3rd Function Valve question

[wvwapiti]

Greetings to all. I'm a newbie to tractorbynet but have some experience with smaller tractors below 32 HP.

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new Massey Ferguson 2706E (mid 50's HP engine) and have decided I want capabilities for a grapple for my tractor. My dealer is very much a small, family owned rural dealer and quoted me 1200-1400 for the 3rd function kit, installed, specifically made for my Massey FEL. He said it wasn't a stocked part and would take about 10 days to get it installed on my new tractor.

I have some personal work for the tractor that I'd like to do immediately (actually wished to have it done 3 weeks ago) so I'd like to have the tractor ASAP. The work I need to do immediately is planting oriented and doesn't require a grapple. I'm admittedly excited/impatient and don't really want to wait another 10 days.


Is the "made for" my Massey tractor's FEL 3rd function valve setup worth waiting for the dealer and paying $1400 for it or are the aftermarket kits just as good and reliable. I can trailer the tractor and take it back to dealer later but that's somewhat of a pain. I planned to do my 50 hr service myself or have a local mechanic do it so I didn't plan to having it back at the dealer unless it needed warranty work.

If the aftermarket kits are just as good as factory, can any competent automotive mechanic install them or does it take specific tractor/hydraulic knowledge?

So, what would the experienced here do in this situation. Thanks in advance for the replies...........................Bob

 

[Goose69]

I have that same tractor, and am very happy with it.. so I'm sure you will enjoy it.
I have a dealer installed 3rd function, but they installed an aftermarket one, at about 1/2 the price of the Massey unit.
... it works fine, as well as a stock unit I'm sure. and only looks slightly redneck. Lol. They clamped a switch to the loader joystick, rather than replacing the joystick knob.
... Anyone with basic electrical and hydraulic knowledge, or access to google can install it theirselves. So it just depends on if it is worth your time to haul it back up there, or not. But functionality should be equal.

 

[AWSubie]

As always the answer is: it depends upon your level of interest in mechanical things (or in this case hydro-electrical-mechanical things). All of the knowledge you need to install a 3rd function exists here on this site. And the bonus is you can purchase all of the parts for $800 or less depending upon how fancy you want to get with the install. You don't need to buy anybody's "kit" and pay a premium for the kit. You can buy piece parts at Surplus Center.com and Discount Hydraulic Hose.com as well as The Tractor Supply Company and make a custom install that allows you to easily replace parts when needed because you know where all the parts came from! Again it is a question of time and interest. Another bonus is you have Goose69 who has the same tractor with a 3rd function already installed! He can take a few pictures and show you where the solenoid valve is placed and from there you can figure how long your hydraulic lines need to be. If you don't have time or plain just don't have an interest in assembling your own creation, then by all means take it to the dealer and pay him for his time.

 

[Goose69]

As always the answer is: it depends upon your level of interest in mechanical things (or in this case hydro-electrical-mechanical things). All of the knowledge you need to install a 3rd function exists here on this site. And the bonus is you can purchase all of the parts for $800 or less depending upon how fancy you want to get with the install. You don't need to buy anybody's "kit" and pay a premium for the kit. You can buy piece parts at Surplus Center.com and Discount Hydraulic Hose.com as well as The Tractor Supply Company and make a custom install that allows you to easily replace parts when needed because you know where all the parts came from! Again it is a question of time and interest. Another bonus is you have Goose69 who has the same tractor with a 3rd function already installed! He can take a few pictures and show you where the solenoid valve is placed and from there you can figure how long your hydraulic lines need to be. If you don't have time or plain just don't have an interest in assembling your own creation, then by all means take it to the dealer and pay him for his time.

..
Yes I can send pics of mine..
OP, if you end up wanting to diy it, pm me, and I'll take some pics and send you.
...I have trouble posting anything on here, as I only access the site with my phone, and it won't allow me to upload pics.

 

[ericm979]

if you buy the parts well and fab your own brackets the cost can be closer to $4-500 depending on how much you spend on the joystick knob with buttons.
But it'll take time away from getting work done with the tractor.

I had the dealer install a third rear remote with the idea of getting a side shift flail some day. The two factory remotes are used for top and tilt. Right now I'm using the third remote to operate the grapple until I get around to making my 3rd function. It's not as ungainly as it sounds as the lever's on the fender next to the joystick.

 

[Groo]

Diverter valve runs about $150

 

[Redlands Okie]

No idea on how it affects your operations in the feature but the dealer installed 3rd function on the brand new tractor should eliminate any warranty issues that might come up.

 

[ovrszd]

90% of my tractor tasks involve 3rd function. Design, ease of use and durability are critical for me. The ability to perform all tasks without taking my hand off the joystick and being able to perform all three functions at once are necessary. Cost and a few days wait are secondary.

 

[Groo]

No idea on how it affects your operations in the feature but the dealer installed 3rd function on the brand new tractor should eliminate any warranty issues that might come up.

what could they deny as a warranty claim based on a 3rd function?
A leaky hose?
low oil level damage due to a leak?
maybe messing up some wires installing brackets?
dirt in the hoses while it is open?

Hydraulically a diverter valve can't cause the valve any problems.

 

[ovrszd]

If the diverter doesn't have adequate flow and creates an abnormally high resistance to the system and then the pump fails for any reason this would be discussed with the warranty rep.