3rd Function Wiring Options (L3800) and pros/cons

24tex24

New member

Equipment
L3800HST
Aug 3, 2021
12
2
3
SW Wisconsin
I'm installing 3rd function this weekend using Summit's kit. I have questions about wiring. I've seen there are different options for wiring - e.g. wiring direct to battery, a keyed/ignition or fused power source. Wiring direct to the battery seems the easiest route. What are the pros/cons of each option? Pretend you are explaining this to a middle schooler (that's about my knowledge of wiring).
 

Matt Ellerbee

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
MX6000
Jun 27, 2019
1,654
1,859
113
Canton, Georgia
I'm installing 3rd function this weekend using Summit's kit. I have questions about wiring. I've seen there are different options for wiring - e.g. wiring direct to battery, a keyed/ignition or fused power source. Wiring direct to the battery seems the easiest route. What are the pros/cons of each option? Pretend you are explaining this to a middle schooler (that's about my knowledge of wiring).
I have done 2 summit kits. One on LX and MX. On the LX, I went to key power, with an inline switch. On the MX, I did the same key power, just haven’t installed the switch yet.
 

Matt Ellerbee

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
MX6000
Jun 27, 2019
1,654
1,859
113
Canton, Georgia
What is the benefit of having an inline switch?
I could cut the power the the solenoids if I had the bucket on to not pressurize the lines if accidentally hit. I haven’t done that yet on the MX. I’ve gotten better about not hitting them or fidgeting with them while doing other things. May not put a switch in.
 

ayak

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Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3301 HST
Feb 16, 2018
568
719
93
WV
I wired my Summit kit such that I can power off the tractor and then use the joystick buttons to close the grapple lids to relieve the pressure from the grapple hoses. Then I stick the two grapple hose ends together and haven’t any issues getting them back on later. So far so good with the battery—been that way two years.


I used one of these off Amazon to add it to my panel easily:
Nilight Fuse Holder Add-a-circuit Fuse TAP Adapter Mini ATM APM Blade Fuse Holder-10 Pack , 2 years Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742BZXC2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MPx9SY6Q1TqNY.

I used this stuff to carry the wires over without getting rubbed on:
American Terminal Wire Loom Black 100' Feet 3/8" Split Tubing Hose Cover Auto Home Marine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7RD6Z...abc_66ABXGSXJE8DCS6J0APQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
 

ctfjr

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Equipment
L3800HST
Dec 7, 2009
1,684
1,864
113
central ct
. . .
I used this stuff to carry the wires over without getting rubbed on:
American Terminal Wire Loom Black 100' Feet 3/8" Split Tubing Hose Cover Auto Home Marine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J7RD6Z...abc_66ABXGSXJE8DCS6J0APQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The OP has the tractor as I do so I would just caution to keep this split loom away from the exhaust manifold / exhaust pipe. I use the same thing on my electrical addons and getting to the battery (left side) requires careful routing.

The pic shows two split looms I ran. The orange goes from the battery to the fel pivot then up to a connector I mounted on the crossbar (on strut). The black split loom runs from tha battery back to a small fuse block inside my fender.

split loom routing 20220506_134737_resized_LI.jpg
 
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JoeBabbs

New member

Equipment
L3800, FEL, BH, box blade, front tine bucket, hydraulic front angle blade
Jan 20, 2020
26
2
3
Ithaca, NY USA
There is a spade connector in the fender by the left rear wheel that is live only when the key is on. That is how I wired my 3rd function (not summit, but from everything attachments).
 

AzDoug

New member

Equipment
Bx2230 - l2501 - Komatsu micro excavator
May 8, 2022
5
3
3
Arizona
I am wondering if everyone is happy with the summit third function valve . Joebabs everything attachments is a wR long and some of the dealers use this one but cost couple hundred more .
 

24tex24

New member

Equipment
L3800HST
Aug 3, 2021
12
2
3
SW Wisconsin
Everything was installed yesterday. The valve from summit is leaking pretty badly, so I've reached out to them about that; but otherwise it was an easy install. Tractor looks mean with a grapple.
IMG_6932 copy.jpg
 

MapleLeafFarmer

Well-known member

Equipment
Lots incl. B and L kubotas
Dec 2, 2019
543
387
63
E.
I had my last 3rd function installed by the dealer. They wired it into a switched power source.
 

24tex24

New member

Equipment
L3800HST
Aug 3, 2021
12
2
3
SW Wisconsin
Summit finally picked up the phone and I ordered what I need.

UPDATE and self-deprecating admission: I installed the solenoid to the valve body with the fiber protection pad on it (idiot!!), then snapped off a bolt in the aluminum valve body trying to over-tighten the bolts to stop the leak. So, chalk the $50 valve replacement up to stupid tax and move on.

On the positive side, I was able to order flat faced couplers to replace the ag couplers on the front side so I don't have to use adapters. Saves me some space up front.

This is my first foray into hydraulics. I've learned a lot.
 
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