Explain remotes and why so expensive

SCDolphin · Apr 14, 2004

I am still looking for tractor 3130-4330. I would like to be able to control the top link for bb and later put a grapple on the front bucket at some point in time. What do I need to ask for as far as how many remotes and can the controls to these need to be pre-positioned?

Why is this stuff so expensive??

Secretec · Apr 14, 2004

Get at least two, Get at least two, did I mention, get at least two.

MessickFarmEqu · Apr 14, 2004

I have asked the same question myself and still do not know the answer.

Junkman · Apr 14, 2004

( Why is this stuff so expensive?? )

Small sales volume and associated production costs. Make one widget and it cost a fortune in R&D, plus the cost to manufacture the one piece. Then use the same design to make millions and the per piece cost goes from hundreds of dollar to pennies.

theboman · Apr 14, 2004

Good point, but that one widget has been around decades now.

MadReferee · Apr 14, 2004

Factory remotes are expensive because:

They are not profitable in and of themselves. This means that for the number of units sold over their lifetime, the manufacturer cannot recover the total cost to develop the product which includes engineering, documentation, tooling, other production costs, etc. Thus the high cost to the consumer as they try to recoup some of those costs.

Remember these remotes are custom designed to work on that particular tractor model. You cannot buy these off the shelf at PrinceDirect.

uhmgawa · Apr 14, 2004

( ...What do I need to ask for as far as how many remotes and can the controls to these need to be pre-positioned?

Why is this stuff so expensive?? )

See this thread for valve recommendations.

Also the cost of hydraulic valves is rather substantial. Grafting into the
tractor hydraulics is somewhat involved as well.

_RaT_ · Apr 14, 2004

Here's a link for some top links. A hundred bucks or so. Look also for the hydraulic valves in the same section. Buy the necessary metal to make a support for the valve body. Remember for each valve, you will want two quick couplers. You can buy prefitted hose or have it custom made so it looks good and doesn't go wild on you. Call your dealer for the specifics on tying into the tractors hydraulics. There may be a special block or it might just be set of threaded taps. Consider a nylon sleeve to keep the hot hoses away from your body (there will be many even with just one valve), add three and you have a full sized ocotpus. Spend the next two days or more getting the thing attached, bracket built and painted and wahlah, you have a remote or two or three. Cost, half the price if you don't count labor and in my opinion, lesser quality componets all the way around. That should not matter though, it will work and work far better then the old manual screw link. Northern has Top Links (hopefully in your size)

_RaT_ · Apr 14, 2004

Forgot to add, you will need many various fittings, 90's, 45's bushings etc. Thy should all be able to handle at least 3000 PSI. Tough to find at the local hardware store so get a good source. My tractor dealer has them, but is always out of the size I need. He's quite proud of those Pioneer quick couplers as well. In fact, he's proud of the hoses. Dang, he was proud of the Kubota grey spray paint. Shoot he was proud of the whole stinkin tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

uhmgawa · Apr 14, 2004

( Forgot to add, you will need many various fittings, 90's, 45's bushings etc. Thy should all be able to handle at least 3000 PSI. Tough to find at the local hardware store so get a good source. )

I've found Surplus Center and Baileys together to stock 95% of what
I needed.