Hydraulic Valves

What is a tractor third function valve kit, and what are the benefits of one?

Posted on by Steve Sandefur
TFK Blog Hero Image showing a tractor grapple grabbing a log

What is a Tractor 3rd Function Kit?

Unlock versatility, functionality, and efficiency with a simple upgrade. A third function kit can speed up daunting tasks and make your life easier. Add this hydraulic kit today!

A Third Function Valve is a hydraulic control valve that’s installed on your tractor in order to add an additional front hydraulic function. A hydraulic control valve allows fluid to flow in and out of cylinders or hydraulic motors to extend/retract them with the push of a button or moving a joystick handle. Best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your tractor seat.

Most commonly these Third Function Valves are installed downstream from a loader valve via the power beyond port and can be used to do work beyond the lift and tilt of a bucket. For a new attachment, you require the ability to open, close or rotate it. Add new implements like:

  • Grapples
  • Augers
  • Snowplow tilt
  • Snow blower
  • Broom
  • 4-in-1 Buckets
  • Tree Pullers/Shears
  • Pallet Forks
Kioti CX2510 Tractor using a grapple

How Do I Install a Third Function Hydraulic Kit?

All our TFKs include detailed installation instructions that walk you through each step, from unboxing to completion! However, we also offer many resources online as well. We offer FAQ pages dedicated to Third Function Kits, blogs that are frequently updated for relevance and accuracy, and in-depth YouTube tutorials.

John Deere 3038E Complete Walkthrough:

Shop our John Deere 3038E Third Function Kit today and upgrade your hydraulic system!

Universal Kit Walkthrough:

Shop our Universal Third Function Kit today and take your tractor to new heights!

In general, there are some basic steps to install a Third Function Kit.

1. Preparation: Before you add a Third Function Kit to your tractor, ensure that you have all recommended tools handy and the correct model for your machine. We recommend a general mechanic tool set, an open-ended wrench set, a crescent wrench, a torque wrench, an impact Drill, and a Jack Stand. We recommend using a torque wrench when tightening instead of an impact wrench. Take care when parking the tractor on a flat surface. Place chalks in front and behind the left rear wheel; take care to secure the tractor.

2. Mount the Valve: Our valve will attach to our sturdy, black powder coated mounting bracket. The assembly will generally connect to the tractor’s loader arms, using existing mounting holes.

3. Routing Hydraulic Lines: See a common configuration of hydraulic hose routing for third function valve setups below. They are typically connected to the power beyond port of your loader valve, or they can be connected directly to your hydraulic pump. Review the two installation options below.

4. Connecting the Joystick: All our third function kits include an ergonomic momentary two button joystick and a wiring harness. The joystick is designed to replace the existing knob from the end of your control lever. The harness will connect to the Deutsch connections on the valve’s solenoid coils. It will route to your tractor’s battery terminals.

5. Testing the System: Once installed, ensure all hardware and connections are secure and tight. Connect the new hydraulic implement’s hoses to the quick couplers on the cross-beam coupler mounting bracket. Test your new kit with our joystick! Lastly, top off the hydraulic fluid in your tractor’s reservoir as needed.

Summit Hydraulics employee installing a grapple to a Kioti tractor using our third function kit.

Which third function hydraulic kit is right for me?

We sell Third Function Kits that can be installed on any machine. If you have a Kubota, John Deere, Kioti, Bobcat, or LS Tractor, we may have a machine specific kit created that will be everything you’ll need to install a third function. If you have a machine that we don’t have a kit for yet, a Universal Third Function Kit will work great.

Third Function Valve Vs. Diverter Valve

You’ve probably heard your favorite online personality use “Third Function Valve” and “Diverter Valve” interchangeably. While the diverter valve accomplishes the same objective as a control valve, it operates very differently. They are not interchangeable.

An alternative to installing another hydraulic control valve (Third Function Valve), is to install a diverter valve. These valves divert the flow of fluid from one hydraulic cylinder to another, either manually or electronically. Another way to think of this is to imagine a tractor with a front-end loader that you want to install a grapple. You could remove the hydraulic lines from the tilt circuit of your loader and attach them to your grapple every time you wanted to open and close your grapple, however this doesn’t make much sense. Alternatively, you could install a diverter valve in-line with your tilt function. When you activate that diverter, the flow of fluid would divert away from your tilt function and go to your grapple. See the illustration below.

What’s the benefit of a Third Function Valve over a diverter?

Summit Hydraulic Product Kit BreakdownThird Function Valve KitDiverter Valve Kit
Location on Tractor?FrontFront
Solenoid or Manually Operated?SolenoidBoth
Continuation or diversion of fluid?ContinuationDiversion
Link?Learn MoreLearn More

Diverter valves must divert fluid away from another hydraulic implement to provide fluid to the new implement. However, with a true third function, you are installing a new control valve which can be used in conjunction with any of your other hydraulic implements.

