Alternative 3rd function?

[LS Tractor Owner]

Hi all, I have been thinking about a third function for my loader, but don't really want to spend the $$$ for the electronic 'button' type. Is there any reason why an open center single valve couldn't be plumbed into the power beyond port then continue on to the rest of the system?
I was originally thinking of using one set of rear remotes, but that lever is next to and just below the seat. My loader control is on the loader frame. I was thinking having another lever up by the loader control would be easier to use / operate.

What are your thoughts? Pros? Cons?

 

[ptsg]

Sure. It will work, it has been done before. Some people even managed to mount that valve on a good location that doesn't take much effort moving the hand from the joystick to the lever.

Pros: You get the ability to feather the cylinders, instead of On/off like the solenoid valve setup

Cons: Just the fact that you need to move the hand from the joystick to the lever on the new valve instead of simply pressing a button but it's that big of a deal to be honest.

Don't forget to get the right PB sleeve/fitting for the new valve, so you can feed the rest of the hydraulic system properly. The Tank port will Tee together with the other tank port on the loader valve.

EDIT: Post #2 on this thread: W.R. Long vs DIY 3rd function? is a good example. I've seen a little better installations on TBN though but that's still a nice one.

Other people have also replaced the entire loader valve with a new valve block with 3 spools instead of two but that's a bit more costly.

 

[old and tired]

It's basically what I did, I mounted not a single spool but a 3 spool valve (other two are top-N-tilt hydraulics), as for the having to reach for another lever. It doesn't slow me down and cost wise it was very light on my budget. If pressing a very expensive button is your thing, no problem. I like to keep my money in the bank.

 

[LouNY]

Or add a simple diverter valve to the curl function

 

[TMGT]

Or add a simple diverter valve to the curl function

That's my prefered method, for my uses at least. It's not super expensive and still allows for feathering which I use a lot with the grapple.

Sent from my SM-G715U1 using TractorByNet mobile app

 

[Gordon Gould]

I mounted a single spool valve over the loader valve and made a lever that would pivot a little left and right.

gg

 

[ptsg]

I mounted a single spool valve over the loader valve and made a lever that would pivot a little left and right.

View attachment 738461

View attachment 738462


View attachment 738463


gg

That's the install I was looking for. Great job Gordon!

 

[LD1]

The electric type valves add little to the cost.

Most of the electric type valves have pressure rated tank ports....so no PB. Which is one fewer hose to worry about hooking up....and all the associated fittings and adapters which add $$$.

IMO, the ONLY benefit to a manual valve is the ability to feather the control. But mounting options are limited to still put it in an ergonomic location without getting real creative. Whereas an electric type can be mounted anywhere because you only have a button on the joystick.

A diverter IMO is the best of both worlds as you have the button on the joystick and ergonomics associated with that....but still have the ability to feather the control.

But some people insist a 3rd is better because they dont what to loose ability to control a loader function when trying to open or close the grapple. For me...I have never had an issue where I though...."man I wish I had a 3rd instead of a diverter"

 

[dlctcg]

A diverter IMO is the best of both worlds as you have the button on the joystick and ergonomics associated with that....but still have the ability to feather the control.

But some people insist a 3rd is better because they dont what to loose ability to control a loader function when trying to open or close the grapple. For me...I have never had an issue where I though...."man I wish I had a 3rd instead of a diverter"

I agree with everything LD1 said.... especially the above ^^^ For our purpose I could never see where a true 3rd function would be needed nor would I want to have an additional lever to control our grapple or the tree post puller. Just push the button & never need to move your hand from the loader valve lever. And it was much less than doing a true 3rd function.

 

[ericm979]

@dlctg that's a slick looking joystick handle with all those buttons. Did that come with the tractor or is it aftermarket?

Many 3rd functions use an electronic valve and two loader joystick buttons, one for each direction. The valve is usually priced a little cheaper than a diverter valve but depending on the install details the hoses may cost a bit more. A replacement joystick handle with two buttons instead of one might cost a little more as well. But they're roughly the same cost if you DIY or use the kit from Summit.

I'm still using a rear remote whose handle is close to the loader joystick. While this set up can feather I don't do it. I keep it on until the grapple lids stop moving.