Sorry for the delayed response. I might have reasons, but no good excuses. I have had no issues with the set up, but two things to keep in mind, I do not put many hours on it, and if I am doing something that will be running the tractor for long periods at pto speed, without me on the operator station, (think generator, or
chipper), I bypass the valve assembly. When I had first installed it, I ran the
chipper, for at least 1/2 hour (likely more.. don't remember), and hydraulic temp never even moved, so I feel everything should be ok, but for as easy as it is to bypass the valve, I don't chance it. hose length is going to depend upon (exactly) where you place your valve and couplers. Although I prefer o-ring sealing fittings, I used jic hoses from surplus supply. I made a decision that I would not be running implements that required large amounts of hydraulic flow, so I used 1/4 inch hoses to couplers, to help slow down top/tilt cylinder operation. The control valve is a 'brand hydraulics' valve available from either northern, or surplus. I did change internal linkage so that the cylinders would operate direction of joystick. I was somewhat tricky to do that, but I had detailed directions from the manufacturer. hope this helps.