If you've been looking into getting an ls tractor 3rd function kit, you probably already know that your loader is capable of a lot more than just scooping dirt. It's a common realization for most owners: you buy the tractor, you love the power, and then you see a neighbor or a guy on YouTube moving massive logs or cleaning up brush with a grapple. Suddenly, your standard bucket feels a little bit limited. Adding that third hydraulic function is honestly one of the best ways to turn a standard utility machine into a total workhorse.
The reality of owning an LS tractor—whether it's a compact MT125 or a beefier XR series—is that they are built to work, but the stock hydraulic setup is usually designed for basic loader operations. You've got your up-and-down and your tilt, but when you want to open and close a set of "claws," you need a dedicated line. That's exactly where the ls tractor 3rd function kit fits in.
Why You Actually Need This Kit
Let's be real: you can do a lot with a standard bucket and some chains, but it's slow and often a massive headache. The moment you install a 3rd function kit, you open the door to a whole new world of attachments. The big one, of course, is the grapple. If you've ever tried to move a pile of fallen branches by just pushing them around with a bucket, you know it's a losing game. You end up dropping half of it, or you have to get off the tractor ten times to rearrange the pile.
With a grapple, you just drive up, squeeze, and go. But it's not just about grapples. Think about 4-in-1 buckets, which let you scrape, blade, and grab all with one tool. Or maybe you're looking at a tree shear or a post-hole digger that requires hydraulic down-pressure. Without that third line, those tools are just heavy paperweights sitting in your shed.
What's Inside the Box?
When your ls tractor 3rd function kit arrives, it might look like a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but it's actually pretty straightforward once you lay it out. Usually, these kits come with a new joystick handle, a solenoid valve, all the necessary hoses, and the wiring harness.
The heart of the system is that solenoid valve. It's the gatekeeper that tells the hydraulic fluid where to go. Instead of having to reach for a separate lever on the floor or the dash, the kit swaps out your stock joystick handle for one with integrated buttons. This is a game-changer for ergonomics. You can lift, tilt, and open your grapple all at the same time without your hand ever leaving the loader control. It feels natural, and after about ten minutes of practice, you'll be doing it by muscle memory.
Is It a DIY Project?
I get asked this a lot: "Can I install this myself, or am I going to end up calling a mechanic halfway through?" Honestly, if you're comfortable turning a wrench and you don't mind getting a little hydraulic fluid on your hands, you can definitely handle this in a Saturday afternoon.
The trickiest part isn't usually the plumbing; it's the wiring. You have to find a good power source (usually the battery or a keyed ignition source) and route the wires so they don't get pinched by the loader arms or the hood. The hydraulic side is mostly about "breaking" the existing lines and T-ing in the new valve. Most kits for LS tractors are designed specifically for the model, so the hoses are the right length and the brackets actually fit where they're supposed to.
One tip: make sure you have plenty of rags and maybe some cardboard under the tractor. Even if you bleed the pressure off the lines before you start, you're going to get some drips. It's just part of the process.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Kits
When you start shopping for an ls tractor 3rd function kit, you'll notice a few different options. You can go with the official LS branded kit from a dealer, or you can go with high-quality aftermarket options like those from Summit Hydraulics or WR Long.
The dealer kit is great because you know it's going to fit perfectly and it's covered under your tractor's warranty. However, they can be a bit pricier. The aftermarket kits are often just as good—sometimes even better in terms of the joystick feel—and they can save you a few hundred bucks. The most important thing is ensuring the kit is rated for your tractor's hydraulic flow rate (GPM). If the valve is too small, it'll restrict your loader's speed. If it's too big, it's just overkill. Luckily, most kits are clearly labeled for the specific LS models they support.
The Difference in Workflow
I can't stress enough how much this changes the way you use your machine. Before I had a 3rd function, I'd spend hours trying to clear brush. I'd pile it up, try to scoop it, and inevitably leaves and sticks would fly everywhere. Once the ls tractor 3rd function kit was on, that same job took about a third of the time.
There's also a safety aspect to it. When you can securely "bite" a log or a large rock, you don't have to worry about it sliding off the front of your bucket when you hit a bump. It stays put. You have total control. Plus, you're not jumping in and out of the seat nearly as much, which is a blessing on those hot summer days or when the ground is a muddy mess.
Maintenance and Keeping Things Tight
Once you've got everything installed and you're out there tearing through work, don't forget to keep an eye on things. Hydraulic systems operate under high pressure. After your first few hours of use, it's a smart move to go back through and check all your fittings. Vibration can sometimes loosen things up, and a tiny leak can turn into a big mess pretty quickly.
Also, keep your quick-connect couplers clean. Since the 3rd function outlets sit right out on the front of the loader, they're magnets for dust, dirt, and grease. If you get grit inside those couplers, it'll chew up the seals in your grapple cylinders or, worse, get back into your tractor's main hydraulic system. Spend the five bucks on some plastic dust caps; they're worth their weight in gold.
Final Thoughts on the Investment
At the end of the day, an ls tractor 3rd function kit isn't the cheapest upgrade you can buy, but it's probably the one with the highest return on "smiles per hour." It transforms the tractor from a basic dirt-mover into a precision tool.
If you're still on the fence, just think about the next big project you have planned. If that project involves moving anything other than loose gravel or soil, you're going to wish you had those extra hydraulic lines. It's one of those things where, once you have it, you'll wonder how you ever got by without it. You'll find yourself looking for excuses to use the grapple just because of how much fun it is to operate. So, go ahead and pull the trigger—your back (and your tractor) will thank you.