Universal CUT Loader 3rd Function *final thoughts and best price*

[Sysop]

Ok, I've read hundreds of pages from several dozen threads weighing all the pros and cons of various methods and I'm about ready to make the plunge. I was fully well set on a DIY solution, but upon really digging into pricing things up it's really hard to beat the kits produced by some of the manufacturers. When you take into consideration what you end up with and also that you are more likely to end up with a wrong part or some fitting needed and not at hand when purchasing things individually, the kits begin looking more and more attractive. What's included in the kits though? Some aren't entirely clear.

I've noticed the electric valves like those on the universal type kits are rated anywhere from 13 to 24 GPM and any would be in excess of what my tractor produces. My thinking is, when you run too much pressure through one, it creates a restriction, fails, and leaks fluid all over. If it is rated for double, triple, or quadruple the tractor's output, it's no big deal, it just flows whatever the tractor pushes. One ran at it's rated capacity I'd think would be more prone to fail than one ran at half capacity... So given the choice, I'd prefer go with a valve with a higher rating with everything else being equal. Am I being silly?

I'm able to get the Construction Attachments universal kit with hoses, valve, handle, and wiring for $650 delivered. It's rated to 20GPM. I like the two button handle they use (by appearances anyway).

I'm able to get Brian's FitRiteHydraulics kit for $535 and I've not checked to see what all it includes or what the specs are. It seemed by the pictures on his site the FEL handle he uses has one button and a trigger which I could get used to, but I don't think I'd prefer it.

EverythingAttachments kit is $787 delivered (if you count the $50 coupon on their site) for up to 15GPM and I assume since there is a $60 hose saver upgrade, hoses are included, and the handle has a side to side rocker switch I'm sure I could get used to easily, but I don't know if I prefer it. Being a rocker switch I think rocking up and down would be preferable.

ANBO has a valve kit that is up to 24GPM with the wiring, not sure about a handle, hoses, or pricing... I'll need to call them for information as they want too much information to view their info online... :thumbsdown: (likely to bypass them altogether for that reason alone...)

Are there any other universal kits on the market I'm missing? For what you get in these systems, how much savings can you actually yield from someplace like surplus center on an equivalent system? Is it enough to warrant the searching and piecing together for a "non-hydraulics sorta guy"?

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks and have a great Monday morning everyone!

 

[J_J]

What is the purpose of the 3rd function valve?

If it is for a grapple, I would suggest a diverter/selector valve.

I would say the do it yourself round up of all the parts would save about half.

I would say it is up to you as to how good the installation will look.

12 VDC 10 GPM OC DA SOLENOID VALVE

1 STATION DO3 SUBPLATE OPEN CENTER

12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

Look up all the parts and see if you can do it.

It's only money.

 

[Sysop]

What is the purpose of the 3rd function valve?

If it is for a grapple, I would suggest a diverter/selector valve.

I would say the do it yourself round up of all the parts would save about half.

I would say it is up to you as to how good the installation will look.

12 VDC 10 GPM OC DA SOLENOID VALVE

1 STATION DO3 SUBPLATE OPEN CENTER

12 VDC 13.2 GPM SAE 8 DOUBLE SELECTOR VALVE

Look up all the parts and see if you can do it.

It's only money.

Yes, the primary use would be grapple. Perhaps an auger or something later on also.

I have been pricing things up individually, and unless I go with items that are rated for substantially less GPM than the kits, the kits seem cheaper. For instance a 20GPM double selector is over $300, nearly half the cost of CA's 20GPM kit...

I think I prefer the true third function. I realize if I get three functions going at once things are going to move really slow, but I'd rather them move slow than need to choose what operation I want disabled while selecting diverted flow to the grapple. I can see times I would want both curl or lift to function while clamping or releasing the grapple. Not that I would be using all three functions at one time, but I want any of the three functions to work as a pair.

Where am I going wrong? With hoses and wires and connectors and the grip and everything, I do not see how I'm going to get an equivalent system for less money, let alone half.

