To Float or Not To Float & Valve Sizing

[BatesBunch]

Fellows,

I have a Yanmar YM1500D (18 HP) that I am adding a small loader to and have several questions. I was referred here to the hydraulic experts from the Yanmar forum.

1) Valve sizing. The loader that I am rebuilding has a control valve that is not salvageable, so it will need to be replaced. The tractor has a low hydraulic output of around 3GPM. I assume that I need to keep to smaller control valves (8-10 GPM range). Is this a correct assumption?

2) Float or No Float. Will float make that much of a difference on the smaller application? If I understand it correctly, the float function allows the cylinders to freely move up/down to better serve certain activities such as smoothing dirt, correct? The float function costs a little more, but I want to do it right the first time and not have regrets with functionality. The float spool should be connected to the lift arm cylinders and not the bucket, correct?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to your comments.

 

[gengine]

The float is a nice function that I have used quite a bit. That is a personal decision, but for myself, I like it. It's not for smoothing packed material but rather loose material. I used it with my blade when spreading new road base on the driveway, and pulling snow from in front of the shop. You are correct that it is for the lift cylinders. That way you can tilt the bucket a bit to use the cutting edge a little bit more. Don't go too far or you will bend your curl cylinders. I'm guessing that your valve should be about the right side, but someone else will chime in on that. I would also recommend that you get a valve with the power beyond capability. Even if you don't use it, it's nice to have that option if you were ever to add something like a grapple. Good luck!

 

[J_J]

This is the FEL valve that I would recommend. Has everything you need. Including float and regen.

Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL COMPACT 10 GPM JOYSTICK CONTROL VALVE

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Instruct/I9-7401.pdf

 

[BatesBunch]

Thanks for the replies.

I am leaning toward the float feature. I was definitely going for the power beyond feature to be able to properly tie into my tractor hydraulics and ensure that the 3-point down the line and the loader are managed as individual components.

I appreciate the suggestion on the control valve Mr. JJ. I was looking at the following valves:

1) Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB21BB5C1 DA VALVE
2) Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 10 GPM PRINCE LVT1GB5AC1-26 OC VALVE
3) Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB21GB5C1 DA VALVE W/FLOAT

Choice 1 is the cheapest, but doesn't have the float feature.
Choice 2 is the cheapest with the float.
Choice 3 is basically the same as Choice 1 (as best as I can tell) except that it does have the float.

It looks like there is now another one in the running, Mr. JJ's recommendation. Joystick control, float and the regenerative spool (rapid bucket action) for a good price (and cheaper than Choice 3).

 

[J_J]

If you want lever valves, you can use those with limitations, some you have noted.

You can add joystick lever setup to two of those valves for about $129 which increased the total price.

I would highly recommend float and regen in a FEL valve. Just makes things easier.

 

[Localmotion]

Go for float everytime - you'll not miss it if you never had it, but will sure want it once you have tried it :laughing:

 

[jinman]

Float is often the difference in back dragging with your front wheels in the air or with them on the ground and steering the tractor. I personally use float 10-to-1 more when back dragging that going forward, but I don't use a snowplow either. I noticed you are located in Picayune, MS, so snowplowing will not be high on your priority list either.

 

[BatesBunch]

Very true, we don't see the white stuff very often here and wouldn't know what to do with a snow plow if we had it!

I appreciate the input and am really leaning toward the joystic valve with float and regen that Mr. JJ recommended.

Thanks again.