using a hydraulic adapter on a ford 4000SU tractor to power a front loader

[liljohn1011]

I recently bought a quick attach loader to go on my Ford 4000SU tractor. Its current auxiliary hydraulics is a single remote on to the rear. I was told I could purchase an adapter plate that goes between the remote and the top of the tractor. I purchased one but it has three ports (power, Power Beyond and return) The loader only has two that connect to the tractor. I assume one is the power and the other is a return. Is there any way I can use the three-port adapter to power my two-port loader? Thanks

 

[Tx Jim]

You can leave power beyond port plugged on the adapter plate as 4000 hyd pump is only around 5.4 GPM.

 

[liljohn1011]

Thanks for the info Tx. The instructions were pretty weird and I could not imagine them to be right. They said the in the event the remote control valve is removed do whanot simply plug the P and PB ports and to either remove the adapter plate altogether or install a hose loop between the P and PB. makes no sense to me. None of the directions addresses what to do if you don't use the Power Beyond. Thanks again..

 

[RickB]

Directions are correct when they state the P and PB ports must be looped together in the event the loader control valve is removed. This is basic open center hydraulic theory. If you plug the PB port and use P and return as connections to your loader control valve, the tractor's 3PT hitch will not function. If you plug the return and use P and PB as loader valve connections, the 3PT will work, but the return circuit of your loader valve will be subjected to whatever system pressure is developed by any 3PT hitch loads. This may or may not cause failure of your loader control valve's spool seals, as they are not likely to be designed to accommodate full system pressure. Exactly why the correct loader valve to use in this installation would have Power Beyond capability and connect with three hoses to the adapter plate. Not to say there aren't many out there doing what you are trying to do with a two connection valve.

There are two port adapter plates out there that would be identical to your three port plate, except there would be no return port. Return flow would be routed to the 3PT, as it is from your PB port.

 

[J_J]

What Rick said, plus if you think the two port loader valve can withstand full system pressure, you would use P from the adapter plate as the input to the FEL, and tank/return of the FEL back to the PB of the adapter plate.

This would provide a complete circuit.

The tank port on the adapter could be plugged as it is not used.

A seven port loader valve could be obtained for about $250 to make full use of the adapter plate.

Hydraulics:
Type: open
Capacity: 8.4 gal [31.8 L] (transmission PTO)
8.1 gal [30.7 L] (independent PTO)
Pressure: 2500 psi [172.4 bar]
Pump flow: 5 gpm [18.9 lpm]
5.5 gpm [20.8 lpm]
Steering flow: 4.5 gpm [17.0 lpm]
Steering press.: 800 psi [55.2 bar]

 

[liljohn1011]

Thanks Rick and JJ. Perhaps the best thing for me to do is obtain an adapter plate with only two ports. I don't want to potentially expose the tractor hydraulics to excess pressure perhaps damaging the system.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Wrong direction. If you want to "do it right" keep the three port block and get a three port(power beyond type) valve. It's the valve that's important here, not the block.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks for correcting my mistake although I can't remember seeing power beyond & tank hoses on older Ford tractor control valves.

 

[RickB]

Thanks for correcting my mistake although I can't remember seeing power beyond & tank hoses on older Ford tractor control valves.

The power beyond plates discussed here are only accessories, not factory original equipment. Used to provide means to add additional spool valves when needed. As discussed, two port and three port "tapping manifolds" are available from NH, TISCO, and perhaps other sources. I have a very similar device on my David Brown (Case) 885 between the remote valve and end plate. It feeds a power beyond capable loader control valve that operates my 4 way snowplow.

 

[Tx Jim]

Rick
After rereading your original post where you stated this and I'll quote you I now understand why some older adapter plates only had 2 orifices for hose connections.

[/quote]There are two port adapter plates out there that would be identical to your three port plate, except there would be no return port. Return flow would be routed to the 3PT, as it is from your PB port.[/quote]

Thanks for explanation,Jim

 

[RickB]

Thanks for explanation,Jim

You're Welcome! just trying to get an old JD closed center guy up to speed!:mischievous::salute:

 

[liljohn1011]

One of the things that excited me about the quick attach loader was not having to carry it around all the time. I am told that the tractor pump is really too small to do a good job of running the loader and thought about installing a separate pump. However I grew up with an old 861 with a one-arm loader that worked off the system hydraulic and it seemed fine at the time so I thought I would at least try the tractor hydraulic before I went to a separate unit. From the knowledge I gained on this forum it seems the problem is connecting a PB adapter to a non PB remote valve. I can either do away with the adapter or get a new control valve. Probably he best route is a new PB remote valve. If I am on the right track, how about the joy stick valves? Would I be better off attaching the valve to the tractor and having quick connect couplings to the loader? that way the hydraulic system is not changed when I take the loader off. What do ya'll Think?

 

[J_J]

The joystick valve should be a good selection.

The speed of operation is dependent on the GPM's.

A fan belt pump of a PTO pump would also work.

With the loader off, just jumper the P and the PB, and everythng should be back to normal.