L3200 3rd function build

[Speedex]

I recently built a 3rd function for my L3200 in attempt to save a bit of money over the wr long kit. I have right around $450 in it including the John deere joystick. Everything was ordered from surplus center except for a couple relays and wiring. The hoses from surplus center are great quality and are marked made in the usa. If anyone uses the John deere joystick be sure to use relays to activate the valve. I had to replace the switches and found out they are only rated for 0.1 amps and the valve takes around 3 amps. I have about 20 to 25 hours of use on it with the grapple bucket I built with no problems.

 

[LD1]

Curious, did you look into kens ultimate diverter kit?

Near the bottom of the page Ken's Bolt on Grab Hooks <<Hydraulics>>

 

[Speedex]

I wasn't really interested in a diverter valve setup. Having the ability to grab brush and keep closing the jaw as your moving I see as being a huge advantage.

 

[LD1]

Having the ability to grab brush and keep closing the jaw as your moving I see as being a huge advantage.

Why can you not do that with a diverter?

 

[Speedex]

If I get on top of a brush pile I can just keep tapping the grapple open and shut without regard to what way I'm operating curl leaving me able work the brush into the grapple with little thought. I'm a little simple minded at times but once you hit the diverter switch your curl or whatever function it is tied into cannot be used until you release the button. I'm sure I'd get used to the diverter valve if it was on the tractor when I got it but since I had the option I went with what I thought I would like more.

 

[Speedex]

I guess one thing that turned me off from the start is that I used a tractor awhile back to haul a fertilizer spreader. It needed two remotes to run it. One to operate the cylinder that operates the drive tire to get the conveyor going and one to power the spinners. We only had one remote on the tractor so we got a diverter valve setup for it. It wasn't a huge pain but I didn't like.

 

[LD1]

Well I dont have a grapple so no experience so I may be way off, but dont see a time where operating the curl and lid at the same time is needed. IF I ever doa grapple, it will be plumbed with a diverter just for simplicity.

 

[Speedex]

I think installing a 3rd is about the same as a diverter. Instead of breaking into the curl you break into the power beyond. Only difference being is one extra switch to hook up. I am certainly no hydraulics expert this is my second hydraulic project with the first one being a simple tubing bender. So I'm pretty new with all this.

 

[LD1]

A diverter is just 2 lines. Break into existing lines and run the two new ones to the new cylinder.

PB would require the PB cartridge, PB supply line, and a return line plumbed in somewhere.

Not a whole lot harder, but does require more stuff.

 

[LD1]

A diverter is just 2 lines. Break into existing lines and run the two new ones to the new cylinder.

PB would require the PB cartridge, PB supply line, and a return line plumbed in somewhere.

Not a whole lot harder, but does require more stuff.