Best option for the 3rd function

[aerojunkie]

Just looking for some opinions on the best way to add a 3rd function. I have a grapple on order from my dealer so now I need to get a 3rd function in place. Dealer wants $1200 for a true 3rd function installed but I know there has to be less expensive option. I am leaning towards the wr long kit that is sold by quite a few places on the net, any suggestions on the cheapest place? I saw this one referenced in another thread, appears to be the same wr long kit but without the hoses. If anyone has any suggestions, opinions, or know what hoses I need it would be greatly appreciated.

Construction Attachments Dedicated Third Function Hydraulic Valve Kit, Less Hoses, Up To 14 GPM

 

[audsp98]

I purchased the wr long kit from everything attachments. I can say that the guys at wr long do a good job at supporting their product. I had quite a few questions when I got mine and their phone support was able to answer and guide me through the installation questions.

 

[mikeman1]

i got the grapple and 3rd function. used about 12 to 15 hours so far, real nice. single lid grapple. on 2555 hst. i have ripped out the ground 5 foot stumps about 4-5 inches diameter with just a bit of rocking and pull them out. i went for the single lid. about 300 cheaper and it forces me to grab heavy stuff in the center so i wont torque the loader.

 

[N2DFire]

I've heard good things about the W.R. Long kit & their support and I don't think you can go wrong with that option.
Everything Attachments sells the kit for about $800 I think, then you still have to install it.

You could also just build your own. (I mean half of the build process is the install which I assume you're going to do anyway) - Lots of folks have.

Here's the thread where I did mine, along with some other folks who posted their versions of it.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/customization/358086-kioti-ck-35-3rd-function.html I had to re-do the write-up because of issues with Photobucket but the new version is in a PDF file on page 3.

I knew next to nothing about hydraulics when I started but with some great info & help from here along the way, I think it turned out ok.

 

[teg]

For me, it did not make sense to pay that much money and only have one function. ...my plan was to use 2 other hydraulic setups for a top link and a side link. For about the same money, add a 3 spool valve and have remotes for other things. Just something to think about...

 

[DaveNJ]

I installed a WR Long from Everything Attachments the other day. All the hoses were specific to my tractor and attachment and it came with a mounting plate for my tractor. Easy installation and it works well so far. Hardest part was running wire to power supply.

 

[aczlan]

Brian (mtnviewranch) on here runs Fit Rite Hydraulics and also sells one. Not sure on the cost but I'm sure he'd be happy to discuss it with you. I've heard many good things from his customers on here over the years.


Aaron Z

 

[aerojunkie]

Looks like the most poplular and respected is the WR Long kits. I have seen them a few places, but anyone have a best place/price on where to order one?

 

[kipgary]

I've been using a WR Long electric over hydraulic for several years on my Kubota M8560 for my grapple and auger. Works great.

 

[aerojunkie]

Does anyone here use the spring protector kit they have? I would like the quick connects hard mounted to the loader arm, figure they could be tucked out of the way better and less likely to snag when using something besides the grapple.

 

[kipgary]

Does anyone here use the spring protector kit they have? I would like the quick connects hard mounted to the loader arm, figure they could be tucked out of the way better and less likely to snag when using something besides the grapple.

I use the quick connect bracket with no problem. I would not want to be trying to pull quick connects off or putting them on with a mount the moves. I have a spring mount for hoses on the auger (see earlier pic). With the grapple the hoses hang behind the grapple - right where I want them. When I'm not using these connections the bracket is well out of harms way.

 

[powerscol]

Does anyone here use the spring protector kit they have? I would like the quick connects hard mounted to the loader arm, figure they could be tucked out of the way better and less likely to snag when using something besides the grapple.

Are you referring to this? Tractor hose reroute kit

If so I have one on my hay grapple and it is great. Keeps the needed slack out of harms way when operating my hay grapple.

 

[aerojunkie]

I use the quick connect bracket with no problem. I would not want to be trying to pull quick connects off or putting them on with a mount the moves. I have a spring mount for hoses on the auger (see earlier pic). With the grapple the hoses hang behind the grapple - right where I want them. When I'm not using these connections the bracket is well out of harms way.

Thats why I was asking about the spring kit, all the pics I saw of the kit the lines at the end were just lose. I was hoping the kit had a bracket the quick connects mounted in that bolted to the loader itself.

Are you referring to this? Tractor hose reroute kit

If so I have one on my hay grapple and it is great. Keeps the needed slack out of harms way when operating my hay grapple.

Thats the kit I was asking about, in case there was nothing to hold the hose ends still when I was using the bucket. I hadnt thought of using one on the attachment itself, may get one for my grapple just in case.


