Convert 2 lever FEL to 1?

PatMcD · Feb 25, 2012

I've got a Long 460 with a Long FEL. It's got two levers for operation, which works, but it's a pain compared to my neighbor's JD that has just one lever. I'd like to convert mine to be like his, if it's feasible money-wise.

What and where should I be looking for? My two-lever control has 6 hyd. lines coming in/out of it. Please explain spools? And anything else I should be knowing.
Thanks

J_J · Feb 25, 2012

If it is a regular loader valve, the valve should have two spools. One for lift and one for the bucket. You have an IN port, a tank port, and 4 work ports.

1- IN port
2- TANK port
3- work port for lift cyl
4- work port for lift cyl
5- work port for curl cyl
6- work port for curl cyl.

You must be talking about a joystick valve with one lever.

You can switch your valve out for another loader valve, matching the GPM flow.

This is a 10 GPM loader valve that should work.

Surplus Center - 2 SPOOL COMPACT 10 GPM JOYSTICK CONTROL VALVE

It also has a PB outlet and can be converted to closed center hyd.

Just bolt it in, match up the fittings and set the relief.

Then you will have a one lever valve to do your loader work.

Hydraulics:
Type: open center
Capacity: 4.5 gal [17.0 L]
Pressure: 2133 psi [147.1 bar]
Valves: 1 (optional)
Total flow: 5.75 gpm [21.8 lpm]

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/005/8/1/5815-long-460.html

PatMcD · Feb 25, 2012

Thank you. I was concerned it might be more complicated. That unit from Surplus center looks exactly like what I'm talking about.

This tractor has a seperate hyd. pump that works only when the PTO is on. Small Borg Warner unit. I'll see if I can get some numbers off of it and figure GPM.

Zebrafive · Feb 25, 2012

Both my JD's have loaders wth joysticks. They have cables from the valve to the joystick. Maybe no valve change is necessary?

teg · Feb 25, 2012

PatMcD said:
... I'll see if I can get some numbers off of it and figure GPM.

TractorData.com Long 460 tractor information
Is this your model?

PatMcD · Feb 25, 2012

teg said:
TractorData.com Long 460 tractor information
Is this your model?

Yes it is.

oldnslo · Feb 25, 2012

Depending on how mechanically inclined you are, you can convert what you have to single lever joystick style. Just need to make a bracket and linkage to move the spools back and forth. I have seen a couple made from old shift lever assemblies since these already have the ball joint built in to provide unlimited motion in all directions. Possibly look at your friends to get an idea on how it was done on his tractor.

Putting in a new valve may require a lot more work than you think. What sizes are the ports on your existing valve. Will the new one have the same size? Will the ports be in the same location? This is especially important if there are steel lines going to the valve ports.

best of luck

Roy