3rd function questions - OEM or aftermarket

[BGigHarbor]

Is the WR long 3rd function kit the same as the one Ted at Everything Attachments sells?

I have read postings about folks having problems a while back with the Kubota valve sticking. I could not find postings of that having been resolved.

Any word on the street about which is a better way to go, the Kubota 3rd function or an aftermarket? (also a poster here told me the Kubota one is currently backordered a few months).

Thanks, Bill

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Same unit.

 

[Onemoreokie]

Yes Everything Attachments has them shipped from WR Long. The install on my mx4700 was a breeze and I was off grappling in under an hour. If you can change the oil you can install the kit.

 

[ovrszd]

Any word on the street about which is a better way to go, the Kubota 3rd function or an aftermarket?

I bought pieces and set up my own 3rd function on my old L4400. Worked fine and was cheaper than Kubota's version. Utilized a manual valve to operate.

I bought the Kubota kit on my M9540. It uses an electric over hydraulic valve with the buttons on the loader joystick.

I liked the manual valve better because you could control the "bite" of my Grapple better. With electric over hydraulics the Grapple is a lot harder to control if trying to not clamp too tight on an object. Plus side of the electric over hydraulic is the location of the buttons which doesn't require removing your hand from the joystick, can operate all three functions at the same time easier.

 

[nybirdman]

I have the Kubota third function,wouldn't recommend it.It does work but has it's problems.......

 

[TripleR]

Here is a thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/212805-grandl-buyback.html

 

[avc8130]

MY OEM valve on my L39 used to stick. It really wasn't that big of a deal. A quick tap in the other direction and it released.

On my L45 I plan to piece together my own setup because I don't want to shell out $800+.

ac

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I bought pieces and set up my own 3rd function on my old L4400. Worked fine and was cheaper than Kubota's version. Utilized a manual valve to operate.

I bought the Kubota kit on my M9540. It uses an electric over hydraulic valve with the buttons on the loader joystick.

I liked the manual valve better because you could control the "bite" of my Grapple better. With electric over hydraulics the Grapple is a lot harder to control if trying to not clamp too tight on an object. Plus side of the electric over hydraulic is the location of the buttons which doesn't require removing your hand from the joystick, can operate all three functions at the same time easier.

You may try either a needle valve or hydraulic orifice restrictors to control it better, the Bradco grapple that I have has one for each cylinder and they also keep them synchronized pretty good.

David Kb7uns

 

[J_J]

Just make up your own 3rd function and save money and learn something.

Something like this for single 3rd function or double.

Surplus Center

Surplus Center - 2 STATION DO3 SERIES OC SUBPLATE

It can go anywhere in the series circuit after the first valve with relief.

 

[crazyangel]

I was concerned about the Kubota 3rd function valve because of some posts on TBN, but I believe they have resolved the issue with the design. They at least got it right on my tractor. Bought in 2012, and no problems what so ever. YMMV.

 

[BGigHarbor]

Good to hear K resolved any 3rd function problems, it's what you'd expect with some time.

With the 60 series and the 3rd function valve, I wonder if one could pick a less exposed route with a homebrew (ala JJ) or the WR long solution.

In fact, I wonder if one could put the l40 series FEL onto an L60 without too much funkiness.

 

[crazyangel]

Good to hear K resolved any 3rd function problems, it's what you'd expect with some time.

With the 60 series and the 3rd function valve, I wonder if one could pick a less exposed route with a homebrew (ala JJ) or the WR long solution.

In fact, I wonder if one could put the l40 series FEL onto an L60 without too much funkiness.

Yeah - I am still surprised each time I look at the L60's how exposed all of the loader hydraulic lines are. I feel more comfortable with the L40 routing, but it is what it is I suppose. Having said that, I think they located the valve itself a bit better on the L60's. I don't know if you could make the L40 3rd function set up work on an L60. I am guessing it would be a pretty hefty custom mod....

 

[mmorisoli]

I have a 2008 L3940 with the Kubota 3rd function and have had lots of problems with it sticking and blending down too. Took it to two different dealers a total of 8 times with no improvement but lots of other problems and leaks from all the on and off again by the dealers.

A recent 400 hour service I just finished using the new SUDT2 oil has made the sticky valve issue almost go away, so that was a goods change...