Diverter Kit or 3 rd SCV - What’s the Difference?

Diverter Kit or 3rd SCV - What’s the Difference?

By: Jared Torbert

Grapples, 4-1 Buckets, Hydraulic Angling Blades and more! Most compact tractor owners

have browsed for these types of implements. If you’ve looked into them, then you know these

implements require an addition to your tractor – either a Hydraulic Diverter Valve Kit or a 3rd

Function.

Although they are two different kits, they both serve the same purpose. They enable the

tractor to provide an additional hydraulic control for the implement, such as a grapple or

blade. On a grapple for example the additional control would be for the hydraulic cylinder to

open and close the grapple, on a loader mounted front blade it would control the hydraulics

for the left and right angling movement.

Kits are slightly different for different tractor models, especially if you have a larger tractor, so

for this article we will concentrate on Sub-Compact tractors. These kits may, or may not, be

available for your specific tractor model, so be sure to check with your dealer for accurate

information. Now, let’s take a look at each kit a little closer and review some of unique

specifics of each option.

Firstly, a Diverter Kit. A diverter kit taps into the hydraulic lines. These lines are commonly

referred to as SCV’s (Selective Control Valve’s) and outlets. Most diverter kits use an

electronic valve that’s installed into your tractors’ existing hydraulic lines. Another set of

hydraulic lines are installed that go from the new electronic valve, wherever it may be

mounted, down to the front of the loader for your implements hydraulic lines to attach to. The

diverter kit includes a switch, or button, to activate the newly installed electronic valve. When

pressed, and/or held in, this valve will re-direct the flow of hydraulic fluid to the new lines,

down the loader, and to your implement. You are thus able to control your implement

operations like angling a blade and opening or closing the grapple. When the button is

released or switched back that valve will then return hydraulic fluid to the original function of

your loader control.

Next let’s review the 3rd Function kit. The 3rd function kit does NOT tie into the already existing

hydraulic lines. Rather, they add a complete set of lines, valves, and controls to your tractor.

The kit normally includes an additional hydraulic control handle or, sometimes, adds an

electronic switch with two buttons to the existing hydraulic control joystick. When either of

these engaged, and held, hydraulic fluid will flow through the new lines, and to the front

implement, allowing operation of, for example, angling a blade left or right.

Now you may be wondering that if both kits do the same thing why are there two different

ones? That’s because there are pros and cons to both options. Firstly, the Diverter Kit. The

positive side is that these kits are usually more cost efficient due to the simplicity of their

design and required installation. However, ease of use, and therefore efficiency, is sacrificed.

You will have to choose and switch between hydraulic actions when the diverter kit is being

used. The most common setup requires the operator to wait till the action, such as angling the

blade or opening and closing the grapple, is completed before being able to curl or dump

again. When looking at 3rd function, it’s important to remember, this kit comes with a

completely new set of lines and therefore is able to operate the dump, curl, and lift functions

at the same time as operating the implement. For ease of use, having a 3rd function provides a

smoother user experience. The downside is, they usually have a higher cost due to

installation time and more parts involved.