Hydraulics needed to put thumb on Kubota L4400?

[tallyho8]

I bought a one cylinder thumb to put on the front end loader of my Kubota L4400. I know very little about hydraulics. Can anyone familiar with an L4400 tell me what I need to get to hook up the hydraulics to this thumb?

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Most likely W R Long has a kit, go to there site to find a dealer, they had a kit for my Kubota L3130 that fitted good and easy install.

W.R.Long the 4N1 Bucket People


David Kb7uns

 

[k0ua]

I bought a one cylinder thumb to put on the front end loader of my Kubota L4400. I know very little about hydraulics. Can anyone familiar with an L4400 tell me what I need to get to hook up the hydraulics to this thumb?

Do you have a rear remote? If so that is the cheap and dirty way. Not elegant but will work..

 

[k0ua]

This will get you started learning and shopping. These explain true third function kits. watch the video first

3rd function valve kit for any tractor, free shipping within 1,000 miles!!

 

[k0ua]

Here is a thread I started a while ago. on just using my rear remote to use my new grapple I have coming. Your mileage may vary.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/284901-hydraulic-quick-connects-loader-torque.html

 

[94BULLITT]

A 3rd function works best but running it off of a remote will work.

 

[tallyho8]

I do not have a rear remote. I am studying some of the info y'all gave me.

 

[uphill]

I have a 2005 L4400 that I added a W.R. Long third function kit with a switch on the bucket control arm and what I call a grapple mounted in the center of the bucket. I did it all myself (with a little advice from the tractor mechanic) so it can't THAT hard. Hope you're not in a hurry but I can take pictures, get part numbers, etc. maybe this weekend. Seem to remember that it cost me about $1K and still works great 5 years later. Maybe my favorite addition to the tractor, but that's still debateable...

 

[teg]

I bought a one cylinder thumb to put on the front end loader of my Kubota L4400. I know very little about hydraulics. Can anyone familiar with an L4400 tell me what I need to get to hook up the hydraulics to this thumb?

Tallyho8, Do you only want to run a thumb / grapple? The electric diverter is nice but (IMO) pricey. A single valve/spool like Surplus Center - 1 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB11B5C1 DA VALVE will work, your tractor's 7.8 GPM and this is rated for 8 GPM (if you also want a hydraulic top link, this one Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB21BB5C1 DA VALVE will work). Along with hoses with the correct fittings on the ends (which are not cheap) you can get this set up cheaper.

I would say the main thing is mounting it in a good location first since all the hose measurements will be based on that location. I have mine just above the loader mount and with some fancy finger work, can curl and close the grapple at the same time (after I cut my loader stick down 7" or so). Also, with this location I was able to re-use the hoses that was used for the loader.

Basically, I mounted my valve after the loader and before the 3 point hitch, it has to be in series. The line that was power beyond for the FEL was moved to be power beyond for the grapple spool. I added a new line from the old power beyond into the pressure IN for the new valve. The low pressure return to the tank, I tied into the FEL low pressure return with a "T" (right where both valves are at).

Let me know, I can go into better detail... Dan/teg PS. the TBN jacket (that you auctioned off) still keeps me warm although, showing a little wear and tear... :thumbsup:

 

[k0ua]

I will let you know how my rear remote idea works out, my grapple is due to arrive in a couple of days.