+1 for MIE. I think I gave 800 and change for a diverter style (although they don't like you to call it that) two years ago. Nice kit and very complete. If you are reasonably handy it's no big deal to install.
Did you try any other dealers?

I think my dealer was around $600 for the Kioti branded third function. However, I'd caution you to afford yourself a bit more time than you might think during the install. I had challenges with the instructions. They were obviously written by someone for whom English is a second language, and they weren't simplistic. The directions referenced the same part by two different references (1 and N may be the same part), and you had to have two different references side by side to keep them straight.
I wouldn't discount an aftermarket third function, if you're looking for a quality part.
Do you have the part number for this 3rd function kit that you bought? I'm looking to add one to my tractor sometime this summer. TIA.
NXA127 is what I believe it is.
I checked the installation manual, but in typical South Korean to English fashion, they don't include the part number for the entire kit....just part numbers for individual parts.
Be careful removing the factory handle. Mine was on there with red Loctite and was a bear to remove.
I almost dropped dead when they told me $1200.00 for the kit. Did you keep the receipt for the kit? That would have a part number on it. I called Michigan Iron, no answer.
Unfortunately, I don't have the receipt handy. I don't think I'd pay $1200 for the kit, especially with how hard it was to put together. They'd have to come a long way with their instructions for the kit to be worth that much...and some parts of the kit would have to be made out of gold.
Any online sources for the Kioti Brand 3rd function kit online?
Huge price difference from local dealers, my dealer is currently closed (covid 19) and can't really order parts for the foreseeable future.
Handle should look like this when all done. View attachment 652347
Wait? So that nice, ergonomic handle gets replaced with one like your picture?