I think I can make the installation of one of the universal kits look as good as anything. From what I can tell of the CA kit, the hoses and wires they send are somewhat too long for the average installation, but I can get them cut down and the ends replaced for next to nothing through a friend as long as I've got the hose which should clean up the install to "custom standards" nicely...

I know it's only money and money is a replenishable resource, but I try not to spend more on less when I can avoid it. I'm happy to pay more as long as I can see the difference the extra money buys.

Thanks for the reply! I hope you don't find my ignorance too annoying, I'm eager to learn all I can.

 

[J_J]

One more thing about true 3rd function you might not know, is that when activated, the valve provides full flow.


However, you can reduce the flow by reducing engine rpm or use a needle valve or a restrictor washer in the flow path.

 

[Sysop]

Wouldn't I want full flow for things like an auger and be best to install a flow restrictor at the grapple or whatever else I use I didn't want taking full flow?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

SYSOP, not sure why you are thinking that with the control grip that I provide you would have a trigger and a button, :confused3: normally you would get 2 buttons. I can furnishe any combination of the 2 buttons and 1 trigger switch, but typically only have a single trigger or 2 buttons and a trigger. It would be a custom request to have a single button and a trigger.

If you plan on running an auger, be sure to tell whoever you get this from that you want maintained switches. That or you may be using duct tape to hold the button down when drilling.

I believe that $535 was for a diverter setup. Normally a true 3rd function would be $560, but if you want to get the maintained switches, then the cost would go up. But if you want that capability to run the auger, you should have a maintained switch.

 

[Sysop]

I was going by the images on your site.



I assumed the forward-most controller was the FEL and was the controller handle shipped with the kit.

That's why I posted this thread. I'm getting closer to a purchase and wanted to get some comparison things worked out before committing.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I was going by the images on your site.

View attachment 342626View attachment 342627

I assumed the forward-most controller was the FEL and was the controller handle shipped with the kit.

That's why I posted this thread. I'm getting closer to a purchase and wanted to get some comparison things worked out before committing.

It is, but I use diverter 3rd functions on both of my tractors that have them and only require a single button. You would get a grip like this.

The rearward grip is the control grip for the rear remotes and has 2 buttons and a trigger for the 3 switches.

Just don't want people to get confused.

 

[Sysop]

Just don't want people to get confused.

As I obviously was.

You would get a grip like this.

If you plan on running an auger, be sure to tell whoever you get this from that you want maintained switches. That or you may be using duct tape to hold the button down when drilling.

I believe that $535 was for a diverter setup. Normally a true 3rd function would be $560, but if you want to get the maintained switches, then the cost would go up. But if you want that capability to run the auger, you should have a maintained switch.

So that controller above is what one would get with the $560 third function? The "maintained" are push-on push-off buttons? What else is included or required for installation? What is the max GPM of the valve (for sake of comparison)?

Sorry to hammer you with questions, these are the types of details I'm down to in a decision. I was seriously considering the CA kit primarily due to the completeness of it (not needing to seek out a silly little connector or something), controller ergonomics (which you've obviously "set me straight" on , I like yours better), high GPM availability (not that I ever plan on moving it to another unit, but who knows what the future holds), single point of contact for any questions or issues. At $560 if your valve is close to 20 I'd likely take the plunge your way even if I had to source some stuff myself, I know I can't source it all myself for that price and get it right.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

As I obviously was.





So that controller above is what one would get with the $560 third function? Yes The "maintained" are push-on push-off buttons? Yes What else is included or required for installation? I do not have a plug and play set. You will need to source the wire ends. I have no idea what each model out there has.What is the max GPM of the valve (for sake of comparison)? 15GPM

Sorry to hammer you with questions, these are the types of details I'm down to in a decision. I was seriously considering the CA kit primarily due to the completeness of it (not needing to seek out a silly little connector or something), controller ergonomics (which you've obviously "set me straight on ), high GPM availability (not that I ever plan on moving it to another unit, but who knows what the future holds), single point of contact for any questions or issues.

To be honest, the CA kit may very well be the best kit for YOU.