for next to nothing. Some died or moved south. Now you can't get anybody unless you pay big time. So I had never paid attention to tractor dealers nearby. There is Kubota,NH, Kiote,Bobcat,Mahindra and all within a half hour of my place!They all wanted $350 to deliver. This LS dealer seemed much more down to earth.

What size and make is that grapple?

Exmasonite · May 4, 2023

They have a Mt335h on the lot... I am grabbing that one. Should be delivered in 1 week or so.
3rd function is $1395 at the dealer. That's going to take the week to get installed. Honestly, for $750 more than the retrofit, not the worst thing to have the button right on the loader control and frees up both remotes (not likely to be an issue but hey).

I think I am getting a 66" version of the CID seen here:

Compact Tractor Root Grapple - CID Attachments

Compact Tractor Root Grapple Our Compact Tractor Root Grapple is perfect for the compact tractor. These grapples are built strong yet very light weight. Compact Tractor Root Grapple Specs Designed for compact tractors. 2″ by 10″ stroke cylinder. Available Sizes: 60”, 66”, 72”. Compact Tractor...

www.cidattachments.com

They have one of the "LS" labeled ones, it's more of a clam shell with two cylinders. better for grabbing smaller posts. I like the CID for grabbing a bunch of brush and small branches. It's also what I "know" so sticking with that.