True 3rd function or diverter valve for grapple?

[streamin]

I know this has been discussed a bunch but I cant seem to find the threads that talk about this. Anyone know where they are? I thought I was going the diverter valve way after talking to Brian at Fit rite but now I'm not sure. Anyone who has either set up can chime in on their thoughts of what works for them?

 

[nybirdman]

I have the third function on my Kubota,really like it.I use it for my "grapple" and snow plow.Nice set-up with the buttons on the joy stick.

 

[tractorcrazy]

I know this has been discussed a bunch but I cant seem to find the threads that talk about this. Anyone know where they are? I thought I was going the diverter valve way after talking to Brian at Fit rite but now I'm not sure. Anyone who has either set up can chime in on their thoughts of what works for them?

i built my own grapple for my kubota L3600 i just run hoses to the rear remotes because i wasnt sure how it was all going to work out.but it works pretty good might upgrade to the third function valve someday we will see
RICK

 

[kennyd]

....but I cant seem to find the threads that talk about this. Anyone know where they are?...

In the hydraulics forum you'll find MANY threads on 3rd function setups and diverters.

 

[Rustyiron]

Imo, it's really important to have both abilities (bucket roll & grapple close/open) at the same time. Having to fumble with switching functions would really be frustrating. It does seem like the factory set up's are a bit expensive, but in the end you'll be happy with it.

 

[kennyd]

Imo, it's really important to have both abilities (bucket roll & grapple close/open) at the same time. Having to fumble with switching functions would really be frustrating. It does seem like the factory set up's are a bit expensive, but in the end you'll be happy with it.

Well, IMO after having grapple for over 6 years (first one from Markham Welding and now the one from Artillian) operated via a diverter I don't see it as important at all. Any "fumbling" as you say is very soon overcome as your muscle memory learns the system-same it true for a 3rd function setup.

 

[TripleR]

I have a third function on our L5740, but don't see a problem with the diverter and will probably put one on our M8540, we are using a rear remote on it now.

 

[jcummins]

I had a diverter on M7040, it didn't give me 'grip' with the grapple. People here said it was the fast dump feature. Went to 3rd function problem solved and I like it much better. Diverter is going to go on the rear...someday.

 

[Rustyiron]

Well, IMO after having grapple for over 6 years (first one from Markham Welding and now the one from Artillian) operated via a diverter I don't see it as important at all. Any "fumbling" as you say is very soon overcome as your muscle memory learns the system-same it true for a 3rd function setup.

Try out a thumb switch right on your loader joystick, you might be suprised. Now if there is a neat way to mount an electric switch on it, I might be suprised.:thumbsup:
I started with my grapple on one of my skidsteer's about 15 years ago when (I think) they first started to appear, and got used to having full control for the grapple.

 

[mkr7734]

IMHO.
Third dedicated valve is always best but in some cases not cost effective. Do what you have to do and learn to use it. Not like your making your living with it.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I have the WR Long 3rd function on both tractors and believe it's the best way to go.

I spent about 30 minutes on a friends tractor using one of the rear remotes for operating his grapple lid and it seemed very awkward. May just be what you get used to.

Yeah, it more cost but amortize that over the life of your tractor and it's pretty inexpensive for the added convenience of operating your grapple, tree puller, etc. without taking your hand off of the FEL joystick.

My 2cents worth.

 

[Budweiser John]

I have a diverter on my NH TC45D with the switch affixed to the FEL joy stick to operate my Wuick Attach grapple. The system works pretty well and was light years less expensive than adding a third function valve.
What I learned very quickly is some hand coordination is required and when hitting the diverter switch it's necessary to pause a second or two for the hydraulic pressure to build in the grapple cylinder thus clamping the load securely. In the case of compressible material such as brush it's sometime necessary to depress the diverter switch more than once after the initial load is picked up to insure a tight grasp.
Of all the tools and tractor accessories the grapple is the greatest labor saver especially when processing fire wood logs
B John

 

[kennyd]

Try out a thumb switch right on your loader joystick, you might be suprised. Now if there is a neat way to mount an electric switch on it, I might be suprised.:thumbsup:.

So your saying you can't have a nice switch AND use a diverter? Or am a mis-reading your comment?

I modded a nice joystick handle from a JD110TLB to my tractor before they were widely available like they are today, either UP or DOWN switch activates the diverter, the single switch is for a horn I added. All switched through relays.




And the diverter kit we sell includes a small momentary switch that is attached to the joystick handle, it can be positioned wherever the user finds it most comfortable.





Edit: Not sure why the two pics aren't showing but they open (here anyway) if the link is clicked.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

So your saying you can't have a nice switch AND use a diverter? Or am a mis-reading your comment?

I modded a nice joystick handle from a JD110TLB to my tractor before they were widely available like they are today, either UP or DOWN switch activates the diverter, the single switch is for a horn I added. All switched through relays.

View attachment 456329 View attachment 456330 View attachment 456331


And the diverter kit we sell includes a small momentary switch that is attached to the joystick handle, it can be positioned wherever the user finds it most comfortable.

View attachment 456332 View attachment 456333



Edit: Not sure why the two pics aren't showing but they open (here anyway) if the link is clicked.

ORRRRRR

 

[streamin]

so with the diverter, I'm waiting a second for it to switch and then I use the curl on the stick. With 3rd function I have 2 buttons, open and close in real time, correct?

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have a WR Long third function, his kits are easy to install and come with all the parts. Also have 2 rear remotes and for anybody to suggest using a rear remote lever and the loader joystick is crazy, it is so nice to scoop clamp and run with a third function on the grapple. Being able to curl as you grapple allows you to grapple things much heavier and hold them in as you curl then what the grapple clamps can do by themselves. The grapple spends more time on the tractor then the dirt bucket.

David

 

[lennyzx11]

I have kennyd's Diverter and the button mounted on the joystick for my thumb. Mine is hooked into the up/down rather than curl because of having regeneration on that circuit.
I like it and it's 2nd nature now and easy to remember which way does what as you "pull" the lid open or "push" the lid shut.
I haven't noticed having to wait a second or so on mine but I don't slam the joystick around in a hurry either.

I still am doing rear remotes in the near future but will stay with the Diverter as is. It works just the way I think it should.

 

[devildog1]

People with diverters are going to tell you that they are the best and easy to operate just a people with true 3rd function valves will tell that system is the best. you have the feedback now you need to make a decision, don't listen to me and get the true 3rd function valve, because it's the best way to go, lol.
DevilDog

 

[k0ua]

I use my rear remote. Cheap, effective, and works very well. BUT, it helps a bunch that my rear remote valve lever is strategically located just in front of the joystick, and in fact I lengthened it to make it easier to operate while keeping your hand on the joystick. About $150 for the whole shooting match. It is just hoses and connectors. Its quick, its dirty, its cheap. (kinda like me)

 

[kennyd]

so with the diverter, I'm waiting a second for it to switch and then I use the curl on the stick. With 3rd function I have 2 buttons, open and close in real time, correct?

I have never needed to wait a second, switching is instantaneous. I wish I had a good video-I tried to shoot one in realtime awhile ago but it was an epic failure.