FEL control valve flow rate

[TimBuck2]

I have a Kubota L4310 with a 7.8 GPM hydraulic system.

I am considering replacing my 2 spool FEL valve with a 3 spool valve as I want to add a separate set of hydraulic lines for remote hydraulics on the FEL.

The selection of 3 spool valves in the 8 GPM range seems to be a limited.

There are a lot of 3 spool valves to choose from in the 25 GPM range.

Is using a valve with a much higher flow capacity a problem?

I am thinking I will I loose SPEED control over my boom and curl if I use a valve with maximum flow rates significantly greater than 7.8 GPM?

BTW I need a float dentent replacement kit for my Kubota / Husco control valve.

The little kit is $133.35 plus shipping.

Add $120 or more for a separate one spool control valve, fittings etc. and I am thinking a new 3 spool valve might be had for not much more than the dentent kit and new one spool.

Thanks,

Tim

 

[pmsmechanic]

I could be wrong but I believe that the gpm rating is the maximum flow that the hydraulic spool will handle without being overly restrictive. So with a 25 gpm valve you could run the combined flow from three of your L4310 hydraulic pumps.

 

[Leejohn]

The 7.8gpm is at wide open speed I think. Do you think your joy stick well work on another valve
If it was me I would rather have the 8gpm valve over the 25gpm, 25gpm valve are big.

 

[J_J]

This valve will replace your FEL valve.

2 SPOOL COMPACT 10 GPM JOYSTICK CONTROL VALVE

A diverter valve will give you that extra function.

 

[TimBuck2]

My concern would be that with a ca. 25 gpm valve, the entire 7.8 gpm would be "dumped" to the cylinder with just a small movement of the valve (I guess about 1/3 of the throw distance). So, it would be hard to control piston speed

However, I believe my loader valve is a variant of HUSCO 9210 (my tag fell off so can't be sure). Those have a max flow rate rating of 20GPM, so I probably would not feel the difference.

Leejohn, my loader valve joystick is built into the bracket that holds the valve. I think I could have a 3 spool valve made up that would work with the joystick (e.g., a BRAND TS model valve). However, looking this morning I see that I would have to cut away some of the bracket the supports the joystick so that the lever for the 3rd spool is accessible inside the cab. Alternatively, I would have to cut the whole top of the bracket off an use a valve with it's own joystick (similar to that suggested by JJ).

In the end, I don't want to cut up the loader just to reduce the hydraulic plumbing by a bit, so I am going to use a separate one spool valve for the third function.

Thanks for the input gents.

Tim

 

[J_J]

That one spool valve will have to have a PB port.

It could be lever or solenoid.

But why not use a diverter valve, or a 3rd function.

This is what most people use. The valves cost about the same.

 

[TimBuck2]

JJ I have explained before, the hydraulic lines on my FEL boom are essentially all steel tubing, so a diverter would need to be at the cab, and I would need to run additionial lines out to the "end" of the
FEL boom anyhow.

I am going to do that with an additional position control valve in the cab, and use a diverter on that new circuit to get a 4th function on the FEL.

 

[TimBuck2]

JJ, with your advice in previous posts I relize the third valve will be plumbed to the PB port on the existing FEL valve, then the PB port on the new valve will be plumbed to the hydraulic block which feeds the 3pt and the rear remotes.

The OUT port for the new valve will need to be tee'd to the OUT port (return to tank line) from the existing FEL valve.

Thanks

 

[J_J]

That is true if you use a lever valve.

If you use a 3rd function valve, the OUT port will go back to the hyd block.

Can you show a picture of your loader cross bar where the hyd lines change to hose.

 

[TimBuck2]

JJ, I will post a picture of the FEL plumbing tonight, or in the AM.