Third Function Kit Comparison

How do third function kits work and is it better to use an OEM option or a Third-Party option?
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[@martyb3783]

I am amazed at the volume and quality of information that you provide. Its awesome. Thanks very much for spending the time and effort to produce these videos.

[@BigMikesGarage]

I thought I was in the wrong place when I didn't get the jingle at the beginning (I personally love it, reminds me of the 80's). Threw me for a loop. Great info, thanks!

[@kman2220]

I appreciate all the information that you guys provide! Your parts prices are quite a bit cheaper than my local dealer and your parts diagrams are invaluable.

[@pete0205]

Great video and explanation of 3rd function kits, thanks for posting!

[@BiffsEquipment]

Very well explained.. great video Neil. Iv been very happy with my true 3rd function, never been a huge fan of diverter valves unless you have a real NEED for flow control.. which many people don’t.

[@petermcgill2420]

Hello from New Brunswick, Canada 🇨🇦 Great vids great info keep up the great work 👍 👏 😀 👌

[@jamesmisener3006]

Neil I love my dealer installed OEM diverter type 3rd function kit on my BX23S. Currently I use it for our quick attach power angle snow plow from Ai2. I find no trouble with operation and appreciate control of the fluid flow. Cheers. 🇨🇦

[@wdglockandroll]

Thanks for the info. Just got mine installed for a grapple on my l2501.

[@MyClutteredGarage]

Nicely done, Neil.

[@chrisweihe9598]

Very good information for when the time comes that you may need a third function.

[@hbracerx]

Great information, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@orantaylor5140]

I have an M5-111 and I ran hoses down the loader under the cab then we just plug it into the rear hydrolic remote. Really good for flow control.

[@roycenpam]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for info with out music and a LONG intro.

[@dr.thunder4845]

Thanks for youe tutelage on this subject.

[@mproberts416]

Such an informative video!

[@vincentleblond8951]

Good information! Really like that mx model

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

"Third Function 101".... Thank you, professor Neil! 👍👍🤔

[@themikecranston]

Great video... I couldn't get over at 6:50, a 5th wheel travel trailer in the background on the freeway driving with it's slide out!

[@jaxturner7288]

Taking bets; Rental or repo.

[@themikecranston]

@@jaxturner7288 Judging by the tow vehicle.. I'm going with "repo"! :-)

[@bladewiper]

@@jaxturner7288 repo is my vote.

[@dwayneloftice2326]

Great and accurate review!

[@helihoot]

Excellent video

[@bladewiper]

I liked the old international.

[@richardbruton5980]

The benefit of hoses is you can move the setup to the rear of the tractor as well. We do this to run a baler.

[@tominsc9909]

Also the diverter setup may have issues If your loader valve has a regenerative or "quick dump" circuit.

[@nervousordo]

My Kubota dealer did a good job installing the 3rd function on my new tractor.

[@acdii]

If you haven't done one yet, a video on the quick attach hydraulic setup on the various tractors and how they operate.

[@MattN03]

Great info here Neil! I just installed a WR Long B3200 kit on my tractor and the fit was a big disappointment for a kit that was specific to my tractor. I wished I would have looked to see if there was a Landpride option available. Lesson learned for my next Kubota...

[@TheBlairHouseProject]

I have been really disappointed with my WR Long also. Instructions were poor, it needed extra parts to make it work, it leaked like a sieve and now one of the valves has packed in. Strongly don't recommend.

[@michaelparker1250]

Thanks for the great video. I have a bx2380 with a bx2822 front mounted snowblower. My question is, what is the best and easiest way to add a deflector control to the blower. Mine is manual and it would be nice to not have to get off the tractor to adjust.

[@whitechurchfarm]

I’m getting mine from you guys

[@curtwhite876]

I installed the Landpride kit on Tractor Time With Tim, he installed the OEM kit on his machine. The OEM kit has a LOT more value for a very slight price increase.

