Does size really matter?

[Zoombah]

Ha!

Getting a loader added to my tractor. Hydraulics will be connected to the rear remotes via flex-lines. I don't claim to know what I'm talking about so please excuse what may be a dumb question.

I have read about 3/8 and 1/2 inch lines. What size flex-lines do I need to run a Bush Hog 446 loader on a tractor with a 12.5 gpm flow rate?

 

[Zoombah]

Ha!

Getting a loader added to my tractor. Hydraulics will be connected to the rear remotes via flex-lines. I don't claim to know what I'm talking about so please excuse what may be a dumb question.

I have read about 3/8 and 1/2 inch lines. What size flex-lines do I need to run a Bush Hog 446 loader on a tractor with a 12.5 gpm flow rate?

 

[_RaT_]

The rear remotes are not in a hurry to get anywhere fast, relatively small overall displacement, very short lines so size is less important then one would be led to believe. 3/8" is OK for TnT cylinders if that is what we are talking about. Personally, I find the 3/8" lines more then sufficient for our compact tractors. You will hear it mentioned that going one size up on the quick couplers is the way to go. I havent found that there is that much difference. I had a Kubota L48 with 1/2" lines and couplers to the TnT and now I have a Kubota L3830 with 3/8" lines and couplers to the TnT. Frankly, I see no difference in the speed of the TnT cylinders. I like the smaller lines.

 

[_RaT_]

The rear remotes are not in a hurry to get anywhere fast, relatively small overall displacement, very short lines so size is less important then one would be led to believe. 3/8" is OK for TnT cylinders if that is what we are talking about. Personally, I find the 3/8" lines more then sufficient for our compact tractors. You will hear it mentioned that going one size up on the quick couplers is the way to go. I havent found that there is that much difference. I had a Kubota L48 with 1/2" lines and couplers to the TnT and now I have a Kubota L3830 with 3/8" lines and couplers to the TnT. Frankly, I see no difference in the speed of the TnT cylinders. I like the smaller lines.

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 3/8" is OK for TnT cylinders if that is what we are talking about. )</font>
I think he's not talking about TnT at all, but adding a front end loader and using the rear remotes to power the loader.
I don't know a lot about hydraulics, but this isn't the best way to go, is it?

John

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( 3/8" is OK for TnT cylinders if that is what we are talking about. )</font>
I think he's not talking about TnT at all, but adding a front end loader and using the rear remotes to power the loader.
I don't know a lot about hydraulics, but this isn't the best way to go, is it?

John

 

[Zoombah]

Yes....I'm adding a front end loader . Only place to connect to hydraulics is via the rear remotes. Question is ... does it matter if line size is 3/8 inch versus 1/2 inch?

Thanks

 

[Zoombah]

Yes....I'm adding a front end loader . Only place to connect to hydraulics is via the rear remotes. Question is ... does it matter if line size is 3/8 inch versus 1/2 inch?

Thanks

 

[MadReferee]

A simple rule of thumb is the bigger the hose diameter the more flow will be required. I have a chart at home that gives optimal flow for each hose diameter and I'll post it tonite. Based on the gpm you gave, assuming that's the entire implement flow, I would use nothing less than 3/8" hose. If I recall correctly, if the flow exceeds 17 gpm then 1/2" is the correct size.

BTW, why don't you fill out your profile so we can see what kind of equiupment you are talking about? It may just help us give you a better answer. Since we don't know what kind of tractor your are talking about you surely can't expect any kind of accurate answer.

 

[MadReferee]

A simple rule of thumb is the bigger the hose diameter the more flow will be required. I have a chart at home that gives optimal flow for each hose diameter and I'll post it tonite. Based on the gpm you gave, assuming that's the entire implement flow, I would use nothing less than 3/8" hose. If I recall correctly, if the flow exceeds 17 gpm then 1/2" is the correct size.

BTW, why don't you fill out your profile so we can see what kind of equiupment you are talking about? It may just help us give you a better answer. Since we don't know what kind of tractor your are talking about you surely can't expect any kind of accurate answer.