Alternative 3rd function?

[2manyrocks]

I use a true 3rd function. Controlling grip is done by tap, tap, tap of the button.

The best part of the button on the joystick is when clamping I can hold the button, roll, lift the Grapple and continually tighten my grip on the object in question.

Can you recommend an aftermarket kit to me for the L2501 I'm about to take delivery on?

 

[beckmurph]

My 3rd function setup is made by Landpride. Installation instructions are fairly good.

Landpride is part of Kubota, so if you finance your 2501, you could roll you 3rd function valve in with your tractor.

 

[dieselscout80]

@ericm979 - I only added the momentary switch for the 3rd function diverter valve. The other two are the HI / LO speed selector buttons for the HST.

We use the feathering feature all the time, especially with the tree / post puller (it will cut smaller saplings in half if it is closed to hard). Also it is nice to use on the grapple when placing / stacking rocks.

Our diverter valve came with a switch as part of the kit, but I didn't like how I was going to have to surface mount it, so I installed this one. It is in a very easy location to use without moving your hand from the loader valve controls. Arrow is the one I installed...

View attachment 738540

dlctcg, can you provide me the make and part number for the switch you have for your 3rd function, also where you got it at?

I have a TC45DA and it has been that same joy stick and that’s the first switch I have seen that looks like it works good on that joy stick.

 

[dlctcg]

@dieselscout80 - I did search all over for a switch that we were going to be happy with, & that had a small enough switch body to fit in the joystick; that also could handle the elements & abuse... There are others but we do like how this one fit & works...

As to not feel like I'm hi-jacking this thread with a ton of switch info not relevant to the OP's post... I'll send you a PM on the switch & configurations there are a bunch of options...

 

[2manyrocks]

My 3rd function setup is made by Landpride. Installation instructions are fairly good.

Landpride is part of Kubota, so if you finance your 2501, you could roll you 3rd function valve in with your tractor.

I'm getting the equine discount and not using financing. Dealer says there's no discount on LandPride under the equine program. So that's why I'm looking for an aftermarket valve.

Generally, it would seem that there's a convenience tradeoff between a manual diverter valve and an electric solenoid valve versus the reliability of a purely manual diverter valve.

Electric solenoids can fail in a lot of ways. 1132_2009_Reliability and life study of hydraulic solenoid valve-Part 2 _S. V. Angadi, R. L. Jackson.pdf

 

[dieselscout80]

@dieselscout80 - I did search all over for a switch that we were going to be happy with, & that had a small enough switch body to fit in the joystick; that also could handle the elements & abuse... There are others but we do like how this one fit & works...

As to not feel like I'm hi-jacking this thread with a ton of switch info not relevant to the OP's post... I'll send you a PM on the switch & configurations there are a bunch of options...

Thanks!!

 

[2manyrocks]

What about a hydraulic check valve when adding 3rd function?

This video from Messicks shows over 6,000 PSI back feeding into the hydraulic system when a grapple is being abused. Then he mentions that some higher end grapples have check valves to stop the grapple cylinder from acting like a pump back into the tractor's hydraulic system.

I only noticed this after someone mentioned in a video that the Summit kit has 5,000 psi hoses going out to the grapple end and mentioned the Messick's video.

watch

 

[ovrszd]

Can you recommend an aftermarket kit to me for the L2501 I'm about to take delivery on?

I made my own. Brian, Mountainview Ranch, here on TBN can set you up. Or talk to your Kubota dealer. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[2manyrocks]

I've watched several grapple reviews and several third function install reviews.

And yet the one thing that may actually be really important is the Messick's video warning that PSI pressures can spike using a grapple unless it has a check valve which none of the smaller, less expensive grapples apparently have.

Think about all the leverage that a long tree trunk would exert against a grapple lid if it weren't balanced in the grapple. If that energy is being transferred back into the tractor hydraulic system via the hydraulic cylinder, that's not good.

If this can be avoided by installing a check valve, then it would seem pretty cheap insurance against what could be very costly.

 

[ovrszd]

I've watched several grapple reviews and several third function install reviews.

And yet the one thing that may actually be really important is the Messick's video warning that PSI pressures can spike using a grapple unless it has a check valve which none of the smaller, less expensive grapples apparently have.

Think about all the leverage that a long tree trunk would exert against a grapple lid if it weren't balanced in the grapple. If that energy is being transferred back into the tractor hydraulic system via the hydraulic cylinder, that's not good.

If this can be avoided by installing a check valve, then it would seem pretty cheap insurance against what could be very costly.

I have no check valves. I've not even blown a hose or cylinder in ten years of extreme use.