[@jimmcknight3021]

I'm kind of thinking that's why Neil did this episode, because he regularly looks at TTWT. I watched it as well and it was interesting the difference between the two setups. I totally agree that for the money, I think it would be better to go with kubota's OEM versus land pride if there is a choice. We all are wondering though if Neil ever gave Tim a hat like you got! Lol lol

[@meds4all]

That was a good video

[@jpjp3873]

I'm not finding any kubota OEM valve options for a b2601. My dealer quoted a landpride.......1600.00 installed!!!! Ouch!

[@curtwhite876]

@@jpjp3873 I'm not fully clear on how a diverter works in contrast to the 3rd function, but I can tell you with several hours experience using a 3rd function and there is often a conflict between the various functions. From what I've heard Tim say, the diverter is actually a bit easier to control. If I were you, I would also look into that option. Also, don't hesitate to call Messick's. There might be an option available that your dealer is not aware of. Good luck!

[@jpjp3873]

@@curtwhite876 Thanks for the reply! I'm going in tomorrow to finalize my order. Was figuring to have dealer install to keep it all under warranty and financed in with the package. I'll ask about an OEM option. I'm not sure how long it takes to install, but 800.00 adds up fast at dealer rates!

[@braxtonwiggins6576]

You need to do a video on the L2272 third function / hydraulic skid steer disconnect for the L60series. Not much information out there on it. My local dealer didn’t know it even existed when I ordered my L6060 last month. It’s so handy to not have to get out of the cab to unlatch the skid steer quick coupler.

[@MessicksEquip]

I will, but we need to sell one first.

[@fendert1384]

How about a video about the 2021 Bx line up? Wanting to buy, but can't find any to look at in the NE . Do you have any on site?

[@igortretsnom]

Neil, I went to your website, but could not find the kits you mentioned. I did find a exploded parts diagram, but nothing for third, 3rd, diverter kit, etc

[@kdegraa]

Pretty sure the Kubota MX5200 we bought has an OEM third function kit. The way the Land Pride kit is described and shown looks very similar to the set up on my tractor. I’ll have to check if there are metal lines or hoses. The valve mechanism is up on the loader behind the bucket so I guess it is the self contained diverter style. I’m not sure though as we have not had the tractor long and I’m stuck in prison. The city I live in is a prison city in lock down. No one is allowed to the country. The tractor is on my farm and I can’t go there....

[@nurburgringdreaming2221]

This man is a freaking encyclopedia when it comes to his product. I bet he started when he was old enough to talk

[@drich6816]

you would think they would just come installed from the factory. Steel lines nice and neat

[@DC9Douglas]

One would think that.....but that'd make too much sense. 😊

[@paullambert2668]

That'd make the base tractor more expensive. Not everyone needs them, and some people are very price sensitive.

[@troydriggers]

OEM baby, OEM

[@jpjp3873]

I can't seem to find the OEM kit. I see the landpride that my dealer has quoted for me at 1600.00 installed.....pretty steep install cost when kit sells for 861.00!

[@luvss350]

L3540. My factory kubota 3rd function valve is in a verry bad spot at the bottom of the loader brace by the throttle peddal sticking out past the tires i wish it was in a better place i have hit it several times

[@Gulfshoreman]

Hi Neil. I'm looking at purchasing a 3rd Function Valve Kit for my L3901/LA525. This video was very informative! It's Sunday and Messick's is closed so I thought I would post my questions here. In the video I believe you are comparing OEM and 3rd party valve kits. And I also believe you compare kits where the diverter is place on the loader front tube assembly and those where the diverter is placed near the valve assembly (more so near the operator). For me the latter configuration seems to be better simply because it is more protected from damage when away from the working load. With that out of the way, my focus is on which kit should I buy. An OEM Kit or a 3rd Party Kit. My Local Kubota Dealer is selling the W.R. Long Kit when I checked with them. When I asked about the Land Pride Kit the salesguy said they have had better luck with the WR Long Kits. I have a few questions maybe you can answer. 1. Are you comparing a OEM Kubota or Land Pride Kit with a WR Long Kit? 2. I know Kubota owns Land Pride now, but does Kubota make an OEM kit for my tractor? I did not see one on the Messick's website. Only the Land Pride Kit. 3. In the video which I watched several time as there is a ton of good information, I believe you said the WR Long Kit is a well designed kit. But also believe you also said the OEM kit cost a little more, but the cost is worth it due to design and they are made specific for a model of Kubota Tractor. So my question is did I understand you correctly? 4. What's the warranty on a OEM Kit (if there is one) and a Land Pride Kit? Note: My local guy said the WR Long Kit has a 90 Day warranty which is not very long. Thank you sir!

