3rd function valve

[skyhook]

Good thread, JJ.
I would assume that you could have two areas on your tractor that have 3rd function valves.
One 3rd function for the loader, and one 3rd function for the pto.
I guess that would be six function valves.

 

[J_J]

Woods calls this a 3rd function valve, but look at the picture.

Excerpt:

This optional 3rd function valve kit is available for LF
loader models. This valve can supply oil for the operation
of loader mounted attachments such as a grapple,
multi-purpose bucket or bale clamp. The valve is
an electrically controlled diverter valve that directs oil
from the bucket circuit to an auxiliary function.

http://www.woodsequipment.com/uploadedfiles/products/manuals/man0659.pdf

Some people use the term True 3rd Function. Just what is the description for a True 3rd function valve?

Would you say that it has to have a solenoid valve and a subplate?

If a single solenoid and subplate is a 3rd function valve, what do you call three solenoid valves on a subplate. Would you call it a ganged 3rd function.

Can a manual valve be a 3rd function. If I install a manual valve after the loader, is it a 3rd function valve?

Some people are going to say, why everybody knows what it is, but guess what, they don't.

When I use the term, I am thinking a single solenoid valve on a subplate with an IN port, an OUT port and two work ports, and maybe a relief port, and all ports are high pressure about 3000 to 5000 psi rating, so there is no need to mentioned a PB port.

The 3rd function valve can be installed anywhere in the open center hyd system before the 3pt valve including the loader valve if the subplate has a relief valve installed. You also have to consider that when the solenoid is activated, all flow goes to the subplates work ports and what comes out of the T port is the expended cyl fluid..

If you have a hyd motor controlled by a 3rd f unction valve you are giving the hyd motor full pump flow and the downstream flow is now from the hyd motor.

 

[skyhook]

I see, I don't think this should be considered a third function valve, per say.
Maybe a re-directional, second valve.

 

[the old grind]

"3rd function" 'label' applies to the end usage of loader circuit etc vs the components to make it happen?? (So, what's in a name if it'll git 'er done?)

"I added a switch to that dark room. btw: it controls a fan/light." ... (3rd, 4th, 5th 'function' of its circuit?)

Oh, must be nice to have loader arms bigger around that the OEM hydro line bundle ... or room to hang a valve on either arm and out of harms way. :confused3: ...

 

[J_J]

Apparently you have no idea of where the term came from. You are just guessing.

Whats in a name you say. Well most times the name tells one what it is and might include how it works.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I have always thought of a 3rd function as just that, a 3rd hydraulic function in regards to a front end loader.

Any type of valve can be considered a 3rd function valve.

A rear remote used to operate a grapple would be considered a 3rd function valve in my mind, at the time that it is plumbed to operate that 3rd function on the loader.

A true 3rd function valve is a valve, manual or electric that allows 3 functions on the FEL to be operated at the exact same time.

This is my understanding of 3rd function valves. Is there a true definition listed out some place, I don't think so. :confused3:

 

[J_J]

I believe that someone coined that term when they wanted to add a third valve, not spool. However I don't know for sure.

That was the purpose of the post to find out what the 3rd function is and where the term came from.

The first valve on just about any tractor is the 3pt valve. Loaders are an add on with one valve and two spools.

I don't relate the 3rd function to the loader, however it is sometimes associated with a loader.

I think the term is misused a lot.

I also don't think the manufacturers even talk about their valve as being a 3rd function.

The people that put together a solenoid kit call them a true 3rd function and they are used in different situations like what you are doing.

I consider a diverter valve an aux or secondary valve.

If my tractor only had the 3pt for hyd, and I wanted to add a valve for an attachment with a hyd motor, would I be adding a 3rd function valve, or just a solenoid valve with subplate?

Can you have say, three separate 3rd function valves? Could there be a forth and fifth function. Why not.

Sure it is terminology, but it would be nice to know the starting point.

Here is a loader valve with a third spool. Would you call that a 3rd function, or just another spool for, say a grapple. ?

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydrau...PM-JOYSTICK-LOADER-VALVE-W-GRAPPLE-9-8217.axd

If I go to Surplus and search for a 3rd function valve, , it comes up with no results, however there are valves and subplates that one could put together and say, make a true 3rd function valve.

If you search the net for 3rd function valve,you might come up with some manufacturers such as WR Long and a few others that have put together a kit, and a lot of listings for TBN questions about 3rd function valves.

 

[J_J]

This is in relation to the 3rd function valve.

Who can figure the fluid being pushed out of the rod side of a 4 in bore cyl with a 2 in rod, with a pump flow of 10 GPM flowing into the base end, and then the flow coming out of the base end with the same 10 GPM flowing into the rod end.

 

[the old grind]

Perhaps the roots of this abused term are scattered and distinct such that '3rd Function' has become a 'catch all' term born of jargon vs specific description of one component, however it's adapted.

What's a 'Bluetooth?' Something that hangs on your ear? Lots of terms are misused. (Is one's 'Old Lady' his mother, his wife, or his mistress?)

That two-stick, three spool valve seem to be plumbed to by PB vs by a remotely placed diverter. I don't know yet what that does, or not, for my own definition of third function, but I'll work on it. I'm sure more discussion will help me with that ...

Not trying to :stirthepot: here, just trying to catch on ... ? (well, that & the Alzheimer's symptoms ...)

 

[ishiboo]

Are you just ranting and raving about semantics now, JJ, or does this thread have pending value we are not party to yet?

The third function is the accessory function for a loader. Period. That is why the term was coined. It's blatantly obvious as that is how everyone who sells one markets it - it relates to loader attachments and there are already two functions for every loader it's marketed for. Now if someone wants to use it to refer to the 3rd of 15 remotes they have on the back of their tractor, the last being the 15th function valve, that's fine... it's just not the purpose or intent of the name.

When you say 3rd function valve to me, it means a valve to add a hydraulic accessory to a loader. Period.

To you, it might be called a JJ valve. Or if you think it makes more sense to count the 3 point in marketing a loader accessory valve, then I guess you could call it the 4th function valve. But on a hydro tractor, isn't the hydrostatic drive itself a valve? So maybe it's a 5th function valve. Unless you have power steering. Then it's a 6th function valve.

Need another in back to match the 2 already you have? Add a rear remote. Or a mid remote for those not in back. Or a rear SCV. Or a front remote for your snowblower. Or whatever.

From this point forward, I'm referring to it as a doohickey.