Well its been a week of research on what 3rd function to get. Still leaning to the wr long setup so i guess tomorrow Ill see if they can swing one over this way. Something I havent read about......and glad I havent, are any problems with the kit. Must be a very reliable unit, I hope so.

 

[kipgary]

Thats why I was asking about the spring kit, all the pics I saw of the kit the lines at the end were just lose. I was hoping the kit had a bracket the quick connects mounted in that bolted to the loader itself.



Thats the kit I was asking about, in case there was nothing to hold the hose ends still when I was using the bucket. I hadnt thought of using one on the attachment itself, may get one for my grapple just in case.


Well its been a week of research on what 3rd function to get. Still leaning to the wr long setup so i guess tomorrow Ill see if they can swing one over this way. Something I havent read about......and glad I havent, are any problems with the kit. Must be a very reliable unit, I hope so.

Look into getting the mounting bracket that attaches to the loader arm. If you go with a spring mount on the grapple just keep in mind that with the grapple you're likely to have stuff over the top from time to time. Best to keep the lines behind it.

 

[kipgary]

Thats why I was asking about the spring kit, all the pics I saw of the kit the lines at the end were just lose. I was hoping the kit had a bracket the quick connects mounted in that bolted to the loader itself.



Thats the kit I was asking about, in case there was nothing to hold the hose ends still when I was using the bucket. I hadnt thought of using one on the attachment itself, may get one for my grapple just in case.


Well its been a week of research on what 3rd function to get. Still leaning to the wr long setup so i guess tomorrow Ill see if they can swing one over this way. Something I havent read about......and glad I havent, are any problems with the kit. Must be a very reliable unit, I hope so.

This is a pic of the bracket from the WRLong web site.

 

[LD1]

I chose a diverter over a third function but my advise will be the same.

Buy the valve and method of actuation of your choice (button, lever, etc).

Get it mounted. Then measure and order hoses appropriately.

Universal kits are made to work on many things. By virtue of being universal, the kit isn't specifically Taylor's to tour machine. You will be limited on where you can mount the valve, might have hoses that are longer than needed and have to tie up, might get extra un needed fittings, etc.

Mount the valve where you want, get only the fittings you need, and measure for hoses to be the exact length you need :2cents:

 

[aerojunkie]

I chose a diverter over a third function but my advise will be the same.

Buy the valve and method of actuation of your choice (button, lever, etc).

Get it mounted. Then measure and order hoses appropriately.

Universal kits are made to work on many things. By virtue of being universal, the kit isn't specifically Taylor's to tour machine. You will be limited on where you can mount the valve, might have hoses that are longer than needed and have to tie up, might get extra un needed fittings, etc.

Mount the valve where you want, get only the fittings you need, and measure for hoses to be the exact length you need :2cents:

That actually sounds simple enough. Couple questions though. What valve should I get? And why go with a diverter? I have seen a few others go with them, just curious what the advantage is.

 

[LD1]

Diverter gives the ability to feather the opening and closing of the grapple. The same way you can feather raising/lowering and dump/curl of the bucket. Because you are using the same valve/joystick. But instead of operating the loader.....with a push off a button you are diverting the fluid to the grapple.

Where as a electric over hydraulic third function it's all or nothing. Some say they can get good flicking the switch on and off to simulate feathering.

Downside to the diverter.... whatever function you tie into (diverter from) you can use that function at the same time you are opening and closing the lid. So 2 function at a time max.

 

[kipgary]

That actually sounds simple enough. Couple questions though. What valve should I get? And why go with a diverter? I have seen a few others go with them, just curious what the advantage is.

Unless your tractor just won't support it (e.g. Power Beyond) you are going to be happier with true 3rd function to allow for simultaneous operation of the controls.

 

[N2DFire]

That actually sounds simple enough. Couple questions though. What valve should I get? And why go with a diverter? I have seen a few others go with them, just curious what the advantage is.

First off - I'm not trying to toot my own horn or come off as an expert because I'm not. A lot of these guys have forgotten more about hydraulics than I'll ever learn, BUT ... please go back to my earlier response in this thread and go read the write-up I put together on my 3rd function.

I did exactly what LD1 is suggesting (and I don't regret it) but it does come with some minor pitfalls you need to be aware of up front & avoid (learn from my mistakes & ignorance instead of your own )

Rather than try to reinvent the wheel on Diverter vs 3rd function, I found an older thread discussing the two that I think you will also find helpful.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/375923-third-function-dirverter-valve-vers.html

Best of luck with whatever you choose.