Tractor Loader 3rd Function

[rkevins]

Has anyone added a 3rd function to your tractor?
If so what did you use?
I have a Massy Ferguson 2606 with a 911x loader and want a grapple but don't know if I want to add a 3rd function of just get a set of hoses to go to my rear remotes.

 

[JeepYJ]

An electric diverter is an easy way to do it and still allows one hand on the loader joystick to
operate all three functions.
Summit Hydraulics or WR Long can probably set you up.

 

[PCustoms]

I did I diverter valve off my curl circuit.

Pieced it together and saved $$$ over the kits. Only pain was figuring out the fitting type/size

 

[jblnut]

I am of no help. I purchased the factory Deere kit and installed it and the dual rear remotes at the same time. Came with everything needed and install was without issue.

I’d imagine there is a factory kit that exists. Having it on the joystick is very handy.

 

[Firebrick43]

Yes. I set up a 3 spool valve attached to the loader itself and the mounts swings away from the tractor so it can back out of the loader frame.

Monoblock Directional Control Valve, 3 Spool, Joystick Handle, 11 GPM

Hydraulic Monoblock Directional Control Valve, 3 Spool, Joystick Handle, 11 GPM

summit-hydraulics.com

 

[PCustoms]

Found some pictures.

Tucked the valve onto a bracket on the loader arm





Was able to put a micro switch in the joystick

 

[jkeyser14]

Has anyone added a 3rd function to your tractor?
If so what did you use?
I have a Massy Ferguson 2606 with a 911x loader and want a grapple but don't know if I want to add a 3rd function of just get a set of hoses to go to my rear remotes.

I added a Kubota factory 3rd function valve to my loader. It was a DIY install that should have taken 4-5 hours, but I apparently was the lucky recipient of a poorly machined solenoid manifold that didn't properly seal against any of the factory installed o-ring fittings. Once I got a replacement manifold everything was great.

I use it to run a cheap hyrdaulic mini-ex auger that I bought and mounted to a SSQA plate.

I went with the Kubota kit because it came with hard lines to run down the loader frame. I do a ton of work in the woods and didn't want any hoses that could get snagged.

 

[Firebrick43]

AGCO does have a 3rd function kit for it

https://parts.agcocorp.com/us/en/p/valve-set/al60010006

but its expensive.

I ran hoses back to the remotes before switching over to a dedicated valve. It was a pain in the ****, requiring tying the hoses up so they didn't catch on anything and of course requiring unhooking / rehooking when running implements such as my 3 point blade.

 

[Codyboy]

I cheated when I installed mine.
Yeah I had the dealer do it. Lol.
However I did have to relocate it after just a few uses as I ran a limb up into it and damaged the wiring and switch.
Flipped it around and behind the mounting bracket.
It's a little better protected now.
My place is very wooded and if it were mounted exposed like @PCustoms i would have ripped that thing off several times by now.
I would put some heavy steel around that.
Here's how I mounted it after the fact. Dealer had it on the outside of the bracket.

 

[jblnut]

AGCO does have a 3rd function kit for it but it’s expensive.

“Expensive” is subjective. I selected my local dealer and it was a shade over $1200. Honestly was expecting more based on your comment. I paid that much or more for the Deere kit for my 2038r and it all bolted up without too much drama. I’ll happily pay a little extra for something that should fit and has hard lines and such vs making an aftermarket kit work.

 

[Firebrick43]

“Expensive” is subjective. I selected my local dealer and it was a shade over $1200. Honestly was expecting more based on your comment. I paid that much or more for the Deere kit for my 2038r and it all bolted up without too much drama. I’ll happily pay a little extra for something that should fit and has hard lines and such vs making an aftermarket kit work.

Its more "expensive" than an electric solenoid spool kit from someplace like summit but yes, I too would prefer hardlines. I am not a fan of the universal kits mainly for the excess in hose but many put up with that

The 3 spool monoblock valve I put on mine I plumbed every point I could with hardline and JIC fittings but it wasn't a kit. I only have to remove two lines to get the loader off instead of 6 as well by mounting it on the loader frame.

 

[Codyboy]

Its more "expensive" than an electric solenoid spool kit from someplace like summit but yes, I too would prefer hardlines. I am not a fan of the universal kits mainly for the excess in hose but many put up with that

The 3 spool monoblock valve I put on mine I plumbed every point I could with hardline and JIC fittings but it wasn't a kit. I only have to remove two lines to get the loader off instead of 6 as well by mounting it on the loader frame.

How often do you remove the loader?
Ive never had a need to remove mine.
I either have the bucket or grapple on there.

What would the purpose be to remove it? Honestly can't think of a reason.

It is weird that you posted that as my buddy asked me if I do that just a week or so ago.
He says he does sometimes if he's just bushogging to get in tighter spots.

 

[Firebrick43]

How often do you remove the loader?
Ive never had a need to remove mine.
I either have the bucket or grapple on there.

What would the purpose be to remove it? Honestly can't think of a reason.

It is weird that you posted that as my buddy asked me if I do that just a week or so ago.
He says he does sometimes if he's just bushogging to get in tighter spots.

