highly recommend the kubota 3rd function quick coupler

[AlexPeel159]

Dont see much talk about this but just wanted to sing the praises of the kubota quick coupler for the 3rd function in case anyone is interested in it. It makes taking on and off my grapple a breeze compared to the few times I did it without the coupler installed. Zero issues with couplers locked up, no hydraulic fluid mess. Literally takes just a couple seconds to remove or attach. My grapple lives on my tractor I end up taking it on and off frequently. I know for sure that if I did not have this I would be much more reluctant to swap to other attachments just because of dealing with the hydraulic connections.

This is the coupler (L2260) for my tractor. I think there are different versions for different models but I imagine that any of them could be used on any tractor with a adapter bracket. https://www.messicks.com/parts/kubo...CQsPafseLrCdP9SBenzmFvwRRy41flmYaApIREALw_wcB

Downside is the cost. Its pricy and you need to by the corresponding male adapter for any implement that needs 3rd function. However going by the buy once cry once rule I have no regrets. I only have one attachment right now that needs 3rd function and I don't ever see owning more than one or two more. Small price per attachment compared to the attachment itself.

Not sure if there are any 3rd party equivalents for this.

They also make a few versions for the load arm connections (a four hose and eight hose model) but I dont think I will ever take my loader off so I dont see that one being even close to as worthwhile.

 

[SDT]

Dont see much talk about this but just wanted to sing the praises of the kubota quick coupler for the 3rd function in case anyone is interested in it. It makes taking on and off my grapple a breeze compared to the few times I did it without the coupler installed. Zero issues with couplers locked up, no hydraulic fluid mess. Literally takes just a couple seconds to remove or attach.

This is the coupler L2260 coupler for my tractor. I think there are different versions for different models but I imagine that any of them could be used on any tractor with a adapter bracket. https://www.messicks.com/parts/kubo...CQsPafseLrCdP9SBenzmFvwRRy41flmYaApIREALw_wcB

Downside is the cost. Its pricy and you need to by the corresponding male adapter for any implement that needs 3rd function. However going by the buy once cry once rule I have no regrets. I only have one attachment right now that needs 3rd function and I don't ever see owning more than one or two more. Small price per attachment compared to the attachment itself. As my grapple lives on my tractor I end up taking it on and off frequently. I know for sure that if I did not have this I would be much more reluctant to swap to other attachments just because of dealing with the hydraulic connections.

Not sure if there are any 3rd party equivalents for this.

They also make a few versions for the load arm connections (a four hose and eight hose model) but I dont think I will ever take my loader off so I dont see that one being even close to as worthwhile.

Even more helpful is the single-lever hydraulic manifold for the FEL. (I mount/dismount FELS twice each year.)

I had these on my L6060 and M9960 and would not be without.

Yes, they are expensive.

 

[AlexPeel159]

Even more helpful is the single-lever hydraulic manifold for the FEL. (I mount/dismount FELS twice each year.)

I had these on my L6060 and M9960 and would not be without.

Yes, they are expensive.

I would get that in a heartbeat if I ever thought I was going to take off my FEL. I don't ever see doing that though. No snow removal where I live and I don't know what other reason you would take it off for.

 

[McMXi]

I would get that in a heartbeat if I ever thought I was going to take off my FEL. I don't ever see doing that though. No snow removal where I live and I don't know what other reason you would take it off for.

I'm in a similar situation. I never take the loader off the MX, but I do remove the loader from the M6060 once a year for a few months. But it's so convenient to have both loaders on the tractors, and although I have suitcase weights for the M, and mowing without a loader is nice, I'm starting to think that leaving the loaders where they are offers way more flexibility and fast reaction time to various needs. If I need two buckets, or a grapple and a bucket, or a bucket and pallet forks, or a bucket and PHD, it's not hard to change combinations around.

During the winter the MX is set up for snow removal with an hydraulic snow blade up front and snow blower out back. Last winter I had to help my neighbors at least five times getting their cars out of snow-filled ditches. I didn't have the loader on the M and could have used it for some of those recoveries. So now I have the loader on the M this winter.

The only advantages of removing the loader from the M when mowing is better visibility up front and potentially less stress on the loader and connection points. There's plenty of room on the 30ft gooseneck trailer so no advantage to removing the loader there. Last summer I pulled the big cutter around with the loader on and the bucket off. Visibility wasn't an issue, and I'm not bouncing around over very rough ground so I don't see any issues with wear and tear either. I have over 1,000 lb of suitcase weights if I need them and it takes all of 15 minutes to remove or install the loader so I don't see a quick disconnect system in my future. I do see how some would find it very useful though.

 

[Blue2Orange]

The BX is only my 2nd tractor over the past now +25 years. This time around I went with the skid-steerer style quick attach and 3rd function kit. The combo makes for easy and quick implement change. Only own two. Bucket and grapple. So far, no issues in connecting and disconnecting. Bit of an investment. But life is so much nicer.

