i have rear ports with leaver and could use those for grapple but wanted to ask - will the oem come with hard lines and does anyone have a part number for 3rd funtion ? i see a lot of different brands but think i want to stick with kubota unless someone tells me different. this tractor is used but only 200 hrs on it so i would really like to it right the first time. i have nothing except the new grapple and the rear function 2 ports. again not above using the rear - im sure it will save a lot of money but i really like the idea of hard lines if in fact they make them for my tractor. will add some pics when i get off work tomorrow. any and all suggestions are appreciated.
m5140 - would like to add front 3 function for grapple - lots of ?'s
- Thread starter smgchandler
- Start date
Assuming you haveva LA1153 loader the OEM kit has two pipes along the top portion of the boom but the majority is hose.
Dan
NCL4701
Well-known member
Equipment
L4701, T2290, WC68, grapple, BB1572, Farmi W50R, Howes 500, 16kW IMD gen, WG24
Not getting into the technical aspects of adding a third function to run your grapple. There are others here more capable to address those issues.
However, you mention possibly using the existing rear remotes to operate the grapple. My L has a dealer installed WR Long electric diverter to run the third function for the grapple. It’s operated by a rocker switch that’s under the operator’s thumb when palming the loader joystick. Being a diverter that’s on the curl circuit, I can manipulate the boom and curl OR boom and grapple open/close, but can’t operate curl and open close simultaneously. IME that setup works quite well for grapple use. Also have three OEM rear remotes with the valves in the OEM slots by the operator’s right hip.
Using a grapple on a CUT, generally the operator’s left hand is on the steering wheel while right hand is on the loader joystick and feet are controlling movement of the tractor. Even with being limited to two simultaneous functions as is the case with the diverter, having control of the grapple open/close under your thumb while retaining control of the joystick is a significant operational advantage to releasing the joystick to move your right hand to a lever elsewhere to open/close the grapple. If your tractor has a hand operated reversing lever under the right side of the steering wheel (instead of HST) your right hand has three places to go (joystick, rear remote for grapple, and reverser lever) to do any work with the grapple.
I’ve used plenty of equipment with more controls spread around than I have hands and feet to operate. It is far less than ideal, particularly if used many hours, IMO. Point of all that is you can save money using the rear remotes you already have, but you’d be sacrificing quite a lot of operational efficiency and ergonomics compared to a joystick mounted third function. As always, your machine, your $$, YMMV..,
However, you mention possibly using the existing rear remotes to operate the grapple. My L has a dealer installed WR Long electric diverter to run the third function for the grapple. It’s operated by a rocker switch that’s under the operator’s thumb when palming the loader joystick. Being a diverter that’s on the curl circuit, I can manipulate the boom and curl OR boom and grapple open/close, but can’t operate curl and open close simultaneously. IME that setup works quite well for grapple use. Also have three OEM rear remotes with the valves in the OEM slots by the operator’s right hip.
Using a grapple on a CUT, generally the operator’s left hand is on the steering wheel while right hand is on the loader joystick and feet are controlling movement of the tractor. Even with being limited to two simultaneous functions as is the case with the diverter, having control of the grapple open/close under your thumb while retaining control of the joystick is a significant operational advantage to releasing the joystick to move your right hand to a lever elsewhere to open/close the grapple. If your tractor has a hand operated reversing lever under the right side of the steering wheel (instead of HST) your right hand has three places to go (joystick, rear remote for grapple, and reverser lever) to do any work with the grapple.
I’ve used plenty of equipment with more controls spread around than I have hands and feet to operate. It is far less than ideal, particularly if used many hours, IMO. Point of all that is you can save money using the rear remotes you already have, but you’d be sacrificing quite a lot of operational efficiency and ergonomics compared to a joystick mounted third function. As always, your machine, your $$, YMMV..,
I am not a fan of diverters but even a "true" third function limits the ability to operate dump/curl and grapple at the same time.
Dan
I have put thousands of hours on a tractor with a grapple hauling and stacking round hay bales and just always used the rear remotes to run the grapple. Not saying joy sticks aren't nice and I have one on my MX6000 but it just runs the loader. I don't see the need to spend the money for a third function valve if you already have a remote your not using.
Fellas i appreciate the info. In my mind i really like the thoughts of having the open close on the loader stick but im shocked at the price of kits or parts. Heck even the connectors on grapple will need to be replaced. I think they’re for skid steer connection. I’m going to talk with kubota dealer closest to me and either buy parts but install myself. Will compare prices once i write down part numbers. I’m sure i can find parts cheaper than what kubota dealer offers. I believe the cost of connections / kit will cost more than the grapple itself and it’s the heavy duty model ! Will post my findings Thanks again
Expect to spend better part of $1000 for a DIY 3rd function of that type. A manual valve can be added for a third of that.
