Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt?

   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #1  

Gary_in_Indiana

Elite Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
3,388
Location
Fort Wayne, IN
Tractor
John Deere 4200 MFWD HST w/ JD 420 FEL w/ 61" loader bucket & toothbar & JD 37 BH w/ 12" bucket
Could I use an electric controller to operate a hydraulic cylinder or two? I ask because when I look at the components for the Terrain Contour Control I can't help but wonder if a small electric hand held remote on a coiled cord couldn't be used to control the cylinders instead of the large fixed mount twin spool controller mounted on the provided square tube arm which is attached to the ROPS.

I've seen similar corded electric controls used in the towing/recovery industry as well as to operate hoists under dump beds. I also know there are electric joy stick controllers used to operate power angle snow plows though those are usually mounted. I assume since those are also operating more than one cylinder that there shouldn't be a problem.

I figure that, since I'm not really likely to need to simultaneously move thee tractor and make adjustments to my top or side link, having the controller out of fingertip reach wouldn't be a problem. I think I'd be more than willing to trade that for not having the larger controller box mounted to the added arm provided with the TCC as I have another project on my tractor in mind for which that large arm could be a problem.

Actually, if having the controls easily within fingertip reach while operating the control was important, I suppose I could always mount a control on my SCV lever not unlike the switches on shifters on larger trucks.

So, that's what I've been thinking about. What do you all think of my idea? Any reasons I shouldn't pursue this other than not necessarily having it at my fingertips all the time? What other pro's or con's do you see? I'd rather learn now why I shouldn't do it than after I get it all put together. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks in advance for your advice and input here.
 
   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #2  
I was thinkig along these lines also......


Look at this....it appears that the parts are made for it to be done.

electric valve

Let us know if you do it.

Regards,
Kevin
 
   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #3  
Yes, you can buy solenoid operated valve blocks. But where are you going to mount the block?

The ones I have seen and the ones available thru Surplus Center are just as big, if not bigger, than the TCC or Prince SV 3 spool valve block. They are also more expensive plus you have to buy the control button assembly.

Also most of the ones I have seen do not have power beyond capability so they must be the last in the circuit.
 
   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #4  
Gary,
What you need is made by V&M . The SV Series would be your best bet.
 
   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #5  
Yes, the V&M would probably do what you want but they are not cheap. 3 years ago a "3-spool" setup was $550.

See HERE for Rowski's comments as he has talked to them.
 
   / Electric controller for TCC/Top & Tilt? #6  
Gary,

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Could I use an electric controller to operate a hydraulic cylinder or two? )</font>

I used to deliver concrete blocks with a boom truck. Most booms that I have operated (Iowa, Prentice, Dico, USTC) used electric valves operated by micro switches.

Keep in mind that the valve is either fully open or closed. There is no partial open. In order to compensate, each circuit has a gate valve to control the speed and the operator usually jogs the switch to provide additional feathering. With the exception of the OSHA mandated air remotes, the control systems were pretty much bullet proof. The switches do wear out under heavy usage but only take a couple of minutes to replace. I doubt that you would ever wear one out using the top and tilt.

This technology has been around since the sixties.
 
 
 
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