Float option routing

[maxxforce]

How would I plumb a double acting hydraulic cylinder on a loader with two cylinders to allow it to float?

 

[Rebeldad1]

you need a control valve with float builtin

 

[maxxforce]

Yeah that’s what I figured. But trying to look for a valve online with the float option… Seems like I can’t find any. Do you any suggestions on one?

 

[Rebeldad1]

google= 4 way tractor valve with float
or
any hydraulic shop
or
any tractor dealer.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Check your PM inbox.

 

[LD1]

I think you would actually be hard pressed to find a loader joystick that didn't have float

 

[etpm]

I have a Bulldog 285 FEL on my YM2310. It has no float function so I'm considering buying a valve that does. In order to choose the correct valve if I can't find a number on my valve how do I determine the proper size? By the port size? Also, there should be no change in the plumbing, right? I assume the float function works just like my Case does. Push the lever to lower the bucket until it detents. Is that correct?
Thanks,
Eric

 

[ptsg]

I have a Bulldog 285 FEL on my YM2310. It has no float function so I'm considering buying a valve that does. In order to choose the correct valve if I can't find a number on my valve how do I determine the proper size? By the port size? Also, there should be no change in the plumbing, right? I assume the float function works just like my Case does. Push the lever to lower the bucket until it detents. Is that correct?
Thanks,
Eric

Check Surplus Center, they have some nice selection of loader valves at very reasonable prices. Joystick Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

You'll want to check the flow of the pump on your tractor and match the valve closest to that rating. However, from experience, a 10 GPM will work just fine and still offer great feathering ability.

There is a possibility that you'll need to some adapters to the new valve. Also, check if your current valve has 6 or 7 total hoses going to it. If 7, then you'll need the Power beyond fitting for the new valve as well.

Last but not the least, I would confirm first if your current valve doesn't indeed have float. I found this thread on TBN about the same loader, and unless the OP changed his valve as well, I can spot the float feature on that valve. Here is the link: Loader - BullDog 285 FEL on YM1700

 

[workinonit]

I would take my old valve off, go to Florence Hydraulics, tell them what I want, have them order it, pay for it and go pick it up when it comes in.

 

[etpm]

Check Surplus Center, they have some nice selection of loader valves at very reasonable prices. Joystick Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

You'll want to check the flow of the pump on your tractor and match the valve closest to that rating. However, from experience, a 10 GPM will work just fine and still offer great feathering ability.

There is a possibility that you'll need to some adapters to the new valve. Also, check if your current valve has 6 or 7 total hoses going to it. If 7, then you'll need the Power beyond fitting for the new valve as well.

Last but not the least, I would confirm first if your current valve doesn't indeed have float. I found this thread on TBN about the same loader, and unless the OP changed his valve as well, I can spot the float feature on that valve. Here is the link: Loader - BullDog 285 FEL on YM1700

Thanks for the reply. My valve looks just like the on pictured on the 285. My 285 is reddish orange colored but is otherwise identical looking. How can I tell if the valve has the float function? When I push the handle up to lower the bucket it does not detent like my Case 580 does.
Eric

 

[ptsg]

Thanks for the reply. My valve looks just like the on pictured on the 285. My 285 is reddish orange colored but is otherwise identical looking. How can I tell if the valve has the float function? When I push the handle up to lower the bucket it does not detent like my Case 580 does.
Eric

You can tell by just looking at the bottom of the valve.

Here is two examples. On the left picture, you see that the left spool cover is longer than the right one. The left spool has the detent for the float position. The right picture, both spool covers are the same length, so none have the detent position. This technique works for almost every valve, however there are some exceptions out there like valves with float and regen.

Sometimes, if the float detent is not used for long periods of time, moisture can accumulate inside the detent mechanism and rust things in place or freeze in the winter. If your valve has indeed float, this maybe the issue for it to not engage.

 

[etpm]

You can tell by just looking at the bottom of the valve.

Here is two examples. On the left picture, you see that the left spool cover is longer than the right one. The left spool has the detent for the float position. The right picture, both spool covers are the same length, so none have the detent position. This technique works for almost every valve, however there are some exceptions out there like valves with float and regen.

Sometimes, if the float detent is not used for long periods of time, moisture can accumulate inside the detent mechanism and rust things in place or freeze in the winter. If your valve has indeed float, this maybe the issue for it to not engage.

Out of the back of my valve the two spool covers are the same length. So I guess I have no float. It would be nice if I could just buy the proper spool, cover, detent, etc. to convert mine but I imagine that would be hard to do. Maybe if I lived in Viet Nam. So I guess what I will need to do is take your advice about gpm and then try to match threads and valve style, so that the hoses come out of the valve on the side like my valve. That will make changeover much easier. After using the float function on my Case I know how useful it is and I would really like it on my small tractor.
Thanks,
Eric

 

[npalen]

20 GPM SAE 8 Float Valve Prince SS-3B1D | Bargain Bin | www.surpluscenter.com

20 GPM SAE 8 Float Valve Prince SS-3B1D, Bargain Bin, Returned Item: This valve has been installed and used briefly. SoldPrince Mfg,SS-3B1D ,

www.surpluscenter.com

I'm wondering if this valve could be used to add float to an existing loader valve without float capability. Guessing that the plumbing might get hairy.

 

[LouNY]

Here is the required plumbing setup

 

[npalen]

The plumbing doesn't look to be as bad as I had envisioned. I was concerned about the volume differential between the base and rod ends of the cylinder but looks like the return to tank takes care of that.

That is a very neat diagram and follows the "picture worth a thousand words". I would personally like to see more diagrams included in "hydraulic discussions" but I also realize it takes time to lay them out.

 

[LouNY]

Fortunately Surplus Center had that diagram in the literature for the valve and I was able to just copy and paste it.