Lane Shark or Hardee Brush Tiger users

[TheOldHokie]

I have a third function on my mx5400. I think it is the wr long brand as that is what my dealer typically uses.
It has an additional return for lane shark plumbed to the sump. (3 total hydro fittings with 3rd function fittings included).
I have the lane shark "switch" in the cab. It's a bulky 3 button switch box. You have to press two to engage and 1 to turn off flow. I'd prefer one on/off switch but I'm sure it's a safety precaution.
My mx5400 is hst and the loader works fine with LS running.
3pt hitch does not. You can lower but not lift. To gain lift the LS needs to be shut off. I try to cheat and run bush hog at same time as LS which imo isn't a great idea.

My MX5400 was purchased new with 3rd function and LS stuff installed prior to delivery.

The LS is a huge time saver for me. I trim my roads (~4 miles) and food plots twice a year. If I were doing it by hand about 75% of that likely wouldn't get done.

That sounds like an actual hands on review.

Dan

 

[CGMKCM]

Lane Shark seems to struggle with this issue. AFAIK none of the Kubota third functions return to sump. The 3rd function outlet goes to power beyond for downstream power to 3pt, rear remotes, backhoe, etc. If you plumb the Lane Shark return into the power beyond outlet the route to tank goes through all of those devices.

That said the Lane Shark return does not have to be plumbed into the 3rd function outlet. It can be plumbed directly to sump via the tank return on the loader valve. That minimizes return restrictions and eliminates the possibilty of deadheading the rotating mass of the mower but it comes at the cost at the cost of loosing all use of 3pt and any other downstream valves/outlets when the LS is connected AND running. When the Lane Shark motor is OFF everything behaves as usual.

You DO NOT need their switch. All you need is a way to hold the the the third function on and a simple toggle switch wired into one side of the the 3rd function circuit will do that.

Dan

View attachment 103964

View attachment 103967

Thank you for your comments and the schematics, it is nice to have someone good with tractor hydraulics to provide input. You are correct about the LS struggle in regards to knowledge of My 3rd function set up. It is confusing. My fear is the LS dealer knows Kioti systems but won't know Kubota systems further complicating my installation. There is a Kubota dealer two hours away that also is a LS dealer so I may give them a call.

I like the Hardee set up but It is not built as strong or as simple as the LS. It is rated for smaller limb size and they recommend a smaller size tractor. TTWT tested one and damaged it by losing sight of the cutter head in heavy brush and clipping a tree. Operator error, but I believe the LS may handle contact like that better due to stronger mounting frame.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thank you for your comments and the schematics, it is nice to have someone good with tractor hydraulics to provide input. You are correct about the LS struggle in regards to knowledge of My 3rd function set up. It is confusing. My fear is the LS dealer knows Kioti systems but won't know Kubota systems further complicating my installation. There is a Kubota dealer two hours away that also is a LS dealer so I may give them a call.

I like the Hardee set up but It is not built as strong or as simple as the LS. It is rated for smaller limb size and they recommend a smaller size tractor. TTWT tested one and damaged it by losing sight of the cutter head in heavy brush and clipping a tree. Operator error, but I believe the LS may handle contact like that better due to stronger mounting frame.

Well, their overheating judgement aside, that response is factually correct.

Lane Shark has to deal with lots of different makes, models, and third party valves so in fairness they cant be intimately familiar with the details of all of them. That said they have videos clearly showing installations that do not follow that guidance. That is bad.

Dan

 

[DVR]

I waited a couple of years to find firsthand LS experience.
Never was able to find any.
Then, by chance, I purchased a piece of property that included a new (26hrs) MX5400, 3rd function, Lane Shark, LS controller, LS plumbing, LP grapple, LP HD bush hog and a 22ft 10k trailer.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I waited a couple of years to find firsthand LS experience.
Never was able to find any.
Then, by chance, I purchased a piece of property that included a new (26hrs) MX5400, 3rd function, LS controller, LS plumbing, LP grapple, LP HD bush hog and a 22ft 10k trailer.

Thats a very fortunate chance ocurrence. I hope you also boughr a lottery ticket JIC

Thanks bigly for sharing your first hand experience. Hopefully it will inform future discussions.

Dan

 

[CGMKCM]

I was searching for other FEL mounted offset front mower options and came across these two. Not much information on either and no distributors in my area. One does offer a hydraulic power pack.

Limb Ninja
Stout

 

[Smokeydog]

I waited a couple of years to find firsthand LS experience.
Never was able to find any.
Then, by chance, I purchased a piece of property that included a new (26hrs) MX5400, 3rd function, Lane Shark, LS controller, LS plumbing, LP grapple, LP HD bush hog and a 22ft 10k trailer.

Like your “hands on” user account on the LS attachment. Important for figuring out how different attachments may help. Always looking for better ideas. There are places where a FEL cutter would be perfect.