Electronic FEL level indicator

[TomSeller]

Very nice design, execution and expense to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

My LA524 has a level bracket on top of the bucket, well visible from the operator station. I never have an issue with leveling the bucket, observing the bracket and adjusting, by feel. So many tractor skills, well executed, require experience which results in feel for the machine. For instance grading a road with a back blade after having dropped spoil which contains roots and grass tops, dragging the load down the road and feathering the blade so as to leave the dirt behind while collecting the plant material so it can be collected with a level bucket at the end of the run and deposited off the road. The blade becomes an extension of the operator and no LED lights are going to beat the native relationship between the blade position and the operator's mind and hand on the control lever.

I too appreciate the quality of your modification but I chalk it up to your desire to pimp your tractor, which is just fine. I'll stick with the basics and develop my machine handling skills to achieve the desired results.

Respectfully submitted by a Machine Operator

When I push into a load of brush with my loader like this I can't always see the attachment. I could, however, see the glow of lights through the brush. Or alternately, mount the lights closer to the operator station. Really cool would be an added inclinometer. I believe Waxman's solution to be for a problem that does exist.

 

[dfkrug]

Does anyone know if this will work? For a level stop.
If I put a 12 volt hydraulic flow solenoid between the curl fel connection hose of the tractor and
loader, once my "level" rod switch is activated and shuts off the hydraulic flow to the curl function,
will the bucket stop and be stiff at level until the solenoid opens again? Just like it is stiff when I
release the control lever? Or will there be play back and forth in the pistons?

Very nice work, WAX. It is nice to see such a practical device made and installed with such
good workmanship. I can esp see this helping on snowy nights, as you say. (I, too, have
pimped out my tractor with numerous mods.)

As for the hydraulic limiter you want to use: you can install a 12V spool-type solenoid
valve on one side (curl or dump) of your bkt cylinder circuit, and that would stop your
curl action when your switch hits the detent in your rod. I use one-sided solenoid valves
to do a similar function on my 4-in-1 bkt and hydraulic hoe thumb.

You can use a very small valve, however, like the HydroForce valves I used. Use a
normally-open valve, and avoid the more common poppet-type valves out there.

Go for it, and let's see what you come up with.

 

[Fallon]

It would be pretty easy to wire up. Normally open hydraulic control solenoid wired with your level sensor & a push button wired in series. Push the button & engage the loader valve, things start moving. When your level sensor trips & closes the circuit, it would close the valve & stop the bucket. The relief valve would probably start whining prompting you to let go of the loader valve. When you let go of the button the solenoid would open up returning things to normal loader valve operation.

If you wanted it completely automatic with no need to manually manipulate the loader valve, you'd have to put in another entire electrically operated valve (with 2 ports, 1 for pressure & 1 for tank).

Attached is a quick sketch, the series option would be on the left, parallel on the right.



As long as 1 valve in series was closed there should be no movement. Both valves in the parallel option would have to be closed (which they should be when centered) to keep things from moving.

You could probably tweak the engagement point of your sensor to compensate for any delays in the valve activating. & what not. I don't have enough experience to say if 1 or 2 valves would be required for the series (left) option or other issues.

 

[WaxMan]

Very nice work, WAX. It is nice to see such a practical device made and installed with such
good workmanship. I can esp see this helping on snowy nights, as you say. (I, too, have
pimped out my tractor with numerous mods.)

As for the hydraulic limiter you want to use: you can install a 12V spool-type solenoid
valve on one side (curl or dump) of your bkt cylinder circuit, and that would stop your
curl action when your switch hits the detent in your rod. I use one-sided solenoid valves
to do a similar function on my 4-in-1 bkt and hydraulic hoe thumb.

You can use a very small valve, however, like the HydroForce valves I used. Use a
normally-open valve, and avoid the more common poppet-type valves out there.

Go for it, and let's see what you come up with.

Thanks dfrug. is this the valve your talking about?
HYDRA FORCE 12 VDC N.O. SOLENOID VALVE
It's nice and small, I could put a quick disconnect on it and sandwich it between my fel connection.
65 bucks or so is worth the experiment.

 

[Fallon]

"When de-energized, the valve allows bidirectional flow from port 2 to port 1. When energized, the valve�s poppet closes to block flow from port 2 to port 1. In this mode, the cartridge allows free reverse flow from port 1 to port 2, after overcoming the solenoid force (50-150 psi)."

That would function as a 1 way valve when energized. Your return to level would work when dumping the bucket towards level, but not raising to level (or the other way around, depending on which line you put it on). You'd end up needing 2 of those. I didn't see something that looked right when I did a quick look.

 

[WaxMan]

When I push into a load of brush with my loader like this I can't always see the attachment. I could, however, see the glow of lights through the brush. Or alternately, mount the lights closer to the operator station. Really cool would be an added inclinometer. I believe Waxman's solution to be for a problem that does exist.

Thanks Tom :thumbsup: Inclinometer is on the drawing board. Same with Exhaust Stack, running lights and fridge.

 

[creekbend]

I, somwhow missed this thread. Nice work and innovative.

 

[dfkrug]

is this the valve your talking about?
HYDRA FORCE 12 VDC N.O. SOLENOID VALVE

That is not what you want; it is one of the common poppet valves that I mentioned above.
I bought a new one (Sterling) just like that on eBay for about $35 and experimented with it. One
way only, or buy 2 valves, as FALLON says.

You are better off just ordering what you want from a solenoid valve maker's disti.

Like this:

 

[SPYDERLK]

Pretty. Exposed. Fragile.

 

[ovrszd]

Very nice design, execution and expense to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

My LA524 has a level bracket on top of the bucket, well visible from the operator station. I never have an issue with leveling the bucket, observing the bracket and adjusting, by feel. So many tractor skills, well executed, require experience which results in feel for the machine. For instance grading a road with a back blade after having dropped spoil which contains roots and grass tops, dragging the load down the road and feathering the blade so as to leave the dirt behind while collecting the plant material so it can be collected with a level bucket at the end of the run and deposited off the road. The blade becomes an extension of the operator and no LED lights are going to beat the native relationship between the blade position and the operator's mind and hand on the control lever.

I too appreciate the quality of your modification but I chalk it up to your desire to pimp your tractor, which is just fine. I'll stick with the basics and develop my machine handling skills to achieve the desired results.

Respectfully submitted by a Machine Operator

Wow, that was quite a rant.

I'm a machine operator too. I'm proficient with a Tractor, Backhoe, Grader, Dozer, Excavator, Trencher and Dump Truck. I'm sure we have a lot in common as far as mechanical/technical skills.

Where we might differ is in our respect for the differences in Machine Operators. While you are obviously proficient and an expert in mastering bucket leveling with your antiquated bent piece of flat metal, it also brings to light that you speed of execution might be a bit lacking. I'm happy with this type of inefficiency if you are.

I think the problem here is that Waxman's technical engineering skills far out perform your ability to comprehend. Waxman is a Gentleman and a Master Craftsman. I'm sure he will excuse your inadequacies and still consider you a "Machine Operator".