Loader Best 3rd Stage Hydraulics Kit for Attachments

Nature Girl · Feb 1, 2011

Wow, more than three valves? The FEL comes with two and I was adding one extra thinking that would meet the need of any attachment. very curious what needs more than 3?

countrybumpkin · Feb 1, 2011

dwost said:
Great, thanks for the info. I'm still researching but my current thinking is to add more than just a third port. If I'm going to do it I'd like to have the ability to add additional functionality without another major plumbing overhaul. Do it once and do it right.

I agree Best to plan for growth and not Just what is needed at the moment, I did tee my outputs on my third function and ran lines to the front and to the rear for a rear mounted attachment. I have no plans for a top and tilt so I using just one valve, the only thing can't use them both at the same time, but for me that works out fine.

texasjohn · Feb 2, 2011

FEL = 2
Grapple = 1
top = 1
tilt = 1
hydraulic cylinder on rear implement = 1 or more.

total = 6 minimum or more for the well hydraulically fitted tractor.

David_Kb7uns · Feb 2, 2011

With having both two rear remotes for top n tilt and a WR Long valve for the front, it is amazingly easier to be able to curl and grapple at the same time using his kit. Plus it was an easy install.
Try using the front loader and the rear remote valves at the same time while driving the tractor...you will need three hands. If WR Long makes a kit for your loader I say go for it!!!! I keep a root grapple bucket on my tractor more than the dirt bucket. You will find so many uses you will wonder why you did not get it sooner. It rakes, evens out the dirt, sifts dirt from the brush, picks up rocks and moves firewood logs and juist plain looks mean going down the road.

David Kb7uns

lynrob · Feb 2, 2011

I recently purchased the factory (Kubota) 3rd function valve kit for my L4740. On this tractor the FEL control valves are mounted on the tractor rather than on the loader and I was not sure if the 3rd pary solutions would work so I paid about $200 more and got the factory setup. I also liked the factory button configuration better than some of the 3rd party solutions I saw. This kit replaces the entire joystick which also includes a lock out switch to prevent inadvertently energizing the solenoid.

I don't know about the 3rd party kits but mine allows you to curl the rake and position the grapple arm at the same time which, to me, is a big plus. From what I understand, some kits only allow you to do one motion at a time.

I was going to install it myself and, in fact, started to until I realized that the right-side FEL frame would have to be removed in order to route some of the new tubing. I called the dealer and he came out and got the tractor and finished the install.

It works great! I bought the 72" Everything Attachments root grapple for compact tractors and I couldn't be happier. Last weekend we limbed up 20 good sized fir trees to a height of 15' or so and had the limbs pushed into a neat pile in no time. What a time and labor saver!! I think I am going to find lots of good uses for this attachment.

I wish you luck on your project. Let us know what you decide to do.

Milton Burro · Feb 3, 2011

I bought my grapple, valve and replacement joy handle switch from WR Long. Pretty much plug and play.

Mybota3400 · Feb 3, 2011

I have just ordered a WL Long grapple with 3rd function kit. Switch is on the stick and is thumb operated. My Kubota dealer will install it. As I have no plains have any rear operated equipment.......yet!