Still considering a front qa snow blade with hydraulic angle adjustment. V blade that could also be set to std blade and inverse V position would be sweet. But guessing expensive if even available.

 

[AlexPeel159]

The BX is only my 2nd tractor over the past now +25 years. This time around I went with the skid-steerer style quick attach and 3rd function kit. The combo makes for easy and quick implement change. Only own two. Bucket and grapple. So far, no issues in connecting and disconnecting. Bit of an investment. But life is so much nicer.

Still considering a front qa snow blade with hydraulic angle adjustment. V blade that could also be set to std blade and inverse V position would be sweet. But guessing expensive if even available.

The quick connect I am referencing is not for the attachment itself but for the hydraulic hoses. It replaces the normal connections with a "quick" coupler that has several benefits: It does all the hoses at the same time and it does not suffer from hydraulic locking (expansion of the fluid when disconnected preventing the standard coupler from connecting easily).

The main benefit is the last one. No bleeding of the hydraulic valves and the oil mess that results or needing special tools to connect the hoses.

 

[Blue2Orange]

The quick connect I am referencing is not for the attachment itself but for the hydraulic hoses. It replaces the normal connections with a "quick" coupler that has several benefits: It does all the hoses at the same time and it does not suffer from hydraulic locking (expansion of the fluid when disconnected preventing the standard coupler from connecting easily).

The main benefit is the last one. No bleeding of the hydraulic valves and the oil mess that results or needing special tools to connect the hoses.

The "combo" I was referring to are the QA and the 3rd function hydraulic couplers. Couplers look to be just more or less standard. Nothing special about them. Sounds like something different than what you are noting since it replaces the "normal connections". Images? Hit the link, but my ancient iMac OS just reveals blue question mark boxes. I do click the 3rd function buttons to allow for no pressure from hydraulic locking. So far have yet to experience any issue coupling or uncoupling the two lines.

 

[JonM]

Dont see much talk about this but just wanted to sing the praises of the kubota quick coupler for the 3rd function in case anyone is interested in it. It makes taking on and off my grapple a breeze compared to the few times I did it without the coupler installed. Zero issues with couplers locked up, no hydraulic fluid mess. Literally takes just a couple seconds to remove or attach. My grapple lives on my tractor I end up taking it on and off frequently. I know for sure that if I did not have this I would be much more reluctant to swap to other attachments just because of dealing with the hydraulic connections.

This is the coupler (L2260) for my tractor. I think there are different versions for different models but I imagine that any of them could be used on any tractor with a adapter bracket. https://www.messicks.com/parts/kubo...CQsPafseLrCdP9SBenzmFvwRRy41flmYaApIREALw_wcB

Downside is the cost. Its pricy and you need to by the corresponding male adapter for any implement that needs 3rd function. However going by the buy once cry once rule I have no regrets. I only have one attachment right now that needs 3rd function and I don't ever see owning more than one or two more. Small price per attachment compared to the attachment itself.

Not sure if there are any 3rd party equivalents for this.

They also make a few versions for the load arm connections (a four hose and eight hose model) but I dont think I will ever take my loader off so I dont see that one being even close to as worthwhile.

i put flat face couplers on my third function
the issue i have with pioneer couplers is its almost impossible to get the female side cleaned from dirt and debris properly

 

[Spam Bot]

The BX is only my 2nd tractor over the past now +25 years. This time around I went with the skid-steerer style quick attach and 3rd function kit. The combo makes for easy and quick implement change. Only own two. Bucket and grapple. So far, no issues in connecting and disconnecting. Bit of an investment. But life is so much nicer.

Still considering a front qa snow blade with hydraulic angle adjustment. V blade that could also be set to std blade and inverse V position would be sweet. But guessing expensive if even available.

The V plow is available for the BX with the skid steer quick implement attachment; however, it is insanely expensive. I looked into buying one a couple of years ago and was quoted $3600 in the spring because they wanted to get it out of inventory. I should have jumped on it, but I didn't, and I regret it now. I believe the price today is $ 5,000 or more.

 

[McMXi]

i put flat face couplers on my third function
the issue i have with pioneer couplers is its almost impossible to get the female side cleaned from dirt and debris properly

I'm guessing that you don't have any rear remotes then. Plenty of female couplers there.

I find that compressed air or a suitable cleaner in a spray can works really well and will get any fitting, regardless of type, more than clean enough.

I'm too invested in poppet style couplers at this stage to even consider flat faced couplers, but I do appreciate the fact that flat faced are superior for a number of reasons. Just to upgrade the 3rd function on both tractors and related implements would require 10 new fittings. I don't even want to count how many it would be for the rear remotes and related implements. I think that ship sailed and sank years ago.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I'm guessing that you don't have any rear remotes then. Plenty of female couplers there.

I find that compressed air or a suitable cleaner in a spray can works really well and will get any fitting, regardless of type, more than clean enough.