All the time I remove it.

Why would you want to bush hog with it on if its a quick attach loader? Any discing/plowing/planting/spreading lime I also remove the loader. Less wear and tear on the tractor, dont have to raise the loader straight up to get in the corners which raises center of gravity.

And 5 min to remove it is well worth the effort when any maintenance is performed.

 

[Codyboy]

All the time I remove it.

Why would you want to bush hog with it on if its a quick attach loader? Any discing/plowing/planting/spreading lime I also remove the loader. Less wear and tear on the tractor, dont have to raise the loader straight up to get in the corners which raises center of gravity.

I could see that I guess.
It just seems that every time I mow i need to push something like a limb or tree out of the way.
Mine is a quick detach . Pull two pins. Thats it. Has its own kickstands.

 

[jblnut]

How often do you remove the loader?
Ive never had a need to remove mine.
I either have the bucket or grapple on there.

What would the purpose be to remove it? Honestly can't think of a reason.

It is weird that you posted that as my buddy asked me if I do that just a week or so ago.
He says he does sometimes if he's just bush hogging to get in tighter spots.

I purchased my 2038r to be used as a lawnmower and decided to put the loader on it as a bunch of people said I’d regret it if I didn’t. Yeah okay sure. Turns out I use that tractor and loader for everything it’ll reasonably do before hopping in the skiddy. It’s wicked handy.

I can have it on or off in a couple minutes tops. I take it off every time I mow the lawn or do anything where I don’t need it on. It is much more enjoyable to do stuff without it bouncing around.

I also have six hoses to connect/disconnect when it goes on/off and it doesn’t take long at all to do. My 3rd function valve is attached to the side of the loader valve block under the fender all tucked away and hidden.

 

[PCustoms]

My place is very wooded and if it were mounted exposed like @PCustoms i would have ripped that thing off several times by now.
I would put some heavy steel around that.
Here's how I mounted it after the fact. Dealer had it on the outside of the bracket.

My lot was primarily wooded (used the tractor to clear an actual yard) and built the grapple to demo 2 outbuildings. The valve isn't exposed, it's tucked in behind the loader arm where your right foot is. If I have branches and debris there I have a bigger issue.

If I think of it this weekend I'll get an "after" pic showing 5 years of use

 

[HoosierMark]

My old (1978) AC 5020 with loader has a valve under my seat. I pull it out the three point lift works, I push it in and the front loader lifts and curls. I don’t see why a similar set up could not work for something like this with valve controlling the grapple or 3 pt.

 

[Firebrick43]

My old (1978) AC 5020 with loader has a valve under my seat. I pull it out the three point lift works, I push it in and the front loader lifts and curls. I don’t see why a similar set up could not work for something like this with valve controlling the grapple or 3 pt.

That is exactly how many of the third function circuit kits work. They rerouted the oil from a spool to another cylinder bypassing the original cylinder.

Most of them are electrically operated now so you only have to push a button while using spool to operate the third function.

 

[bbxlr8]

I have the Land Pride kit on my K for the grapple. It has sheathed/protected hoses & would have preferred hardlines, but availability was 0% at the time in 21. No issues on it, but did abraid a leak into one of the lines INSIDE the grapple frame by shifting the orientation of a fitting. Mounted to the area near the valves & replacement knob w/ button

 

[NUTTSGT]

I am of no help. I purchased the factory Deere kit and installed it and the dual rear remotes at the same time. Came with everything needed and install was without issue.

I’d imagine there is a factory kit that exists. Having it on the joystick is very handy.

Same here, mine was already added when I bought it. It was added for a grapple by the previous owner and he had to JD dealer do the work.

For what I paid for the TLB w/ grapple, I basically got the 3rd control function and it's installation for free on a 200 hour machine.

 

[Jeffrey D]

I went with a W.R. Long kit and installed it myself on our TYM T264 for using a grapple. The kit was well put together, but the instructions for installation was a little confusing. The dealer I ordered it from offered to install it for a fee of course, but honestly, I don't want someone else messing with my equipment.

 

[Mandres]

Good thread, it's cool to see how many guys here have added the 3rd function. I've been debating it... I use pallet forks for tree cleanup and general brush hauling now. I think a grapple would be cool, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost for me.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Good thread, it's cool to see how many guys here have added the 3rd function. I've been debating it... I use pallet forks for tree cleanup and general brush hauling now. I think a grapple would be cool, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost for me.

I believe Frontier makes an upper grapple to work with pallet forks. While not a true grapple, it may work for some.... Or just bait to get someone to bite and go with a true grapple attachment.

 

[jblnut]

Good thread, it's cool to see how many guys here have added the 3rd function. I've been debating it... I use pallet forks for tree cleanup and general brush hauling now. I think a grapple would be cool, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost for me.

I believe Frontier makes an upper grapple to work with pallet forks. While not a true grapple, it may work for some.... Or just bait to get someone to bite and go with a true grapple attachment.

Frontier does make a pallet fork grapple and it’s quite handy. I believe it was $900 if memory serves me.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Frontier does make a pallet fork grapple and it’s quite handy. I believe it was $900 if memory serves me.

