I love older tractors. Machines produced before the days of emissions regulations have more power per rated horsepower, run more efficiently, and are easier to work on. I also love new tools. Implements like tractor grapples and upgrades like an adjustable top link help me work faster and with less effort. This means I can get more done in the limited amount of time that I have to spend on my property. One issue with marrying this old and new technology can be the lack of auxiliary hydraulics. In this article, we’re going to detail what you need to know about a 3rd function valve kit and help you determine some options that are right for your goals.
3rd Function Valve Kit vs Rear Remote Hydraulic Kit
Both the “3rd Function Valve Kit” and the “Rear Remote Hydraulic Kit” are ways to add auxiliary hydraulics to tractors and other similar machinery to expand their operational capabilities. While they both deal with hydraulics, they serve different functions and have specific applications. Here’s a comparison of the two:
1. 3rd Function Valve Kit:
- Purpose: This kit is primarily designed to allow operators to use an additional hydraulic function beyond what the tractor was originally equipped with. It’s mostly used for front-end loader attachments, enabling operations like opening and closing a grapple in addition to the standard lifting and tilting functions of a loader bucket.
- Location: It’s typically installed near the front of the tractor and is used in conjunction with front-end implements.
- Control: The control switch (button, lever, or switch) is usually located near the operator’s seat for easy access, allowing the operator to activate and control the third function.
2. Rear Remote Hydraulic Kit:
- Purpose: This kit provides hydraulic ports (often referred to as ‘remotes’) at the rear of the tractor. These ports can supply hydraulic power to a variety of implements that get hitched to the tractor’s rear, like log splitters, backhoes, hydraulic top links, or hydraulic cylinders on equipment like hay balers or mowers.
- Location: As the name suggests, the hydraulic connections are located at the rear of the tractor, making it convenient for connecting rear-mounted implements.
- Control: Typically, the controls for rear remotes can be levers located near the operator’s seat, or they might be electronically controlled in more modern setups.
Comparison:
- Functionality: The 3rd function valve kit is primarily designed for front-end loader operations, while the rear remote hydraulic kit serves rear-mounted implements.
- Complexity: While both systems are meant to add hydraulic functionality, the complexity of installation might vary. Generally, rear remotes might require a more complex installation, especially if adding multiple sets of remotes.
- Versatility: Both systems expand the versatility of a tractor. The choice between them depends on the intended use. If you primarily work with front-end attachments needing additional hydraulic functions, a 3rd function valve kit would be appropriate. If you’re using various rear-mounted hydraulic implements, then rear remote hydraulic kits would be more suitable.
Installing a third-function valve kit and/or rear remote hydraulic kit can greatly expand the versatility of a tractor or similar machinery, enabling it to use a wider variety of attachments that require additional hydraulic functions. If considering such an installation, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your specific tractor model and the intended hydraulic accessory.
The Best Of Both Worlds?
Summit Hydraulics serves the construction and agriculture industries with hydraulic valves and quick couplers and prides itself on providing quality products with exceptional service at competitive prices. They are constantly designing and developing new products such as third-function valves and rear remote kits. I recently spoke with Dave Anthony of Summit to determine what the best option would be for me to add a 3rd function as well as a rear remote connection to my old tractor. My goal was to be able to simultaneously run a tractor grapple and a top and side link for ease in grading roads with a box blade.
For my needs, Dave recommended the Electric Rear Remote Valve Kit for Compact Tractors. Dave said, “This kit requires minimal basic tools, no prior hydraulic experience, and mounts directly to your ROPS, with variations for 2″ ROPS and 3″ ROPS available. It can be installed in an estimated 1.5 hours and acts independently from the other hydraulic valves on your machine. To have a front-third function as well, you would need to dedicate one of the spools to it. You would need to run 2 hoses to the front of your loader to control the attachment.”
So if you are in the market for adding hydraulics solely to the front (3rd function) or rear (rear remote) of your tractor, choose your kit accordingly. But if you’re like me and you want both, the rear remote may be the way to go. The only real downside that I see is the hoses that run from rear to front. If you know you will be working in very brushy conditions, this increases the odds of snagging a hose. I have been running mine for a year now, in those types of conditions, with no issues thus far.
