Adding a 3rd function to 2538. Mahindra or WR Long

[BuggyMasters]

Seems there is a factory kit and aftermarket. Is the factory kit easier to install compared to say a WR Long kit? I'm a car mechanic but don't have experience with tractors and hydraulics. I "get it" with an overview of what needs to be done but that's just from my underexperienced point of view. Is it a big deal to add it? Any and all comments/suggestions welcome.

 

[BuggyMasters]

BTW my goal is to add a grapple. Also what's the best source pricewise for either kit? EA is local to me.

 

[RNeumann]

The WR Long kit is a true third function- it allows lift, curl and the third function at once. The Mahindra kit is a diverter that diverts from curl to the third function when an electric button is pushed. The diverter style is available from several sources for far less than Mahindra. The diverter is seen as the easy way to do it but looses some function. I personally have a true third function (WR Long style) and wouldn't be without it.

If you are a mechanic I'd recommend buying the valve and FEL control grip with the needed switch. Then have the hoses needed made. It will take the price from about $1000 to well under $500. Say an hour of research and an hour to have hoses made. You are still ahead.

 

[Cataliades]

I'm trying to decide the same. Dealer said it may be awhile for the factory kit because of the damage in Houston. Probably going to go with the WR Long; but I may check with a hydraulic place in the next town over. I know they make custom hoses, just need to see if they have the other bits and pieces.

 

[HCJtractor]

I have the Long kit to control my grapple. Works great, a very clean kit. i have no complaints.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[BuggyMasters]

The WR Long kit is a true third function- it allows lift, curl and the third function at once. The Mahindra kit is a diverter that diverts from curl to the third function when an electric button is pushed. The diverter style is available from several sources for far less than Mahindra. The diverter is seen as the easy way to do it but looses some function. I personally have a true third function (WR Long style) and wouldn't be without it.

If you are a mechanic I'd recommend buying the valve and FEL control grip with the needed switch. Then have the hoses needed made. It will take the price from about $1000 to well under $500. Say an hour of research and an hour to have hoses made. You are still ahead.

Ok. We have a local place here that can make hoses. Can you provide a crash course on the plumbing?

 

[RNeumann]

Your loader control valve will have a "power beyond port" that is full hydraulic pressure (regulated pressure used for FEL). You would go out of that and into an electric valve. Out of the electric valve and up to your third function. From third function and back into hydraulic tank.
Use the Scorpion electric grip switch and an electric valve from a reputable source.

One Touch Kit for Tractor Loaders - Installation - YouTube


Watch this and then this-

One Touch Kit Installation for Tractor Loaders - Part Two - YouTube

 

[RNeumann]

BTW if EA is local, so is CA as referenced in the videos above. I think they are in the same town.....and may be related-brothers?

 

[CincyFlyer]

I replaced my existing valve with a joystick + grapple, all hydraulic. (If I were doing it again I'd get a smaller valve, for $100 more.) Plus I get to use my "old" joystick valve for remotes!
Replace FEL Valve with Joystick with Grapple

 

[BuggyMasters]

RNeumann, thank you. That actually seems pretty simple. Now I just need to find the PB line off my loader valve. This leads me to this question: why would anyone go with a diverted instead of a full 3rd function? What about it makes it simpler and/or cheaper? I mean you would still have to plumb it and surely there's something that has to be hooked up to make it "divert" so why would anyone go that route?

 

[RNeumann]

RNeumann, thank you. That actually seems pretty simple. Now I just need to find the PB line off my loader valve. This leads me to this question: why would anyone go with a diverted instead of a full 3rd function? What about it makes it simpler and/or cheaper? I mean you would still have to plumb it and surely there's something that has to be hooked up to make it "divert" so why would anyone go that route?

The diverter plumbs in on the FEL. You use the supply and return that the curl cylinders use instead of adding your own.

Snap a photo of your loader valve and post it. It will be easy to spot by folks here.

 

[BuggyMasters]

The diverter plumbs in on the FEL. You use the supply and return that the curl cylinders use instead of adding your own.

Snap a photo of your loader valve and post it. It will be easy to spot by folks here.

And then you have no curl? So you do like a quick disconnect and then reconnect to your grapple instead or something like that?

 

[RNeumann]

No the diverter is electric so you don't have to do it manually.

 

[aerojunkie]

On my 2538 the power beyond was the taller port on top with the black fitting underneath it. I just finished up going through the very same thing you did, even started a few threads for things. Im not saying anything bad about any of the kits out there, they are great and I havent read of any problems with them. I just had a hard time spending that much for it. I spent just under $1000 for my grapple and 3rd function. Lot of research and the install took a little longer, but saved a good chunk of money.

 

[RNeumann]

BTW my goal is to add a grapple. Also what's the best source pricewise for either kit? EA is local to me.

Here is photos of the different kits and a description-

Tractor Third Function Hydraulic Valves

And this is the one that we have been discussing-

Construction Attachments Dedicated Third Function Hydraulic Valve Kit, Less Hoses, Up To 14 GPM

And a diverter kit-

Fasse Rexroth Third Function Hydraulic Diverter Valve Kit Model EH2KL

I have no association with the company listed above.

 

[teg]

Another opinion... for roughly the same money, mount 3 or 4 valves to control a grapple, hydraulic top and side link. In the photo, the middle one is for the grapple, left one is top link and the right is for the side link. IF you don't grade much, might not be worth it to you.

View attachment 521134

I used this one: 3 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB31BBB5C1 DA VALVE | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

 

[BuggyMasters]

Here is the picture of my loader valve. Based on what you guys have taught me I'd say the one closest to the 12 o'clock position is the power beyond. (Top most one) Can someone confirm?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

View attachment 521136

Here is the picture of my loader valve. Based on what you guys have taught me I'd say the one closest to the 12 o'clock position is the power beyond. (Top most one) Can someone confirm?

That's it, man!
Travis

 

[BuggyMasters]

Does the long kit have a hard mount that goes on the front of the loader for the 3rd function hose connections like shown in this picture (random example)? Or, do the hose just hang with a zip tie or similar?

 

[EverythingAttachments]

View attachment 521180

Does the long kit have a hard mount that goes on the front of the loader for the 3rd function hose connections like shown in this picture (random example)? Or, do the hose just hang with a zip tie or similar?

It's a little more to get it with the hard mount, but we can order it either way.
Ted likes them loose for flexibility so it will work with different attachments with various hose lengths, but some like them hard mounted.
Travis