Lets Talk About kubota’s third function valve kit

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A front loader already gives a Kubota tractor plenty of capability, but some attachments need a second hydraulic circuit to do their full job. A grapple is a good example. The loader handles the lifting and curling, but the grapple still needs hydraulic power to open and close.

That is where a Kubota third function valve kit comes in. It adds an auxiliary hydraulic circuit to the loader so the operator can control attachments that need their own hydraulic movement.

What is a Third Function Valve Kit?

A front-end loader normally gives you two hydraulic movements: raising and lowering the loader arms and curling or dumping the attachment.

A third function adds another hydraulic control.

On a grapple, that extra circuit opens and closes the lid. On a 4-in-1 bucket, it controls the additional bucket movement. Other hydraulic attachments may use the circuit for angling, clamping, or another function.

Most third-function setups place the control on or near the loader joystick, giving the operator access without reaching for a separate valve.

Key Benefits of kubota’s Third Function Valve Kit

Run Hydraulic Grapples and Other Attachments: The biggest reason to add a third function is simple: it gives the loader hydraulic power for attachments that need more than lift and curl. Grapples, 4-in-1 buckets, and certain other front-loader attachments depend on that extra circuit.
Control More Than One Loader Function: With the third function control close to the loader joystick, you can operate the attachment while handling normal loader movements. When working with a grapple, for example, you can position the loader and control the grapple lid without leaving the operator’s seat.
Better Control Over the Attachment: Opening or closing a grapple from the joystick gives you more control when grabbing brush, logs, rocks, or other material. Instead of treating the attachment like a fixed bucket, you can adjust your grip as the load changes.
Less Manual Handling: Hydraulic control means you do not have to climb off the tractor to manually adjust the attachment every time its position needs to change. That is especially useful when a job involves repeated grabbing, releasing, or repositioning.
More Use From the Loader: A third function opens the door to attachments the tractor could not fully operate before. For an owner who wants to use a grapple or another auxiliary-hydraulic attachment, it can turn the loader into a much more useful part of the tractor.

Installation Process of a Third Function Kit

While the installation of a Third Function Kit might seem daunting, it is a manageable project for those with basic mechanical skills. However, professional installation is recommended if you are unsure or want to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely.

Great youtube video we found How To Install a 3rd Function Kit – Kubota L3901 L3301 L2501 L3200 Tractor

Some Basic Steps

(not related to the video)

Get the tractor ready: Before touching the hydraulic lines, confirm the kit is the correct one for both the tractor and loader. With the tractor parked flat and the loader resting on the ground, relieve the system pressure and disconnect power according to the owner’s manual.
Mount the Valve: Mount the hydraulic valve where it will not interfere with the loader, tractor, or other moving components. Model-specific kits usually include a mounting location and brackets intended for that tractor.
Lay out the hydraulic hoses: Before tightening everything down, run the hoses along the loader and check where they sit through normal movement. Give them enough slack to move without rubbing on sharp edges, getting pinched, or being pulled tight.
Connect the Controls: Many kits use a switch or buttons mounted on the loader joystick. The wiring operates the third-function valve, so follow the kit manufacturer’s instructions.
Test the System: Once everything is connected, run the tractor at low engine speed and check the system carefully. Before putting the tractor to work, look for hydraulic leaks, hose interference, loose fittings, or attachment movement that doesn’t respond as expected.

Match the Kit to the Tractor and Loader

Kubota loaders are not all set up the same way, even when the tractors look similar. Use the model numbers from both the tractor and loader to narrow down the correct third function kit before you order.

The safest bet is to match the kit to the exact tractor-and-loader combination you already own, then make sure it will run the attachment you plan to use.

Hydraulic flow and pressure also matter. The kit and its components must be compatible with the tractor’s hydraulic system and the attachment connected to it.

If you are not certain which setup fits, check with the kit manufacturer, Kubota dealer, or an experienced hydraulic technician before ordering.

For a Kubota owner planning to add a hydraulic grapple, a third function kit is often one of the first things to check. Without that extra hydraulic circuit, the loader may be able to lift the grapple but will not have a way to operate its lid.

Match the tractor, loader, and third function correctly, and you’ll have a much more useful setup for brush cleanup, logs, storm debris, rocks, and other jobs where being able to grab and release material makes all the difference.