Electric Over Hydrualic

[Greg_Phillips]

Anyone have any experience with using electric over hydraulic valves? I would like to use them on a project I am working on, a yard machine with multiple attachments. I have a lead on a couple of garden tractors that would be the base for this project, then I would modify them so that they are reversed (both have power steering and hydraulics). Can anybody here give me help with the electric over hydraulics?

 

[BukitCase]

Unless you either only want on/off control, or have a better source than I know of, the project could get kinda spendy

https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?catname=hydraulic&byKeyword=yes&search=ELECTRIC FLOW CONTROL

Those were the only two I found on that site, both are over $500 each.

Only experience I've had with electric over hydraulic was in industrial manlifts - HATED them. Especially if you're in a 60 or 80 foot lift and trying NOT to get thrown around while trying to move a few inches. For that application, give me FEATHERABLE, quality hydraulic hand valves any day.

Always willing to learn new things though - can you elaborate yet, or is this still an embryo? Steve

 

[oldnslo]

What do you mean by electric over hydraulic? Solenoid operated directional valves or DC power units?

Solenoid operated valves can be inexpensive if using cartridge valves but the plumbing can be a nightmare unless you use a custom manifold which can get expensive.

Subplate or manifold mounted valves cost more upfront but are much easier to plumb and you can purchase stack modules for other features like pressure reducing, P.O. Checks, reliefs, etc....

DC Power units can be as simple as run and stop with two ports or can have valves built into them or a custom valve body mounted to them.

I guess like bukit case said, what do you want to do and what do you have now?

 

[J_J]

You need to answer some questions first.

How many GPM does your pump flow?

Do you want separate solenoid valves?

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6136&catname=hydraulic

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-6137&catname=hydraulic

You can use a DO3 subplate and mount 3 solenoid to one base plate.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?catname=hydraulic&item=9-5883-3

You do know that a solenoid valve provide instant on and off.

The GPM's could be managed by engine rpm, or needle valves.

If you added a flow control valve like this, you could set and control the speed of motors.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-064-50&catname=hydraulic

Perhaps something like this.

http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9SV-5E-X&catname=hydraulic

 

[Greg_Phillips]

This project is still in it's embryo stages. I know that the solenoid valve is an on/off valve and that is okay for this project, all that will be required is to lift and lower the attachment that is mounted out front, no feathering required. The idea came from years of running a combine with a similar setup. The toggles switch will be mounted on the propulsion lever that controls the direction and speed of travel. There will most likely only be one electric-over-hydraulic valve so separate valves will not be an issue. The tractor that I am planning on using is something like a John Deere 400, and if needed, I could add an additional pump, as far as a reservoir, i will use what ever size I need, as soon as I know what size I need. Please continue to give me direction.

 

[BukitCase]

To keep costs down, you might want to consider an on/off solenoid valve but add a needle valve to lower the flow enough to compromise between shock loading and speed of operation - much cheaper than a 5-600 dollar valve for variable control, and somewhat less likely to tear up components due to rapid acceleration.

Needle valves come in both directions controlled, or bypass one way.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7960-6&catname=hydraulic

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7961-6&catname=hydraulic

Just a couple examples, you may want more or less flow. I find it interesting that the one WITH a bypass one way is less than the straight needle valve... Steve

 

[J_J]

Hydraulics
• Standard Valves: 1 or 2 optional
• Total Flow: 6.5 gpm
• Type: closed center

The 19 HP on the JD400 can power a 9.2 GPM pump if that is the only thing using engine HP.

That leaves a 2.7 GPM pump that could be powered.

The hyd system is closed center.

You will need to use closed center valves.

 

[oldnslo]

Depends on which JD 400 he has. They made both a 400 garden tractor and a 400 small AG / utility tractor.
The Garden tractor was open center and ran around 700 PSI with dual or triple valve assemblies for mower lift, snow blower lift and chute rotation. Also had HST tranny and power steering.

I suspect what JJ found was specs for the Ag / utility tractor.

Not sure why JD doubles on their numbers like that..