Does anyone know how to make a quick-release spool valve block ?

[Catweazle]

I know it's a strange request, but some scumbag has unbolted and stolen the spools off my 4x4 loader. The loader is articulated and steered by spool valve, then I need one to raise front forks, one to tilt the forks and one to run an attachement ( various).

So what I'm looking for is a 4 way block that can be taken off to immobilise the vehicle and prevent the scum from stealing the spools.

If such a device does not exist, does anyone have an alternative ? I'm new to hydraulics and whilst I have read the theory I don't know what's actually available. I have thought of locating the spools in a securely welded box with cable linkages from the controls too.

 

[J_J]

If they have the proper tools, they can get anything. You can make it hard for them by putting a 1/4 in steel box and locking that down. Install motion control spray gun with red dye #2 . Anyone that comes up to the machine will get sprayed, and only you know where the shut off is. Motion detector could also lift the latch on the cage for that mean old junk yard dog living there.

I am thinking a fence charger might work also, since the tires are rubber, and if you connected the hot lead to a metal part of the 4 x 4 frame, ZAP, ZAP.

 

[Catweazle]

Thanks JJ, I love the American atitude to protecting your property .

Unfortunately shocking or spraying a thief here would probably get me arrested. Criminals have more rights than law abiding people over here .

 

[J_J]

That's the problem with the world as it is now, to many Evil Doers, and not enough Swift Justice, and you know what I mean. Some people just need to die with Extreme Prejudice. They just sentenced this man to death for molesting and killing this little boy, here in Florida, absolutely no reason for something like this, and the whole family was in on the crime. Sick bunch of people. A thief is just about as bad, as he might be taking away the livelihood for someone.

 

[kennyd]

I can't quite get a mental picture of what you need-or what the valve looked like that also included steering...but you could plumb in the new valve with QD's (quick disconnects) so it could be removed very easily. A picture I your machine might help us out a lot also.

Criminals have more rights than law abiding people over here .

Unfortunately I think we are headed down the same road...right after this health-care plan is forced upon us.

 

[Catweazle]

The steering is just a two way spool valve, the vehicle is articulated in the centre and there is a ram on one side that bends the vehicle to steer. It gives it a very tight turning circle which is useful when working amongst trees.

What I'm looking to do is be able to remove the whole valve block at the end of the day. The woods I own are in what we call an AONB ( Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ) which means that our kommisar of planning will not let me build a secure vehicle shed, presumably in case it spoils the view enjoyed by the thieves as they stroll across my land.

I was hoping for a "cassette" control box, but much searching has found nothing so it looks as if QR connectors are the way to go.

Whatever you do, don't let the do-gooders screw up your country like they've done here, it all started when some fool decided that there could be no more winners or losers - just "differently able" people. Next thing you know half the country is working to support the other half who are watching Jerry Springer clones.

 

[J_J]

I do believe the middle class here, is supporting the rich and the poor.

When the thief's come back, they will need the other parts to finish up their project. They already have the valve.

 

[Catweazle]

I found a really helpful Hydraulics supplier, family business started by his Grandfather, he has recommended I switch from 1/2 to 3/8 hose and valves and put QR connectors on the rams so I can remove the whole lot at the end of the day. 3/8 will apparently handle the small flow my application needs and will be lighter to lug back to the car.

I'm going to weld in the pins holding the rams in place, a simple enough job for me to remove if need be, but much more difficult for a spanner carrying scumbag. Any parts that I don't come in contact with are getting a coat of non-drying paint, this includes the bodies of the rams and anything else I can think of.

EDIT/ For any UK based members, this is the company I have found to be really helpful; http://www.parquip.co.uk