3rd Function Port

Rustypig

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245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
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N. Idaho
Just picked up a 1979 L245DT with 1200 loader with 630 total hours on it to start working 5 acres of "holy crap look at the size of that rock" ground. Was thinking of just getting a rock bucket, but would like to get a rock bucket with the upper grapple function. Can't to seem to find a kit specifically for this model to install the 3rd function port and control. May have to use a use a universal kit since it's an older unit? Any info would be great. Stay tuned for 1k more questions I'm sure, as I'm a mechanic but a newby to the tractor world.
 

TheOldHokie

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Just picked up a 1979 L245DT with 1200 loader with 630 total hours on it to start working 5 acres of "holy crap look at the size of that rock" ground. Was thinking of just getting a rock bucket, but would like to get a rock bucket with the upper grapple function. Can't to seem to find a kit specifically for this model to install the 3rd function port and control. May have to use a use a universal kit since it's an older unit? Any info would be great. Stay tuned for 1k more questions I'm sure, as I'm a mechanic but a newby to the tractor world.
The third function valve is fed by the power beyond port on the loader valve. Just cc about any third party kit will work.

Dan
 

Rustypig

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245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
6
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N. Idaho
Thank you Dan. Do you know if you can run more than one valve off of the power beyond? Aside from the previously mentioned grapple clamp, I'd also like to run controls for a two ram flail mower on the rear. Since none of them would be running at the same time I'm thinking it wouldn't overload the pump?
 

Rustypig

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Equipment
245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
6
0
1
N. Idaho
I may have found my own answer to this last question but am not sure. Wouldn't it just be easier to swap in a 5 spool control valve to run lift, curl, front grapple and two rear ports and adding the 6 new hoses to have all controls at the same location. Would this avoid using the control beyond port alt together? Also, what type of fittings/sizes do these Kubotas use. All JIC NPT or BSP?
 

TheOldHokie

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Thank you Dan. Do you know if you can run more than one valve off of the power beyond? Aside from the previously mentioned grapple clamp, I'd also like to run controls for a two ram flail mower on the rear. Since none of them would be running at the same time I'm thinking it wouldn't overload the pump?
You can chaun as many as you want. A third function on the loader and 2-3 rear remotes is a "standard" configuratiin on this class of tractor.

Before you jump in buying things run your configuration by the group here for details on the choice of valves and the correct way to plumb them.

Dan
 

TheOldHokie

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I may have found my own answer to this last question but am not sure. Wouldn't it just be easier to swap in a 5 spool control valve to run lift, curl, front grapple and two rear ports and adding the 6 new hoses to have all controls at the same location. Would this avoid using the control beyond port alt together? Also, what type of fittings/sizes do these Kubotas use. All JIC NPT or BSP?
Msybe easier and quite possibly cheaper but probably not the most ergonomic. Some thoughts:
  1. Using power beyond has no downside - its just an external extension of the internal connection in a 5 spool vakve.
  2. The 4 hoses going to the rear remotes are bulky.
  3. Most people prefer an electric switch mounted on the loader joystick for grapple operatiion
  4. Most people prefer having the controls for yhe rear remotes back by the seat so its easier to turn and observe the movement of the rear implement.
It boils down to preference and cost because hydraulically they are functionally equivalent

Dan
 

Russell King

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Jun 17, 2012
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Since you haven’t told us how the loader is connected to the tractor or the loader brand, it is a bit difficult to give anything but general advice on the threads but I am bold enough to tell you what I think since I have a similar vintage and model tractor as you (mine is the L185F).

I believe that every connection for oil on the tractor will be a parallel thread with sealing washer type thread. The specific type is generally referred to as British Parallel Pipe Thread (BSPP) which is also known DIN G thread.

This is how the hydraulic tap on my tractor was done. The red hardline is pressure from the pump. Blue is the Power Beyond (aka high pressure carry over) from the rear remote valve. The green is the tank return from the rear remote valve. (That rear remote is all the extra hydraulics on my tractor). This uses the tractor pump while you may have an external pump on front that is driven by the shaft out of the engine.
IMG_0511.jpeg


The port for tank return into the tractor is BSPP 3/8 (aka G 3/8). The threads that are in that block above are NOT BSPP since that was added many years later and was machined by @TheOldHokie to replace the cover that had been there. The threads where the hoses connect to the block are SAE port which is another type of parallel thread with sealing washers. The BSPP and SAE threads are both based in the inch units so don’t be too surprised at that! There are probably some parallel thread ports based on the metric system but not on a Kubota tractor (as far as I know).

