Self installing 3rd function?

[hks003]

So with my first tractor the last few months, I'm slowly learning about hydraulics as well. I've never owned anything with hydraulics before, so it's definitely a learning curve on terminology if nothing else.

That being said, I'm looking at a 3rd function kit and grapple, and I about had a stroke on the 3rd function kit price. The one recommended for my tractor is almost $1000! I thought that was ridiculous for a valve and some hoses, but it seems to be about the norm for other brands as well. It's about that price on top of the kit for the dealer to install it as well. Has anyone done a self install on these kits on an LS G3038 or something similar? Where do I run the hoses from (no rear remotes)? Is there a diagram somewhere that I'm missing? I've searched the almighty Google.

Thanks for any help!

 

[duffer]

Welcome to Tractor Land, where nothing you buy for it is cheap, unless you make it yourself...

Tractor Mike did a good video on how to install a 3rd function kit yourself. Like most things, it's not that tough if you follow the right procedures, and do some advance planning.

His website is asktractormike.com and it's a good resource. Lots of guys on this forum watch it.

If you decide to install it yourself, post some pictures of it for us to see!

Good luck.

 

[Walter L]

Do a search on this forum, its quite a few of us that have installed rear remotes and posted links to u tubes that helps. I installed the dual remote on my tractor and use one remote for the grapple and the other for the rear top link, its not that hard of a job. The twin remotes for my tractor was about $500 and the hose from the rear to the front was about $100 for 2 ea 15 ft hoses 3/8 . If you decide to go with a 3rd function valve it will add lots more $$ and the rear remote works good for me.

Here is a u tube on different LS tractor but same procedure

Dual Rear Remote Valve Kit Install - For LS XG3 and XG31 Series tractors

 

[TractorGuy]

I made my own diverter type kit for less than $300. I used a $115 valve from Bailey and bought fittings and hoses from my local shop.

Summit has some kits in the $300 - $400 range that anyone with a little mechanical knowledge should be able to figure out.

 

[hks003]

That's good to know! Is there a power sacrifice in using rear remotes vs a third function?

 

[TractorGuy]

That's good to know! Is there a power sacrifice in using rear remotes vs a third function?

Can't imagine there would be but using rear remotes for a third function would cost a lot more for hoses and then you have to figure the routing.

I don't know what third function LS has but a true third function adds another valve or spool. That may explain the high cost.

A diverter like I mentioned just splits an existing function, usually the curl circuit. So you use an electric solenoid valve to switch back and forth from curl to clamp. Most of us don't need both functions at the same time so it's a cheap alternative to the true third function.

 

[Walter L]

That's good to know! Is there a power sacrifice in using rear remotes vs a third function?

No it does the same job as the third function from the same system there is no power sacrifice. The third function is a deluxe way to operate the grapple but i find the rear remote works well for me, you are only opening and closing the grapple top arms.
You just route the hoses out of the way to the front end loader then follow the loader hoses you can install quick connectors where the loader hoses have quick connections if you want them run hoses to X piece on front loader by bucket and i used conduit brackets to hold hoses in place.

 

[sodamo]

Thanks Walter
My dealer will be installing 3rd set of rear remotes. I was considering extending them to the front as well. So if I understand correctly, you routed a set of hoses from rear to area where FEL disconnects and added QC for the new then another set along FEL to point of use? May I ask approx cost to do so? Make your own hoses or bought premade or custom? Pics?

 

[rbstern]

I have an MT225e (XG3025). A grapple is my next upgrade project. Planning to install the Summit diverter kit, and I'm saving my pennies for an EA 55 Wicked Root Grapple. Could go with a less expensive grapple, but I really like their design and the weight savings maximizes the work potential, particularly on tractors with less HP/lifting capacity. This is probably a fall project for me, and I will gladly share project details and pics when I do it.

 

[oosik]

When I added a grapple, I had to admit I knew little about hydraulics. I had the Kubota dealer install the grapple and WR Long electric over hydraulic third function. Since that date I've had no reason to remove the grapple and instal the bucket. Five + years and no problems.

The WR Long kit plus installation - $1275.

"A man has got to know his limitations"

"You don't spit into the wind"