Another Third Function Question, want to add to L5740

[BobInSD]

Hi All,

I see this has been discussed the the "best" kit seems to change as time goes by, and many of the links from the 2018 and 2020 threads are broken.

I have an open-station L5740 (with the LA 854 Loader). I currently have a grapple, using the rear remotes to close/open the grapple. This was plumbed up by the previous owner, but is a fairly tidy setup in that there are additional connections right by the 4 loader hydraulic lines so removing the loader is still pretty straight forward. Now that I've done it that way for a few years, I'm looking for something a little smoother to operate.

I'd like to add a third function, and probably a true third function rather than a diverter (but, feel free to school me on that also). Just buying an entire kit seems like the easiest way for somebody that doesn't really understand hydraulics all that well. But still have some questions:

I see suggestions for WR Long, Summit, Land Pride, Lane Shark, etc. What is the current consensus on which to pick? Does Land Pride only deal with dealers? I don't see any price or ordering information on them? Most of the kit vendors don't really mention my tractor, maybe due to the age? They list LX, L and MX-M, but either skip the "Grand" L sizes or the xx40?

It seems a little wasteful to buy the whole kit when I already have the long lines running up along the loader, but I'm guessing that's still the best way to go? Does that seem right? I'm handy enough with wrenches and following directions, just don't know much about hydraulics (or diesels, yet).

Any wisdom would be appreciated,

Thanks,

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Personal opinion: Summit would be who I would use for your situation, as they will sell you just the parts you need.

 

[BobInSD]

Personal opinion: Summit would be who I would use for your situation, as they will sell you just the parts you need.

Well then, it's unanimous! I'll give them a call and hopefully they can tell me what I need and then sell it to me.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Well then, it's unanimous! I'll give them a call and hopefully they can tell me what I need and then sell it to me.

Thanks,

Bob

Make sure you mention OTT as I think they offer a discount to OTT Members?

 

[old and tired]

Just in case, this is W.R. Long listing...

Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA514, LA724, LA854.
Regular price $925.00

Third Function Valve Kit for Kubota LA514, LA724, LA854. (VKKULA514)

Live 3rd Function Valve Kit; Kubota LA514, LA724, LA854. (12gpm) Fits Tractor Models: L3240, L3540, L3940, L4240, L4740, L5040, L5240, L5740

store.wrlonginc.com

 

[D2Cat]

Bob, I have the Kubota 3rd function kit on my L4240. It has the steel lines line you mentioned is already on your tractor. That is a nice setup.

When I ordered the kit from the dealer I went and picked it up and brought it home. When I opened the box and begin reading the procedure for installation I called the service mgr and asked hm if he could send someone over to coach me on what all had to be done. He said he would but it would cost (whatever the hourly fee was from the time he left to the time he got back).

Installation on that xx40 series tractor required jacking up the rear, removing the right rear tire and fender, loosing some fluid while making the connections, mounting all the hardware.....

i loaded the tractor and took it over to him. It was a good decision on my part. It's worked perfectly for four years or so!

Just be aware the installation is a tad bit more challenging then some of the other tractors.

 

[Schmitty]

Agree with D2Cat. I ordered my factory Kubota kit from wholegoods at Messick's, and when delivered I looked at all of the parts and said heck no! I called a local Kubota dealer and they kindly installed it for ~$1,100 back in 2019.

 

[BobInSD]

I did check with summit. They don't have a kit specific to this tractor, but said their universal kit was a perfect match. They also said to check youtube for installation instructions, so I'm glad I have you guys. (Merry Christmas, BTW).

If I need to take the wheel off that would move it out of the realm of DIY for me. My wheels are loaded, I sold my other tractors, and I'm a big scaredy-cat when it comes to getting squished. I just went out and crawled around and it looks like maybe I could take the fender off and have enough access (with the tire still on). Or maybe I'll look into diverter valves again. I guess it's back to youtube for awhile.

I'm guessing even a diverter would be better than what I have now. My brother uses both (one on his tractor, one on my dad's, neither close to where I live) and there isnt' that much difference. My current grapple is a "pallet fork add-a-grapple" and I do cringe when I accidentally slam it open or closed, so maybe a diverter would let me feather better than a true third function. I would like to be able to dump and open the grapple at the same time, but even a diverter would be better than having to take my hand off of the joystick or reach around w/ the left hand.

I'll do more google and youtube, but would appreciate any more comments from y'all. Has anybody done it without taking the tire off? Complexity is less scary than the tire (at least until I'm posting here asking whey I can't move my tractor due to hooking something up backwards).

Merry Christmas to all!

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I wouldn't do the diverter. The curl valve probably has regeneration, and you might be more prone to slam the grapple anyway. The Summit kit should work since you already have the boom plumbed. It may have a few quick connects and fittings you won't need. You'll need one or two hoses and maybe shorten the two from the rear remotes.

 

[BobInSD]

I wouldn't do the diverter. The curl valve probably has regeneration, and you might be more prone to slam the grapple anyway. The Summit kit should work since you already have the boom plumbed. It may have a few quick connects and fittings you won't need. You'll need one or two hoses and maybe shorten the two from the rear remotes.

How can I figure out if my curl has regen and how bad that would be? Our local shortline dealer now does Kubota so I stopped in to ask them what was up. They quoted 6 hours labor ($1000 for labor alone) and can't even guess at what the parts will cost due or a kubota parts blackout/IT upgrade that may last a month?? Best guess was $2 grand at a minimum, which helps me understand why the previous owner had it plumbed from the rear remote. I've taken the (ROPS) tractor to town before for tire work, but a 15 mile ride at 0 degrees F would cause me to hesitate even if I was willing to throw that much money at it.

We've had a very mild fall and I'm just now cleaning the fuel filter/bowl to find out my petcock doesn't quite shut the fuel off this year, but at least I did something with the tractor today (at 20 above 0, before the cold snap that's coming, I may have to start her up below 0 tomorrow morning to offload some freight).

 

[D2Cat]

Maybe it was 2019 when I got the 3rd function for a grapple, I'd have to do some digging to find the paperwork. I do know I paid $800 for the hardware, all inclusive Kubota kit. I inquired about availability and cost, and at the time they weren't sure about when they could get the parts. Told me the price and when I went to pay the manager said to wait until it came in. I insisted on paying that day so I knew it was covered. Took 6 or 8 weeks before it came in.

Paid $400 for install and another $20 or so for hyd oil. Dealer had it one day. Absolutely no regrets.

I'm not afraid of mechanical work, but I just did not want to get the tractor in a position where I didn't have a part or a proper jack, or fluid and end up stranded.

 

[BobInSD]

Thanks D2Cat. I did find some of your old threads on this-very helpful. I have the same concerns, especially with the loaded tire. I need the tractor to move snow in the winter but could afford to take it apart for a few days in the summer. I was thinking to get most of the parts in hand sooner rather than later.

I must have regeneration, as the loader manual lists “two stage bucket dump with a power beyond circuit”. I’m also finding other threads where guys put the diverter on 40 series tractors with the regeneration and said it was fine.