Third function

[ericm979]

I'm going to buy a grapple and need a third function hydraulic valve. I'm considering making my own. The one thing that's up in the air is where to locate the valve. You guys with 20s or 25s and third function, where's your valve mounted?

 

[Branson Bob]

Hey Eric.

I'm gonna get rear top and tilt for my 3 point and a third function for the FEL but don't have either yet.

You could try direct messaging Mr Bitz or Dave's Tractors for an answer. As dealers they'd know for sure.

Just a thought.

 

[ericm979]

I asked Daves (who sold me the tractor). Theirs (Branson factory I think) is a diverter and I think I want a true third function. Theirs puts the valve out on the loader torque tube and I may copy that idea. The other places to put it block access to the fuel filter or dipstick or put the valve under the oil filter where it'll get dripped on.

You'll love the top and tilt with a box blade.

 

[Branson Bob]

Good stuff Eric. Thanks for the info.

I have a box blade (Everything Attachments) that I haven't used yet because I'm waiting to have my top and tilt installed first.

Hope all is well in your mountains. We have a view of Mt Umunhum from our front yard.

 

[ericm979]

With strong enough telescope you could have seen me up there yesterday. They finally opened it to the public a few weeks ago. Yesterday my wife and I drove most of the way up and hiked the last 3.7 miles to the top. The summit's less than 10 miles as the crow flies from our house but we can't see it as there's another mountain in the way.

You must get to see some excellent sunsets.

 

[Branson Bob]

With strong enough telescope you could have seen me up there yesterday. They finally opened it to the public a few weeks ago. Yesterday my wife and I drove most of the way up and hiked the last 3.7 miles to the top. The summit's less than 10 miles as the crow flies from our house but we can't see it as there's another mountain in the way.

You must get to see some excellent sunsets.

It's nice to watch the sun setting over your mountains. Ideally we'd have bought a place up there but it wasn't realistic... so we got a place in Mariposa County and we're quite happy there. Downside is the almost 3 hour drive but once we hit the farm roads in Santa Nella, it becomes a nice, relaxing drive.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Pulling up an old thread, does anyone have the factory Branson 3rd function diverter installed? Are there any photos of this installed? I can't find anything on the web and very little here in the Branson forum.

I read a post that the W.R. Long kit doesn't work the same on a Branson because the system doesn't keep constant pressure on the power port so you only get 2 functions a time. Of course this post ended abruptly without follow up or photos so I'm no more informed.

When searching around I only see the Kubota's getting 3rd functions and the photos I've seen for EA with their wicked grapple just show the tractor at distance holding up a tree. I am taking possession of a new 5220R this coming Friday with the Branson factory diverter.

If anyone has the factory option and can speak from experience, with photos, I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

[PapeCAT]

The branson factory 3td function diverter kit includes a new FEL control with momentary button on the backside. When the button is depressed, the bucket curl function now becomes the 3rd function for grapple etc. I've found no issues with it whilst working with brush, trees, and even a carport demo project.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Thank you for the photos and the comments. I知 feeling much better about this option with your testimony. Thanks again.

 

[PapeCAT]

My only concern was not going with a full 3rd function but the diverter has never inhibited me in any way that I could tell, The momentary switch makes it so quick to change between functions and the cycle times are very fast.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

That is great feedback. The factory Branson option is not well documented on the web so having real world experience is priceless.

I have purchased my new tractor to help clean up the limbs, branches, and forestry mulch all over my property.

My tractor will come with a grapple and the factory diverter installed. I am very excited to put this tractor to work.

I appreciate your feedback.

 

[LouNY]

This is interesting, I was not aware that Branson offered a "factory" diverter valve.
I was under the impression that they where all dealer installed from kits with quite a bit of variation in components.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

I learned of the Branson option through Dave's Tractor. Another user asked for the information for the 3rd function and rear remotes. Dave provided the Branson part numbers. The 20 Series 3rd function part number is: BZ00452 and the Dual Remote kit is: RMK2-20. The two kits, according to Dave, costs about $1500.