Tackle More, Work Smarter: Get Your Third Function Kit Now!

Investing in a 3rd function kit is about more than just adding a new function; it’s about vastly expanding your capabilities and efficiency. From the convenience of a 4-in-1 bucket to the specialized utility of a tree shear, these kits make it easy to take on jobs that were too much of a hassle or impossible. You’ll save time, reduce manual labor, and get the most out of your tractor. Don’t let your tractor be limited by its existing hydraulics. Upgrade today and make life easier.

26 thoughts on “What is a tractor third function valve kit, and what are the benefits of one?”

  1. Robert Harris says:

    I am wanting to run a hydraulic post hole digger and a grapple on a 675 John Deere skid steer. Will your third function valve allow me to lift and tilt the bucket and drill a hole at the same time?

    Reply
    • Ryan Shumakker says:

      Hello, Yes the 3rd function kit will allow you to lift and tilt the bucket and drill a hole at the same time.

      Regards

      Ryan

      Reply
  3. Brant says:

    I have a Kubota L5740 cab tractor. It didn’t come with rear remotes so I added 2 using a diverter valve kit made by tractor innovations. Can I now just run the grapple lines to the rear remote without needing a 3rd function remote?

    Reply
    • Steve Sandefur says:

      Hello Brant,

      A hydraulic diverter valve allows you to individually control two double or single acting cylinders from a single control valve by diverting fluid from one cylinder to another when activated, giving you a simple way to add auxiliary components to your system. Another way of thinking about diverter valves is this: Imagine you want to add a grapple, but you don’t have any hydraulic lines connected to your grapple yet. You could Disconnect the lines from you tilt function, and plug them into your grapple every time you wanted to use the grapple, but that would get old really quick. So instead you install a diverter valve, which allows you to electrically “switch hoses” from your tilt to your grapple and back again with a push of a button.

      A true third function kit allows you to independently control the flow of hydraulic fluid in and out of a cylinder (or a number of cylinders), using a series of either separate switches or switches contained within a joystick. When the button is pressed, the solenoid opens the flow of fluid to the cylinder, either extending or retracting it. Our third function valve kit is is connected via the power beyond port of your existing loader valve which will allow you to use multiple functions at the same time (i.e. curl bucket and close grapple). This allows full control of additional circuits/cylinders without losing control of other hydraulic systems.

      A diverter valve will divert fluid from an existing implement to control a new one. So, you could use your diverter kit for your grapple, but this means that your existing implement will be inoperable while using your grapple. If you do not want to lose any functionality to your implements, you will want a true third function kit.

      Regards,

      Steve

      Reply
  4. rick a says:

    do you have a third function kit package set for a Mahindra 1626 that i know i would be getting the right parts so as not to order the wrong stuff and a price for it thanks

    Reply
  5. Russell Ralston says:

    I have a jd 3046r with mid mount mower. I want to add a grapple function when the mower is removed. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
  6. Robert Dunn says:

    I have a JD 4510 with 460 loader. In the rear, I have a Power Beyond Setup that was used with back-how ( now removed) do I need a third thumb or can I come off the power beyond unit?

    Reply
  7. Chuck in Washington says:

    Hi, I have a Kioti PX 1153 Tractor with Loader, factory 3rd function and two rear remotes.
    I want to add a SkidPro 6 way Dozer Blade on the front loader but I’m not sure what I need to make the Tilt and Angle work, can you help me figure it out? Thanks

    Reply
  8. Rod Richeson says:

    I recently purchased a Massey GC1725MB with backhoe and a mechanical thumb. I would really like to change the thumb to hydraulic, but it seems it is a little more complicated than adding a third function. Any roadmaps to accomplish that?

    Reply
  9. Mauro Dalla Bona says:

    I have a Daewoo Mega loader 200 III
    Do you have a specific kit for this machine?
    Looking to install a hydraulic snow plow

    Reply
    • Steve Sandefur says:

      Hello,

      We do not have a kit with adequate flow capacity for your machine at this time. Sorry about that.

      Regards,

      Steve

      Reply
  10. Robert Horta says:

    Hello I have a John deere 4320 with a 400x front end loader and I’m looking to buy a root grapple from titan item111210 and I need the 3rd function valve do you know what kit I need to buy?

    Reply
  12. Everette Ramsey says:

    Does Summit have a specific 3rd function control valve for a M7040 Kubota tractor? Adding a grapple to the loader would recommend a third function or a diverted control valve.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright 2025 © Summit Hydraulics