Goodbye Kubota, hello EarthForce

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Here's a pic of the control I rigged up for the hydraulic quick-attach system.

The lever you can just barely see on the right is the loader lift/dump joystick, locked forward in float mode.

The lever in the center of the picture is the front auxiliary circuit control. The knob is one I installed so I can activate the hydraulic QA with a pushbutton. Unfortunately the lever isn't hollow, so I had to drill a hole in the knob and run the wires down the lever externally, which is the reason for all the tape...

To latch the hydraulic QA, I just have to push the button pictured and move the lever forward. To unlatch, I just push the button and move the lever rearward. The button is far enough down that it's not easy to hit accidentally, plus it has a stiff spring in it, but I'm going to put a sleeve around it, so it'll require that a finger-tip be inserted in it to depress the button, just for insurance purposes...

In the background, you see my dirty VW Passat TDI and the end of my house...

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Mark:
Given your prior modifications, It doesn't surprise me at all that the installation looks original.
After thinking about it a while, I think I understand how your system works. I'm not sure yet whether I'd prefer it to the stock lever-activated Power Trac quick attach. (I don't have a manual setup, although a prybar would probably get it locked.)
Where my system is really crude compared to yours, however, is the unplugging of the quick attach and connection of the aux PTO lines to that valve. So, the opening and closing of the 4 in 1, or turning of the snowplow, or curling of the hoe that I don't yet have, require letting go of the joystick and reaching down ahead of my right knee to move the lever.
I'll use it this way until I learn a little about which functions I really need changed. By that time maybe I'll know enough about hydraulics to change somehing.

 

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Charlie,

It looks original because it is original - I just installed it. I had to drill and tap a couple holes. The only thing I actually changed was the electrical part. Actually, though, the hoses are a little odd in their lengths. So when they wear out, I'll replace them with ones that are more properly sized and it'll look more professional.

As to your system, it should be a very simple matter to put a solenoid like the one that diverts pressure to my QA system on your PowerTrac. Then you could use one lever to control two functions. The switch could be a momentary contact pushbutton, like I have, or a rocker/toggle switch, whichever is most appropriate for your application.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Good catch. I meant, of course, original equipment with the machine, as opposed to a bona fide original Chalkley.
Your interpretation fits it better.
I agree I can use a diverter, but I'm hoping that with a rocker switch controlling a solenoid spool valve, each hand or finger motion will only have one effect. I have enough trouble remembering which way to move the stick to roll the bucket back. Almost all my prior experience on a tractor has been looking over my shoulder to make sure some PTO powered equipment was still working.

 

[MossRoad]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Charlie, what we need is a six way joystick instead of four.

 

[MChalkley]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Charlie - <font color=blue>I have enough trouble remembering which way to move the stick to roll the bucket back</font color=blue>

Don't worry - a little seat time and you'll be using those levers without even thinking about it. And the same goes for added electrical switches that control solenoid valves - it just takes a little time.

 

[Charlie_Iliff]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

<font color=red>what we need is a six way joystick instead of four. </font color=red>

Or a two-seat machine with half the functions on a joystick for each operator

 

[MossRoad]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Pilot to co-pilot: engage large red beverage container /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[MikePA]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Thanks for the photos. Very clean, professional installation. The only change I'd recommend is the button should be <font color=red>red</font color=red> then people would think your EF5 had machine guns out front! /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

 

[whoodle]

Re: EarthForce EF-5 usage report

Mark,
Did the folks at EF Prague decide to use your switch design on future models? It looks awfully slick. I've been discussing with Jason, the prospects of bringin' one of them ef hosses into my stable.