Anybody use flow control of 4 in 1 bucket close, when using solenoid open/close?

[100 td]

I've been thinking about swapping out my manual 4 in 1 valve with an electric one, with built in rocker switch integrated within the main FEL lever. However changing to direct electric has some drawbacks, such as lack of feathering and speed control, so I'm wondering if a flow control valve in the close circuit will be of an advantage or not. (Also wondering if anyone has one and what their experience/thoughts with it is.)

I know that flicking the switch gives some control, but of course is not the same as full variable control. I think no flow control on the opening function should be fine, but think slight slowing on the close function may be an advantage, and not have any big loss of productivity. (Not that productivity is a concern, and of course the valve can be removed or opened up if needed later.)

What I have now is 2 separate levers, joystick for FEL, and separate lever for 4 in 1, not able to be used together single handed (which I may end up staying with), but it's worth exploring the options. A foot control valve for the 4 in 1 is also worth considering, however I haven't thought about that idea too much as yet, but is certainly not out of the equation, but I want to explore the electric option first.
Anybody out there have flow control on an electric 4 in 1 or thought about putting it on?
At this stage of the discussion I will stay away from the diverter valve option, as I would like close function of the 4 in 1 at the same time as bucket roll. I realize 3 rd functions have been discussed in another thread, but this is slightly different so thought a new thread would be better. If mods don't think so and wish to incorporate it elsewhere, I'll live with that.

 

[kennyd]

Due to the complexity and cost, fully proportional electric valves are rarely seen in the compact tractor world.

 

[J_J]

There is no reason that you can not use use a needle valve to adjust the flow using an electric valve.

Some needle valves have flow control in one direction and others have flow control in both directions.

 

[100 td]

Thanks Guys,
Just for clarification, I am talking about standard a 12 volt electric solenoid valve similar to this, not a variable electronic valve.
Northman Fluid Power Hydraulic Directional Control Valve 10.7 GPM, 4500 PSI, 3-Position, Double Solenoid, Tandem Center Spool, 12 Volt DC Solenoids, Model# SWH-G02-C6-D12-10

Also the flow control is an adjustable valve, control in one direction, not in the other, similar to this.
Precision HydraStar flow control and full shutoff in one flow direction, unrestricted flow in opposite direction. Ideal for control of flow to hydraulic motors as a means of controlling motor speed. 3000 PSI, steel construction.

 

[kennyd]

There are MANY guys running that setup to operates 4n1's, grapples, and snowplows-more so with just the solenoid valve and not the flow restrictors. Generally they are called a "true 3rd function" or "3rd function" so using those terms may aid in your search.

Here is a Google search of "3rd function": Search Results | Compact tractor forums, news, reviews, information.

 

[100 td]

Thanks KennyD,
As noted in my original post, I know 3rd functions have been discussed previously, and I have read many threads on them, but just hadn't found any discussions on using ON/OFF solenoid control with the addition of flow control to possibly achieve a different or varied outcome. While I'd love a Moog valve off a dissected drill rig, I doubt anyone is going to throw one my way! Something off a scrapped scissor lift could work, but then the added complexities and extra fruit to run it would not be worth the effort and then there is reliability verses simplicity to consider.
I'll bump this occasionally to see if anyone has done it, and/or start looking at foot controls as well as they also have many merits.