The hose ends shown in that picture are JIC (not to be confused with JIS) swivel fittings that seal against a tapered surface similar to a gas fitting (but not the same dimensions). I highly recommend that type of hose end since it is not likely to leak, easily installed and removed and doesn’t require the hose to rotate as it is installed.
 

Russell King

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Now for the quick coupler connections (if you have any) and the valve ports. Here is a picture of the rear remote valve that I mentioned above. It is a simple two section valve with independent lever control. It has all SAE ports on it. So most of the fittings are SAE to JIC adapter fittings. The exception is the four quick coupler connections on the rear end (left). The hose side of the quick coupler (male side) have NPT threads, a NPT to JIC adapter then the JIC hose end.
IMG_3099.jpeg

Some valves will have NPT connections and use sealant on the threads. I personally don’t care for NPT connections since they require sealant and are sometimes difficult to get sealed under high pressure. There is a variety of NPT threads that are designated as NPTF that are better suited for fluids and fuel but I am not sure what the fittings are made with.
 

Rustypig

New member

Equipment
245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
6
0
1
N. Idaho
Thank you Dan. Do you know if you can run more than one valve off of the power beyond? Aside from the previously mentioned grapple clamp, I'd also like to run controls for a two ram flail mower on the rear. Since none of them would be running at the same time I'm thinking it wouldn't overload the pump?

Now for the quick coupler connections (if you have any) and the valve ports. Here is a picture of the rear remote valve that I mentioned above. It is a simple two section valve with independent lever control. It has all SAE ports on it. So most of the fittings are SAE to JIC adapter fittings. The exception is the four quick coupler connections on the rear end (left). The hose side of the quick coupler (male side) have NPT threads, a NPT to JIC adapter then the JIC hose end.
View attachment 163795
Some valves will have NPT connections and use sealant on the threads. I personally don’t care for NPT connections since they require sealant and are sometimes difficult to get sealed under high pressure. There is a variety of NPT threads that are designated as NPTF that are better suited for fluids and fuel but I am not sure what the fittings are made with.
Ewe
 

TheOldHokie

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Thank you Dan. Do you know if you can run more than one valve off of the power beyond? Aside from the previously mentioned grapple clamp, I'd also like to run controls for a two ram flail mower on the rear. Since none of them would be running at the same time I'm thinking it wouldn't overload the pump?


Ewe
You can chain as many as you want and each one cam have as many spools as you want. Its typical to have one (ekectric) on the loader for the grapple function and additional ones back by the seat for the rear outlets.

Dan
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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@Rustypig this is not meant as an insult, it's a serious inquiry, do you suffer from dementia or some other memory issue?

I ask because you asked the same exact question 4 hours apart, after you were already given the answer.
 

Rustypig

New member

Equipment
245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
6
0
1
N. Idaho
Ewe, I think i threw up in my mouth a little bit there and I was a hydraulic tech on aircraft LOL. Been a while since I delt with all the different types of fittings, making hoses/swedging etc. Got a few pics so you can tell what it currently looks like. I'm thinking the control valves and plumbing on it are all original.
Kubota5.jpg
Kubota3.jpg
 

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Rustypig

New member

Equipment
245DT w/ L1200 FEL
Oct 7, 2025
6
0
1
N. Idaho
Which is the Beyond Control, the top or the side port? Thinking it's the top port that dumps back in the case with the 90 degree elbow?
20251009_045119.jpg
20251009_045129.jpg
 

TheOldHokie

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L3901/LA525, G2160/RCK60, G2460/RCK60
Apr 6, 2021
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Which is the Beyond Control, the top or the side port? Thinking it's the top port that dumps back in the case with the 90 degree elbow? View attachment 163826 View attachment 163827
The power beyond port is the one I circled. There are two fittings screwed into the port.

1000003409.jpg


The elbow is an ordinary SAE ORB x female NPSM pipe swivel. You can use it or replace it with something ekse as needed.

The hex fitting that the elbow is screwed into is a power beyond conversion sleeve and it must stay where it is.

The hose and fitting on top of the case is a low pressure tank return.

To add an auxiliary valve:
  1. Disconnect the hose attached to the power beyond port.
  2. Run a new hose from the power beyond port to the IN port if the new valve.
  3. Connect the hose you disconnected in step (1) to the power beyond port of the new valve.
  4. Install a tee in the tank return and using a new hose connect the tee to the tank port on your new valve.
Thats it.
 
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