Yours ?

If so, how do you like it ?

 

[jblnut]

Yours ?

If so, how do you like it ?

Yes. It’s okay but it has its limits. It’s not built to be abused like my other grapple but it’s handy in its own way. I grappled a log right up close to the tractor and folded it over and bent the **** out of it. I rebuilt it and its been fine since.


When I need something heavier I get out the actual brushing toys.


As far as putting your own 3rd kit on I say go for it, it was a nice adventure in the shop.

 

[Codyboy]

Good thread, it's cool to see how many guys here have added the 3rd function. I've been debating it... I use pallet forks for tree cleanup and general brush hauling now. I think a grapple would be cool, but I'm not sure it's worth the cost for me.

About 87% of my property is woods and the grapple lives on the tractor about 87% of the time.
Grapple are awesome and safer than just forks.
With a grapple you can reach in and pick stuff by rolling it over and dragging debris out then position it to pick it up. Very versatile in cleanup.

 

[NUTTSGT]

As far as putting your own 3rd kit on I say go for it, it was a nice adventure in the shop.

I had my 1025 tore apart more than that to put the diverter and bigger pump from Hydro's Plus.

I figured it would have been a PITA to install the 3rd kit on.

 

[jblnut]

I had my 1025 tore apart more than that to put the diverter and bigger pump from Hydro's Plus.

I figured it would have been a PITA to install the 3rd kit on.

Basically only had to take the fender apart and tire off to put both the rear SCV’s and 3rd kit on.

I’ve thought about a few of the other upgrades for the 2038r but always come back to “use it for what it is and get something larger out of the shed if needed dummy !!”

 

[ericm]

Last time I priced a Summit kit, a few years ago, it was about the same cost as piecing all the parts together myself. The kit I looked as used a really nice joystick replacement handle. Summit buys the parts in bulk so they can get them for less than I can at retail.

I've been using a rear remote whose valve is on the fender close to the loader joystick. It's ok but some day I'll put a real 3rd function on.

My Branson's loader valve does not send any flow out the power beyond when it's being operated. Then all flow goes out the tank port. No matter how it's plumbed, a 3rd function on this tractor won't be able to be operated at the same time the loader is.

 

[jblnut]

My Branson's loader valve does not send any flow out the power beyond when it's being operated. Then all flow goes out the tank port. No matter how it's plumbed, a 3rd function on this tractor won't be able to be operated at the same time the loader is.

Interesting. My Deere valve bolted to the side of the existing loader valve block. I removed a block off plate, stuck some new O-Rings in there and slapped the new block on. If memory serves me I had to put the block off plate on the 3rd function block so theoretically a guy could add a 4th function and so on if there would be room, which there is not. The 3rd valve went in like a Tetris game and took some knuckle skin with it lol.

 

[Firebrick43]

Last time I priced a Summit kit, a few years ago, it was about the same cost as piecing all the parts together myself. The kit I looked as used a really nice joystick replacement handle. Summit buys the parts in bulk so they can get them for less than I can at retail.

I've been using a rear remote whose valve is on the fender close to the loader joystick. It's ok but some day I'll put a real 3rd function on.

My Branson's loader valve does not send any flow out the power beyond when it's being operated. Then all flow goes out the tank port. No matter how it's plumbed, a 3rd function on this tractor won't be able to be operated at the same time the loader is.

Um,the power beyond valve can't be operated the same time that the master valve is being used, that is how all power beyond works on a open center hydraulics system. A path to tank has to remain open at all times, if the path to tank is closed the positive displacement pump dead heads and that is not good for the health of the system. If the valve down stream wasn't cut off when the upstream valve was actively in use you couldn't make any pressure.

Only a closed center system can have multiple valve bodies function at the same time because the pump stops pumping (variable displacement) if all the spools are closed as there is not path to tank.

Diverter kits don't allow for the the third function to work the same time as which ever circuit is being diverted either.

The only way to operate all three or any combination of the three is to have a 3 spool valve, usually monoblock like I posted above or a modular valve which is common with john deeres going way back into the 60's

 

[consti2tion]

I had my 1025 tore apart more than that to put the diverter and bigger pump from Hydro's Plus.

I figured it would have been a PITA to install the 3rd kit on.

I installed the JD 3rd function on my 1025 back in 2020, it required more disassembly than that. I had to remove the seat, floorboard, side cover etc. I thought I had pictures of it, but no luck.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I installed the JD 3rd function on my 1025 back in 2020, it required more disassembly than that. I had to remove the seat, floorboard, side cover etc. I thought I had pictures of it, but no luck.

That is about what I had to do. I know I did a write up here or over at GTT with some pictures.

Either way, would have been worth it to have it done.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I haven't added it yet but I planned to. Should've had it added when I bought the tractor but didn't know any better. Looking at the ones from Summit Hydraulics or directly from Kioti. Might be my winter project this year if we don't get too much snow.

I really only want to add a homemade small grapple arm for my pallet forks, and I don't want hoses running all the way up from the rear. I don't deal with many logs but have a ton of brush. Right now I scoop with the forks and then throw a strap over it to drive way down to the woods.