How to check hydraulic pressure on front remotes?

[Charlesaf3]

Looking at the zillions of threads on this didn't clear up my confusion (I'm still figuring out hydraulics) so I thought I would bounce this out there.

I'm having a problem with my hydraulic harley rake. I was thinking that one possible cause would be the pressure at the front remotes (set up pretty much like a skid steer as I understand it) on my Kubota M59.

I was thinking of testing the pressure by screwing a hydraulic gauge into a pioneer type quick connect and plugging it in.

Does this make sense?

Will it read true tractor hydraulic pressure (seems to me it should)

Does it matter whether it goes into a male or female QC?

Any recs on Gauges/web sites?

Thanks in advance

 

[kennyd]

Yes, plug in the gauge and operate the lever/button to energize that port. The gauge will indicate the PRV (pressure relief valve) setting. Don't hold it in "relief" for more than 20 seconds or so at a tme-the fluid get very hot-very fast.

I just responded to your other post...the "turning to slow" condition would be more about the flow rather that the pressure of the circuit.

Surplus Center has 0-3000 PSI Glycerin filled gauges for under $20 like this one. You would just need a QD and fittings to get it hooked up-a short (24") hose helps also.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Good point on the hose - otherwise the fitting would be too far away to read when I operate the remotes.

I'll order a gauge on general principles. But the flow thing makes sense. This thing was working fine for a year - where might the flow have gone bad/ gotten plugged?

Thanks again

 

[Jerry/MT]

Looking at the zillions of threads on this didn't clear up my confusion (I'm still figuring out hydraulics) so I thought I would bounce this out there.

I'm having a problem with my hydraulic harley rake. I was thinking that one possible cause would be the pressure at the front remotes (set up pretty much like a skid steer as I understand it) on my Kubota M59.

I was thinking of testing the pressure by screwing a hydraulic gauge into a pioneer type quick connect and plugging it in.

Does this make sense?

Will it read true tractor hydraulic pressure (seems to me it should)

Does it matter whether it goes into a male or female QC?

Any recs on Gauges/web sites?

Thanks in advance

The pressure test as you propose it will just give you a dead headed pressure that would probably set off your relief valve. That's fine if you want to check the relief pressure.
It would be better to use a "T" and measure the pressure with flow to the hydraulic actuator that you are concerned about.

Regarding the 3000 psi gauge, you might want to consider a 5000 psi gauge because there are usually transient pressure spikes as valves close or as cylinders hit their stops that can get very large and damage a 3000 psi gauge on a 2500 psi system. I think that Surplus Center has this pressure range gauge also.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Interesting, thanks.

I think relief pressure to the remotes would be a useful piece of data. It would at least show the tractor side of the attachment is working properly. Plus after reading all the people here who find their relief is a bit low, it would be nice to know.

 

[J_J]

Charles,

I would recommend you install the gage as a permanent part of the FEL valve. It should be installed with a tee going to the FEL Pressure port, with the gage visible from your seat. The gage will now indicate pressure when ever the engine is running. Without operating any levers, the pressure gage will read very little pressure. When ever you activate a lever to raise the bucket, or curl, you will see the pressure required to accomplish that task, and when you max out the lift or curl, you will see relief pressure.

You could also install a tee in the front and back with QD's and a QD on the gage, and use it as a test gage. You can put a hose on it or not. The gages are relatively inexpensive.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Thanks JJ, really appreciate it. Not sure I feel confident enough in my understanding of hydraulics to plumb it in permanently yet - not sure which is the FEL pressure port, but maybe I'll get to that point. Certainly having it on a hose and a QC would be a good first step.

 

[J_J]

Some valves are labeled as to the function. P=pressure in, T= tank port, A,B,= work ports. PB= Power Beyond

 

[Charlesaf3]

I'll look, but haven't noticed that. Be nice if Kubota were freer with their manuals. Their basic manual is pretty mediocre.