Electric Hydraulic Valve Kit From W.R. Long - ???

[GaryBDavis]

I’ve been looking for a clean installation of a third electric/hydraulic spooler valve for my mid-SVC. This would be to control a grapple, etc. I’ve read the threads about diverter valve and add-a-valve installations, but I want a true third mid-SVC.

I know I could probably call Prince or some of the other hydraulic manufacturer and piece it together, but W.R. Long has a complete kit that they say is made for specific tractor models. For example, they wanted to know not only what model tractor I had, but if it had a cab, open station, etc. They say they include all the steel/flex hoses and a mounting bracket.

My tractor is an open center type and these kits are made to go in-line with the mid-SVC. The spooler valve they sell has only P and T connections and goes in front of the mid SVC. Their spooler valve incorporates a check valve on the T side. From my limited hydraulic experience, I’d feel better if the valve also had a PB connection. Otherwise, I’m guessing that the pressure may be affected when I’m lifting/curling and grappling at the same time. Yes, I admit that won’t be very often.

I do like their joystick knob replacement with the built in rocker switch. Just what I’m looking for.

Anyway, I’m looking for feedback on this company, their customer support, friendliness, quality of product, etc.

http://www.wrlonginc.com/valve_kits.htm

Thanks.

 

[PineRidge]

I have never used a system made by these folks and I'm really curious how this would differ that much from a basic electric diverting valve, available for a lot less money. The company claims that the valve kit is a true third operation, therefore you will be able to raise/lower, dump/curl, and open/close your bucket all at the same time. Yet its hard enough to work two cylinders at once much less three so I'm not seeing any real advantage, please correct me here if I am mistaken.

If you are using this kit merely because it's out of the box ready for your particular make and model then it is most likely best suited for your needs.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Diverter Valves Disadvantages
• A lot of models require one of the two solenoids to be hot at all times to allow the normal FEL hydraulic flow. I’d prefer to see one set of ports Normally Closed so that the solenoid does not have to stay energized the entire time. This would be one less active component to break down.

• There tends to be slight delay in switching from one port to the other which can result in a slight pressure loss. Keeping pressure on the grapple while you switch away from it is a must.

• It’s more confusing, to me at least, to operate the grapple with a combined joystick/switch movement than just using a rocker switch to operate the grapple.

API has a couple of videos on their web site showing their grapples in action. You can see from the video that an experienced operator can work all three functions at the same time.

I think if diverter valves weren’t less expensive and easier to install, they wouldn’t be used as much.

 

[PineRidge]

Gary you are correct some electric diverter valves do require one of the solenoids to be energized the majority of the time. The model that we picked for our project does not. The coil is only energized when you activate the grapple circuit.

Switching the selector valve appears to be instant on our valve, I can't see any delay. Maybe there are others that may indeed be slower in response time, but if I'm curling and hit the joystick button the grapple hydraulics are immediately responsive.

To me a three way rocker switch, forward, neutral, reverse in addition to working a joystick might be a bit more intimidating than a press of a button and simple joystick manipulation.

I'm hoping that if you do elect for the WR Long kit that you will let us all know how it works out for you after you have had a chance to actually use it.

I'm also hoping that you have enough hydraulic flow to work all 3 circuits at once, I think our TC-40D couldn't handle that scenario. As we can curl and raise/lower at the same time but at a slower rate than a single function at the joystick.

A kit like the one you speak of would certainely be easier to add.

 

[GaryBDavis]

Mike,

Thanks for your comments. It’s always good to have someone to bounce ideas off of.

It will probably be a year or so before I tackle the grapple project which will tie into the third mid-SVC project. In the mean time, I’ll be posting some pictures of my smaller tractor projects.

My tractor has around 16GPM available for the SVCs, so I think there will be adequate flow available.

BTW, nice web page.

Thanks

 

[PineRidge]

Garry thanks for the kind words.

I wish you were within traveling distance from us as we could put you on our TC and my neighbors TN and see if you would be happy with the results for the different diverters.

Whichever way that you do go I wish you success with your application. Please keep us all informed as it would seem that there isn't a lot of pooled knowledge here presently concerning the WR Long valve.

 

[MMM]

Is this a true 3rd midSVC? So many acronyms. What's it all mean?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41484&item=3863966679&rd=1

 

[MadReferee]

Thar's a multiplier. It takes one existing rear remote and makes it look like two remotes with a button or switch used to select the remote you want to use. It would allow you to have a TNT setup with just a single rear remote. I can't tell the manufacturer but V&M is a popular one that several TBNers have used.

 

[PineRidge]

Mac doesn't this look like the same valve as the one on eBay? new valve

This is the one we just bolted up to a new TN. Haven't tested the results as of yet.

 

[MMM]

Yep Mike, looks the same. Is that Buy It Now price comparable to yours? I remember KennyD said $400 for VM, but could have included cyl hoses etc. Still wondering about 3rdmidSVC and what it stands for and what it doe(3rd sol valve control in the middle of somethings?). Is that a "PB" setup? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
On GaryD's earlier thought about sol staying hot, it would seem a pilot could keep circuit open once spool was initially actuated by sol.