Couplers on the grapple are nothing.
Dan
There are many implements that benefit from a 3rd function and buttons on the loader joystick. Grapples, hydraulic angle snow blades, PHDs etc., all of which I run on my tractors. I have factory installed 3rd functions on both tractors, and the only way I'd ever run an implement out front using a rear remote is with the addition of a Scorpion control grip with buttons. On my MX, I'm using four rear remotes for the snow blower and the 3rd function for the hydraulic angle snow blade. Ergonomics are important to me but clearly not to others.
Mcmxi please tell me more about the scorpion. I have googled options but saw nothing on scorpion. 1 k is under what I’m coming up with on cost but i do not do this for a living and other that what i can find and read i know very little on options. If it will help im going to post some pics of my setup. Again your help is appreciated !
You can add a Summit Hydraulics multiplier (or similar) out back and control oil flow off one rear remote lever via a multi button control grip. @MtnViewRanch got me on to this last year and now I have Scorpion control grips in both tractors. You can chose a control grip that has enough buttons to run as many pairs of hydraulic circuits as you add. I will add that a 3rd function is still my preferred way to run an implement out front, but controlling the rear snow blower chute rotation and deflector angle via two buttons on one lever is a game changer. Last year I'd have to move my hand between two levers, but now I keep my hand on the one lever, push the necessary button and move the lever to either rotate the chute or change the deflector angle.
Given the awkward location of the rear remote levers on the MX, this a great upgrade. The M and Grand L tractors have a much better layout of rear remote levers so it's not such a big deal on those models.
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I have emailed scorpion and will listen to what they suggest. Installing myself and cost of parts is top. I am mechanically inclined and can’t tear anything up !! Getting the right fittings and thread is top on my concern list with what i have to work with. I appreciate the info
You do realize you need lots more than just the Scorpion handle. You need an electric multiplier starting around $600.
You are better off price wise installing a third party third function kit. And the plumbing will be much neater. Here is one for the standard L models. Buy it for the parts and cannibalize it for a your tractor and loader.
Amazon.com: TFK2 Third Function Valve Kit Fit for Kubota L2501 L3301 L3901 L3200 L3800 Tractors with LA525 LA524 Loaders : Patio, Lawn & Garden
Buy TFK2 Third Function Valve Kit Fit for Kubota L2501 L3301 L3901 L3200 L3800 Tractors with LA525 LA524 Loaders: Spare & Replacement Parts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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Dan
Kind of following on from @TheOldHokie , in my earlier post I said "a 3rd function is still my preferred way to run an implement out front" and my comment re a Scorpion control grip is that if you really want to use a rear remote to run implements out front, I would suggest a control grip in combination with a Summit Hydraulics multiplier. It would add cost over just a 3rd function, but it would add more features too. You could use just one rear remote as the input to a 3X, 4X or 5X multiplier, and with a control grip on the lever that controls the rear remote, you could control all circuits from the multiplier via the same lever. But as mentioned, running lines forward to the loader wouldn't be as neat and tidy as a proper 3rd function set up.
Fellas this is why i started this post ! So now i know a 3rd function kit is a must. The neat plumbing is important and i say this because my son is - man could not ask for a better son- but he can tear anvil up with rubber mallet. He is clearing off a spot on my land to build house. Anyhow neat is important. So if this was your tractor with the options available then what route would you go ? I can not think of any functions i will need past grapple. If this was your tractor what route would you take ? Thanks
If an extra $600 is not a factor buy OEM. It will fit and work right out of the box and install should be quick.
At this point in my life $600 does not pay for much of my time.
Dan
I've had/have factory 3rd functions on four Kubota tractors and would not go any other way. No kit can compare to the factory set up based on what I've seen on this forum, and that's everything from hard lines, hoses, sleeves and knob/buttons on the joystick. I like neat and tidy, factory looking installations and that's what you get when you go with Kubota/Land Pride kits.
If you plan to sell the tractor a few years down the road then maybe it's not worth paying for the factory kit, but if like me you plan on keeping the tractor(s) for many, many years to come then it might be worth the cost.
I have read enough and will go to kubota dealer maybe Monday. I can’t find a part number for the “kit” for 3rd function so I’m going to price it and use the info they offer. If i can’t beat their price then i will just scrounge up my penny’s - they say buy once cry once and my dad says it’s nothing but paper
. I appreciate you fellas input on my problem ! I do plan on installing myself so i may create a new post soon on install help.
. I appreciate you fellas input on my problem ! I do plan on installing myself so i may create a new post soon on install help.