[@MessicksEquip]

I can make this pretty quick. There is no Kubota kit for this model. Land pride and WR long kids are very similar, but I prefer the way the couplers mount on the land pride. www.messicks.com/part/380-152A

[@Gulfshoreman]

@@MessicksEquip Thanks and I appreciate the quick reply!

[@Gulfshoreman]

I just ordered one from you. Thanks again@@MessicksEquip !!!!

[@James-fs4rn]

Hi Neil. Thanks for sharing. I have trouble connecting my grapple to my third function fittings from residual pressure. I always cycle the buttons with the key on to try to relieve pressure before disconnecting and before connecting, but still have an issue. This is a factory third function on a B2650. Do you have any suggestions to solve this? Thanks again.

[@MessicksEquip]

Video coming out shortly on this

[@michaellloyd5737]

Hi Neil, can you explain what those two knobs on the Hydro-Tek value, top and bottom are for. Do they have any function at all? I'm trying to slow down the response of the hydraulics when operating the grappler on my L3901 when loading logs onto the mill. Is there any way of slowing the action other than via the buttons. I had the OEM version installed. Thanks.

[@MessicksEquip]

Hydraulic flow restrictor

[@SOJ51.]

Neil, when using my 3rd function (4 in 1 bucket) and having my BH92 backhoe attached on my L4701, the backhoe valve continues to blow seals. This is a huge disappointment and limits the function of the tractor. Has Kubota come up with a fix for this issue?

[@MessicksEquip]

IMO, something else going on there. Incorrect plumbing? dirty or incorrect hydraulic fluid, etc?

[@rdking8001]

When I engage third function valve can it stay open so I can run a log splitter out front with function controller for splitter on splitter if that makes sense

[@MessicksEquip]

not a great idea. 3rd functions are not make for long term continuous flow like that.

[@eosjoe565]

So are you saying that with a 3rd function kit the flow control is via a switch but it is ON/OFF with no variable flow control? Whereas with the diverter I still have to throw a switch but can then use the loader SCV to vary the flow?

[@jaxturner7288]

Exactly

[@eosjoe565]

@@jaxturner7288 Thanks! I never realized that's how the 3rd function options worked.

[@anthonyf2847]

I have a question why might a newer tractor have bigger or wider tires than a older model of that same tractor?

[@indianaautomationinc.6693]

Some tractors have multi position rear rims. You can change the rear stance depending on your application.

[@patrickmallett8257]

Neil, thanks for the video. My dealer installed the 3rd Function behind the loader in the manner shown in your video. It now interferes with the Swift Tach hydraulic disconnect lever function. Seems like Kubota should have a better solution.

[@MessicksEquip]

This is for a BX? The OEM 3rd function valve puts the valve body out on the loader as a diverter so it does not get in the way of the swift-tach. Availability on those is terrible, your dealer may have used a Land Pride 3rd function for that reason.

[@patrickmallett8257]

@@MessicksEquip My tractor is a B2601. I agree, they probably installed a Land Pride 3rd function. Dealer was not really that knowledgeable on the Swift Tach loader. The Swift Tach loader is a significant advancement in ease of use. A suggestion for Kubota is to innovate a better 3rd function integration and make it standard. For example, just add two more connectors on the Swift Tach manifold. These days the 3rd function is a necessity like the Skid Steer quick connect.

[@merrilljohn1619]

I have a Deere 4720 with 2 open rear remotes in the rear. Can I run two hoses from the rear to the front loader to power a third function ? I do have an operating control arm for the rear remotes on the tractor ? It seems so simple, so there must be a reason not to do it. Thanks for any response.

[@jc-botaman1077]

I used a rear remote for a third function on my New Holland3045 and it worked perfect. The control lever for the rear remote was very close to the loader control lever so it was easy to go back and forth operating a grapple.