I'm too invested in poppet style couplers at this stage to even consider flat faced couplers, but I do appreciate the fact that flat faced are superior for a number of reasons. Just to upgrade the 3rd function on both tractors and related implements would require 10 new fittings. I don't even want to count how many it would be for the rear remotes and related implements. I think that ship sailed and sank years ago.

The real value of flat face couplers is high flow rates which is meaningless on a CUT or most larger utility tractors. Thats why ISO 7241 is still the industry choice for agricultural applications.

Dan

 

[McMXi]

The real value of flat face couplers is high flow rates which is meaningless on a CUT or most larger utility tractors. Thats why ISO 7241 is still the industry choice for agricultural applications.

Dan

I'm aware of the higher flow rates that flat faced couplers allow. But also, the manufacturers of flat face couplers tout less contamination and less hydraulic oil loss as being "significant" benefits. No doubt this is a tangible benefit for a farmer or contractor who needs to disconnect and reconnect hydraulic lines frequently, but for home/hobby users it's not such a big selling point.

 

[hedgerow]

I have been around hydraulic coupling systems since I was kid. From wet kits on semi trucks to heavy equipment to all kinds of farm equipment. They are all great till there not. They all make a mess one time or another and lot of them are out in dirty conditions so cleaning before hooking up is always a problem I always have rags, towel and cleaners in each piece of equipment tool boxes I have enough tractors any more I don't do a lot of hooking and unhooking during the farming season. I can't say there is one system that has made me think this is the one and all my equipment will be changed over to this. This system the OP is talking about the first time I was around it was on a a JD combine they called it single point. It's used to hook the hydraulic and electric up between the combine and header. It not the answer to all your problems. Over time they get a little damage and wear and then there leaking the electric side isn't happy. They are high priced to replace and or rebuild. Got a friend that has the single point on a newer JD tractor and loader with a grapple and they remove the loader a couple times a day as they use it feeding cattle seven days a week. They took the single point system off that tractor and loader and went back to single couplers. He has hired help and they didn't play nice with the single point system. Its like everything use what works for you.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Even with the flat faced coupler I purchased some aftermarket caps for both the male and female ends. Still inspect and if looking dusty, dirty. So far, life is easy with these flat faced couplers. If clean. Takes just a moment to uncouple or couple. Seems to be a relatively simple and robust design.

 

[Blue2Orange]

The V plow is available for the BX with the skid steer quick implement attachment; however, it is insanely expensive. I looked into buying one a couple of years ago and was quoted $3600 in the spring because they wanted to get it out of inventory. I should have jumped on it, but I didn't, and I regret it now. I believe the price today is $ 5,000 or more.

Sort of figured the V-blade are expensive. Took a look at a conventional blade set up for use with 3rd function. Useful implement, but $$$$. Need a land plane more. Snowblade will just need to wait. Maybe forever.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Even with the flat faced coupler I purchased some aftermarket caps for both the male and female ends. Still inspect and if looking dusty, dirty. So far, life is easy with these flat faced couplers. If clean. Takes just a moment to uncouple or couple. Seems to be a relatively simple and robust design.

FF couplers are the industry standard on equipment like skid steers snd excavators.

They dont support one hand connection and breakaway protection like agricultural couplers.

On a CUT its mainly a matter of personal preference and cost.

Dan

 

[JonM]

I'm guessing that you don't have any rear remotes then. Plenty of female couplers there.

I find that compressed air or a suitable cleaner in a spray can works really well and will get any fitting, regardless of type, more than clean enough.

I'm too invested in poppet style couplers at this stage to even consider flat faced couplers, but I do appreciate the fact that flat faced are superior for a number of reasons. Just to upgrade the 3rd function on both tractors and related implements would require 10 new fittings. I don't even want to count how many it would be for the rear remotes and related implements. I think that ship sailed and sank years ago.

yes i have 3 rear remotes but they are not getting buried in huge piles of horse poop. so the covers stay on those with no issues. i use my fel heavily and the third function rarely.

if i could keep em clean i would absolutely do it. in fact next time i go to the dealer i am asking about them because i couldnt find any info on the third function qc. on the interwebs. so i. just going off the pics from the link on messicks

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I’ve had all my machines set up the same, with two male ag couplers up front. Keep common for my grapples should I want to use with either machine and makes hook up easier (imo). Also makes very easy for cleaning tractor side of connection.

that being said I change implements frequently and if left in sun, then I need to release some pressure. I finally broke down and bought a set of the pressure relief tool, and aside from when there is pressure they are pretty easy to connect.

I imagine the quick connect pretty handy, but if I still have to off the machine, until I Get severe arthritis, more than a couple hundred clams seems expensive to me. Pressure release tool pretty cheap comparatively IMO. (No I am not affiliated with them (they are a vendor on this site) but I have a set for each machine that I keep in tool box on the tractor.

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