Question about Kubota Third Function Valve Operation

[Milo]

To have a Grapple is worth the learning curve of controlled use.

Thanks for the encouragement, and tutorial ovrszd. I didn't really understand how a diverter worked. But I can foresee it being useful having the ability to curl down while opening a grapple.

 

[TripleR]

Like Richard, I use a true third function on my grapple and have no where near the hours operating he has, but found it easy to learn to use by just tapping the toggle.

 

[Milo]

Like Richard, I use a true third function on my grapple and have no where near the hours operating he has, but found it easy to learn to use by just tapping the toggle.

Good to hear. Maybe it varies somewhat between the different size and type grapple as well?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The restrictor devices are the best you can hope for. And they work fine if properly used. Just be careful about pinching down the flow too much.

I don't use restrictors on my Grapple. It used two 2"x8" cylinders. My M9540 has considerable flow. They can be slammed open or closed. If I'm wanting to be gentle I can "tap" the joystick buttons and regulate it pretty well. Just takes practice.

To have a Grapple is worth the learning curve of controlled use.

For clarity, understand, a diverter system uses your "curl" function on the FEL to operate the Grapple. So it has delicate control by a steady hand on the joystick. What you sacrifice is the ability to do both functions at once.

The system we're discussing here is operated by electric over hydraulic valves. They only know "open" "closed". The gain is multiple simultaneous functions.

Again, you get the use of 3 multiple functions with a true 3rd function only if you operate the loader joystick properly. People need to be realistic about their capabilities, many people simply do not have the touch that it takes to operate 3 functions at once.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Good to hear. Maybe it varies somewhat between the different size and type grapple as well?

How many cylinders.
Size of said cylinder-s
GPM of the tractors hydraulic pump.
Engine RPMs

Lots of variables alter the operating characteristics of any one item.

 

[TripleR]

Good to hear. Maybe it varies somewhat between the different size and type grapple as well?

May be, I am relatively new to grapples, second year. James and Richard wore me down in spite of my vast experience telling me I didn't really need one.

Now I preferred my pallet forks and three healthy men with chainsaws, but when they grew up they scattered like quails, so love the grapples, I now have one on the 5740and one for M8540.

 

[ovrszd]

Again, you get the use of 3 multiple functions with a true 3rd function only if you operate the loader joystick properly. People need to be realistic about their capabilities, many people simply do not have the touch that it takes to operate 3 functions at once.

I agree Brian. I run a road grader with 9 levers plus a steering wheel and gear shift lever. Multi-tasking comes easy to me.

 

[ovrszd]

May be, I am relatively new to grapples, second year. James and Richard wore me down in spite of my vast experience telling me I didn't really need one.

Now I preferred my pallet forks and three healthy men with chainsaws, but when they grew up they scattered like quails, so love the grapples, I now have one on the 5740and one for M8540.

Sorry about the added financial burden James and I put you in Larry.....

 

[TripleR]

Sorry about the added financial burden James and I put you in Larry.....

Ah, but my old back sure appreciates it Richard. Besides that, like you, my wife is a retired gummit worker and is rich. :laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

Ah, but my old back sure appreciates it Richard. Besides that, like you, my wife is a retired gummit worker and is rich. :laughing:

She must have worked for a different gummit.

 

[TripleR]

She must have worked for a different gummit.

I always have to laugh, well sort of a cross between that and cringe when I hear people talking about the highly paid government workers. I don't doubt they exist, I've just never met one and one sure doesn't live with me.

 

[Fxfymn]

Thanks again to everyone who offered constructive advice, it has been helpful. I'm pretty sure it is the relief valve I'm hearing when the flow is overly restricted. That is why I opened the flow up some more. I'm trying to balance the valve operation while providing enough flow to keep the system happy.

As I said in a previous post I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that my grapple/thumb only uses a single 2" cylinder. When I built it I did not want to make the hydraulics so powerful that it caused other parts to break so I stuck with a single 2" piston. It has always been powerful enough to do what I want, but I may try a 3" cylinder to see if it slows things down a bit.

I still have the fall back of using the rear remotes which work great.

 

[Fallon]

You don't want to pop your relief valve much, but a little bit won't cause issues. Popping the relied valve will heat up the oil & put a maximum load on the pump. But a 5-10 seconds of relief every 5-10 minutes or so won't be significant compared to normal hydraulic system operational heat generation.

I have restrictors on my TnT & hear relief kicking in when operating them. No issues here. I know FitRite sells a lot of em & I haven't heard any complaints or issues. Other than a few people drilling theirs out a hair wanting slightly faster operation.

 

[Take-er-EZ]

Devildog, question for ya...purchased a used L3240 and am installing a factory 3rd function valve for a grapple, got the kit and instructions are not good, wondered if I could get a few pics of your hyd connections, thanks

 

[DonaldP]

Hi EZ

I had been looking fir a solid low hour 3240 cab for about a year before I said To myself, is that what I really want?

I kind this was a couple of years ago, but I wanted to know how you made out, and of you are still using the 3rd function with a grapple?

Don