Dave went on to say Branson is 30%-50% cheaper than the other OEM's for this setup. This data is from a post on 4/1/2016 so prices might have changed or part numbers upgraded.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/century-branson/355332-20-series-third-function-fel.html#post4417455

This is interesting, I was not aware that Branson offered a "factory" diverter valve.
I was under the impression that they where all dealer installed from kits with quite a bit of variation in components.

 

[PapeCAT]

There is a complete price list here for all branson factory addons etc.

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/mainten...hild/Branson_TractorsDiscount Attachments.pdf

 

[Warsign]

Pulling up an old thread, does anyone have the factory Branson 3rd function diverter installed? Are there any photos of this installed? I can't find anything on the web and very little here in the Branson forum.

I read a post that the W.R. Long kit doesn't work the same on a Branson because the system doesn't keep constant pressure on the power port so you only get 2 functions a time. Of course this post ended abruptly without follow up or photos so I'm no more informed.

When searching around I only see the Kubota's getting 3rd functions and the photos I've seen for EA with their wicked grapple just show the tractor at distance holding up a tree. I am taking possession of a new 5220R this coming Friday with the Branson factory diverter.

If anyone has the factory option and can speak from experience, with photos, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I had the 3rd function installed by Branson on my 4720CH. This is not a true 3rd function, but rather a diverter valve. It basically steals the hydraulics from my bucket when I press the momentary switch on the loader control stick.

 

[ericm979]

I have my doubts about a true thrid function allowing simultaneous operation of the grapple and the loader. I did a test of raising the 3pt hitch while raising the loader and the 3pt doesn't go anywhere. I suspect that the loader valve is sending most output to the tank port rather than the PB port when it is operating. You can try it yourself. It's possible that I did the test wrong or my loader valve is different than others.

A reason to get a true 3rd fuction anyhow would be that you prefer the ergonomics of that system vs the diverter where you're using the same motion that operates curl and dump. Some may consider the all on/all off operation of a 3rd function to be a drawback but I find that I have little need to feather the grapple (mine's connected to a rear remote for now). YMMV etc etc.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

Thank you for the photo Warsign. That looks good. How have you used it? Do you have any regrets over a traditional valve?

PapeCAT

I found that document this morning. I visited their website, but they don稚 lost Branson in their products. I really like the cost of the dual rear remotes. I would like to add those to my 5220 too.

 

[ovrszd]

I have my doubts about a true thrid function allowing simultaneous operation of the grapple and the loader. I did a test of raising the 3pt hitch while raising the loader and the 3pt doesn't go anywhere. I suspect that the loader valve is sending most output to the tank port rather than the PB port when it is operating. You can try it yourself. It's possible that I did the test wrong or my loader valve is different than others.

A reason to get a true 3rd fuction anyhow would be that you prefer the ergonomics of that system vs the diverter where you're using the same motion that operates curl and dump. Some may consider the all on/all off operation of a 3rd function to be a drawback but I find that I have little need to feather the grapple (mine's connected to a rear remote for now). YMMV etc etc.

When multiple functions are used the flow capacity of the pump may be reached. That's what occurs when your 3pt won't move. It's last in the chain of events.

My M9540 has a large enough pump volume to successfully utilize it's true 3rd function. Lift, curl and grapple close will all work at same time.

 

[Jesser02Ex]

That makes sense Ovrszd, the M9540 has 23.1 gpm total flow with 17gpm for hydraulic and an additional 6.1gpm for the steering. By contrast the 5220R and has 16.1 gpm total split 11.1 gpm for the main pump and 5 gpm for steering. The 3725H is just 15.4 gpm total flow. I can see where additional flow would help the overall hydraulic function.

When multiple functions are used the flow capacity of the pump may be reached. That's what occurs when your 3pt won't move. It's last in the chain of events.

My M9540 has a large enough pump volume to successfully utilize it's true 3rd function. Lift, curl and grapple close will all work at same time.

 

[Warsign]

Thank you for the photo Warsign. That looks good. How have you used it? Do you have any regrets over a traditional valve?

PapeCAT

I found that document this morning. I visited their website, but they don稚 lost Branson in their products. I really like the cost of the dual rear remotes. I would like to add those to my 5220 too.

I have yet to buy a grapple, so I don't have any input as far as functionality. It is certainly on my list of items to get. The price point of $625 US installed was an easy sale, regardless.