[@merrilljohn1619]

@@jc-botaman1077 Thank you so much for the reply & the advice. I've been playing with tractors for 20 years and I am enjoying all the free advice from good people like you.

[@cwo9930]

Neil what is the flow rate on an oem 3rd function on a mx5400

[@MessicksEquip]

Probably 10% less than the implement flow. Been wanting to do a video on this.

[@Renault_75-34MX]

For us, that would.ore be a second function because our Renault only has one hydraulic line acting in both directions, so our the cylinders only have one hose each, and only hight can be controlled easily. The angle is either fixed or gravity dependent.

[@rogerr1296]

When I purchased my tractor I asked the dealer to go ahead and order a rear remote for a future flex wing cutter I will be getting and the salesman said that I should wait until I order the cutter so I will know what type couplers come with it. Don't implements for tractors generally come standard with male and female Pioneer couplers or when you order the implement they ask you to specify what couplers you want it come with?

[@MessicksEquip]

Rears are almost always pioneer. Front can be either.

[@jc-botaman1077]

Sounds like your salesman didn't want to be bothered with it, or knew he couldn't get the part, or wanted to get the sale completed without waiting for the remote to be installed. I'm pretty sure it would have been cheaper to have it installed before you took delivery.

[@rogerr1296]

@@jc-botaman1077 Unfortunately that's the conclusion I came to as well as some other people I talked to. We had completed the sale and were waiting on some attachments to come in before delivery so, yeah, he didn't want to be bothered with it since he had already made the sale. But I feel the dealership itself is still a good one. Just wish we had an all around reliable one like Messick's seems to be.

[@jc-botaman1077]

@@rogerr1296 Your dealership probably is a good one. You can have good as well as bad salesmen at a good dealership. I am a Messick's customer and had a bad experience with a salesman that I dealt with for years. I now go to a different Messick's location and deal with a different salesman. That first salesman cost them the sale of a Kubota L47 TLB and a Kubota B2650 cab, which I ended up buying from a different dealer.

[@rogerr1296]

@@jc-botaman1077 Unfortunately (I seem to use that word a lot here lately ..lol) it's a little bit of a drive for me to the next closest Kubota dealership but, depending on how things go with this salesmen in my future dealings with him, I may make the trek for any new equipment purchases.

[@32jdmiller]

I have a Kubota L48 with the OEM third function kit. Does Kubota still make this style of third function

[@MessicksEquip]

With the valve stacked on the loader valve? No, its not done that way any longer.

[@32jdmiller]

@@MessicksEquip that is too bad. I really like the reliability and simplicity of a stacked valve

[@daviddenman7479]

My question is if the kubota kit is superior with the hard lines down the boom, then why did Neil install a Long kit on his new LX?????

[@MessicksEquip]

Because they gave me one for free.

[@nicholashawkins5384]

Dose the lx have enough flow to run a true 3rd function and a 2nd function together

[@MessicksEquip]

For that to really be done right you'd need closed center or flow control. No small tractor could.

[@nicholashawkins5384]

@@MessicksEquip I asked it in the wrong way talking specifically for loader curl and grapple close or open doing 1 of each function

[@robertshirlingjr.6988]

I have a hydraulic tank for a front brush cutter. Is there a way i can use a grapple with it? Trying to use what i got without buying a 3rd function.

[@MessicksEquip]

No, you need a valve that can toggle the flow bi-directionally.

[@robertshirlingjr.6988]

Do you have one or know where i can get one? Thanks

[@MessicksEquip]

@@robertshirlingjr.6988 messicks.com/thirdfunction

[@rodney5656]

Why is my dealer saying there is no hardline 3rd function. Option for my Mx?

[@MessicksEquip]

There is not. Land pride only.

[@roostriverrange4663]

I’ve tried to order things at Messicks but haven’t ever been able to get through to them. Using their part number pdf only helps if you know the number. Still need replacement tubes for my Bh92 outriggers. I slipped off and damaged one. Anyone know the part number for those metal tubes that are hose clamped to the outrigger?

[@MessicksEquip]

877-260-3528? our hold times average under 30 seconds.