Easy way to add float for cab tractors?

[Countryboy19a]

I saw the Prince SS-2B1D valve recommended here for an easy add-on to allow hydraulics to float.

My tractor is a cab tractor and that is a manually actuated valve. I would need to toggle float on/off regularly.

Unfortunately the factory float option remote is discontinued. I don't want to plumb an aftermarket 3rd remote with float in under the cab because it will create a rats nest of hoses (there's already a 3-spool FEL valve jammed under there).

Does anybody have any ideas on an electric actuated valve that would allow it to float?

Or purely hydraulic means?

I don't need down pressure I need lift & float. I'm thinking feed the lines from the SCV plus a line to case drain to a valve body that somehow takes the pressure on the hydraulic lift line and allows it to pass to the cylinders but then uses the hydraulic pressure for the down line to open up a valve that allows float. I found a patent by Caterpillar that sounded like it did that with 2 poppet valves but I couldn't find a physical valve that did it. I'm just looking for ideas before I get desperate and do something crazy.

 

[npalen]

Are you wanting to add float to your loader lift circuit?

Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Selector Valves,Hydraulic Valves,Hydraulics, DOUBLE SELECTOR Unused old inventory. GRESEN DS-12 double selector valve. When

www.surpluscenter.com

Although not intended as a float valve, could it be made to work by connecting one set of ports to tank? (T)

The only negative I see to any float valve is introducing air into the system but that doesn't normally seem to be a problem on loaders for example.

 

[ptsg]

@K5lwq A member here on TBN used a clever way of getting float on both of his remotes on his cabbed tractor using two shut off solenoid valves, a couple hoses, fittings and switches.

Check this post for pictures of the setup: Adding a float function to my rear Remotes for a ditch bank mower.

Once he sees this post, I'm sure he will provide more details on the setup.

 

[npalen]

Are you wanting to add float to your loader lift circuit?

Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Selector Valves,Hydraulic Valves,Hydraulics, DOUBLE SELECTOR Unused old inventory. GRESEN DS-12 double selector valve. When

www.surpluscenter.com

Although not intended as a float valve, could it be made to work by connecting one set of ports to tank? (T)

I was going to say just connect one set of ports to each other but I don't think that would allow but very little float and only in the rod extending direction. (Starts creating a vacuum on the base side of the piston)

The only negative I see to any float valve is introducing air into the system but that doesn't normally seem to be a problem on loaders for example.

Might mention that these valves are stackable if a person wanted to convert a couple spools or more to electric float capable.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/_MoreSpecs/I9-8602.pdf

 

[K5lwq]

I will be glad to answer any question in regards to what I did. But as npalen explained it works on extending because of no line to tank.

In my case it is not a problem as I raise the flail all the way up and flip the switch and it settles back down to the ground. Once I do that it will float in either extending or retracting.

 

[Countryboy19a]

I will be glad to answer any question in regards to what I did. But as npalen explained it works on extending because of no line to tank.

In my case it is not a problem as I raise the flail all the way up and flip the switch and it settles back down to the ground. Once I do that it will float in either extending or retracting.

This helps me! Just seeing it and reading the description helped me work through in my mind that it's definitely possible.

Are you wanting to add float to your loader lift circuit?

Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Selector Valves,Hydraulic Valves,Hydraulics, DOUBLE SELECTOR Unused old inventory. GRESEN DS-12 double selector valve. When

www.surpluscenter.com

Although not intended as a float valve, could it be made to work by connecting one set of ports to tank? (T)

The only negative I see to any float valve is introducing air into the system but that doesn't normally seem to be a problem on loaders for example.

It's actually for a planter. The loader valve would be an easy fix, it's aftermarket so I would just replace it with another valve with float. It's the rear remotes (just 1 actually) that need float and I would like to maintain the OE valve stack that is there.

Your valve suggestion actually gives me a good idea. The ports that are supposed to go to the tractor remotes can go to the planter and the other ports can switch between remotes and "float". On the float side I can connect the 2 lines together so fluid can cycle between the 2 sides of the cylinder freely but have a Tee feeding off through an orifice to the case drain. The orifice will just restrict the flow to hopefully keep air from feeding back in as readily. I'm also going to check to see if my case drain is above or below the fluid level in the case, if it's below then air wouldn't be a problem.

 

[npalen]

I will be glad to answer any question in regards to what I did. But as npalen explained it works on extending because of no line to tank.

In my case it is not a problem as I raise the flail all the way up and flip the switch and it settles back down to the ground. Once I do that it will float in either extending or retracting.

This helps me! Just seeing it and reading the description helped me work through in my mind that it's definitely possible.

It's actually for a planter. The loader valve would be an easy fix, it's aftermarket so I would just replace it with another valve with float. It's the rear remotes (just 1 actually) that need float and I would like to maintain the OE valve stack that is there.

Your valve suggestion actually gives me a good idea. The ports that are supposed to go to the tractor remotes can go to the planter and the other ports can switch between remotes and "float". On the float side I can connect the 2 lines together so fluid can cycle between the 2 sides of the cylinder freely but have a Tee feeding off through an orifice to the case drain. The orifice will just restrict the flow to hopefully keep air from feeding back in as readily. I'm also going to check to see if my case drain is above or below the fluid level in the case, if it's below then air wouldn't be a problem.

Sounds like a plan! Seems like having the case drain below fluid level would be key in preventing air feedback.

 

[orangetree]

with a double check valve (same type as is typically mounted directly to the cylinder), IFF it was "remote pilot", I believe you could trivially do this with a small pilot line. Also retain the drift-locking behavior the DPOCV was added in the first place.

Using two separate pilot operated valves would work for this, but be larger than the off the shelf DPOCV's, which are tiny and have the pilot's routed internal to the block. I asked a separate question on sourcing a compact one top&tilt - float while retaining DPOCV - but the pictures there illustrate what I'm talking about if it's not clear.