Third Function Valve Kit Options
3rd function valve kits are modeled to meet the different specifications and flow rates of different tractors and front-end loaders. Summit offers many different kits based on the designs of common tractor models. There are specific designs for Kubota and John Deere models as well as universal designs for other tractor manufacturers and less common models from big orange and green.
Kubota 3rd Function Valve Kit
Joystick Handle:
- Kubota 3rd function valve joystick
- Ergonomic design with 2 momentary push button switches
- Fully weatherproof
- Mounts on existing loader joystick shaft
- Removable adapter bushings designed to fit any joystick shaft
- Connects to 12v power source
Valve Body Features:
- Best third function valve for Kubota
- Solid aluminum housing designed for rugged use
- Max Operating Pressure: P = 5080 PSI, T = 3050 PSI, A & B = 5080 PSI
- Flow Rating: 15 GPM
- Aluminum Body
- 3000 PSI Rated
- #8 SAE O-Ring ports ensure solid seal and prevent blockages
John Deere 3rd Function Valve Kit
Joystick Handle:
- Ergonomic design with two momentary push button switches
- Fully weatherproof
- Mounts on existing loader joystick shaft
- Removable adapter bushings designed to fit any joystick shaft
- Connects to 12v power source, necessary for full usage
- Wiring Harness uses Deutsch environmentally sealed connections for great functionality in harsh weather
Valve Body Features:
- Solid aluminum housing designed for rugged use
- Max Operating Pressure: P = 5080 PSI, T = 3050 PSI, A & B = 5080 PSI
- Flow Rating: 15 GPM
- Aluminum Body
- 3000 PSI Rated
Universal Third Function Valve Kit
Joystick Handle:
- Ergonomic design with 2 momentary push button switches
- Fully weatherproof
- Mounts on existing loader joystick shaft
- Removable adapter bushings designed to fit any joystick shaft
- Connects to 12v power source (24v upgrade option available)
- 10ft Wiring Harness with 2 weather proof Deutsch connectors
- Harness uses Deutsch environmentally sealed connections for great functionality in harsh weather
Valve Body Features:
- Solid aluminum housing designed for rugged use
- Max Operating Pressure: P = 5080 PSI, T = 3050 PSI, A & B = 5080 PSI
- Flow Rating: 15 GPM
- Aluminum Body
- 3000 PSI Rated
- #8 SAE O-Ring Work Ports
- Universal bracket that can be either bolted (through hole must be drilled) or welded to your current machine
Solenoid Specifications:
- Nominal Voltage Tolerance +/- 10%
- Power Rating: 37 Watts
- Amps: 3.08
- 100% Duty Cycle
Rear Remote Hydraulic Kit
Valve Body Features:
- Solid aluminum housing designed for rugged use
- Max Operating Pressure: P = 5080 PSI, T = 3050 PSI, A & B = 5080 PSI
- Flow Rating: 15 GPM
- Aluminum Body
- 3000 PSI Rated
Switch Features:
- Switch Box with three momentary rocker switches that spring automatically to the neutral position
- Valve harness uses Deutsch environmentally sealed connections for great functionality in harsh weather
- 1 36″ Valve Harness with Deutsch connectors
Solenoid Specifications:
- Nominal Voltage Tolerance +/- 10%
- Power Rating: 37 Watts
- Amps: 3.08
- 100% Duty Cycle
Final Thoughts On The 3rd Function Valve Kit
To choose between a 3rd function valve kit and a rear remote hydraulic kit with hoses run to the front, the answer will depend on your future plans. Do you plan to use multiple rear hydraulic attachments and front-end loader attachments simultaneously? Do you work in adverse conditions like those on a hunting property? If you have aspirations of doing these things, you may want to go with the 3rd function kit. If not, I’d install the rear remote and run the hoses. Make sure those hoses are secured very well so they don’t get snagged by passing vegetation. Either way, you’re going to have a tractor that is ready to do battle with whatever your land wants to throw at it.
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