Hydraulic Expansion for Cub 3000 - Ideas

[thunderbirl]

This would be my first hydraulic "project".

My 3225 has three hydraulic circuits - one for the front hydraulic lift, one for the middle/mower and one for the three point hitch on the back.

I'm looking into diverting the middle circuit so that I can use it for the front (blade angle/loader dump). I'm also looking into upgrading the lift capacity for the front lift.

I'd like to have some sort of a selector/lockout that allows me to turn a handle that locks flow in the mower circuit and diverts the hydraulic flow to the second set of quick connects for the front. I'd like to know what kind of valve to get and where it might be mounted.

I'd also like to know how to "size" the front lift cylinder to provide about twice the lift. I'm pretty sure that all I need is a larger ID cylinder with twice the piston area, but I don't know what stroke/overall length I'd need, nor do I know the current ID. I have no familiarity with ordering hydraulic parts. I know that the larger ID cylinder will be slower than my current lift.

Has anyone out there done something like this?

Where are good places to order parts?

Thanks.

 

[kennyd]

You may be able to use a simple manual diverter to switch between the mid ports and new front ports, BUT-is the cylinder/valve for the mid position DA (double acting)? A lot of mowers just have a SA (single acting) cylinder for the deck, using gravity and the weight of the deck for lowering. IF it is just a SA circuit, then you will NOT be able to use it for angle control.
I diverter valve like THIS ONE can be used on a DA circuits.

 

[peavs]

You need a 190-288 Hydraulic Angle Kit and a 759-3971 Auxiliary Valve Kit. The auxiliary valve kit allows you to mount a fourth valve on the 3000 series. You will have to move the 3 pt. to this valve and the angle kit to your current 3 pt. valve. You will also have to cut a hole in the fender for the fourth handle.

I think you are correct for doubling the cylinder but it's been a while since I had my hydraulics courses. I'm sure somebody that works with hydraulics would be able to tell you more than me.

 

[thunderbirl]

Thanks for the help, so far.

The middle cylinder is double acting.

I'd like to use a selector valve if possible. The selector valve option seems "fairly" inexpensive and "easy" to implement.

What size should the ports in the selector valve be?
How do I "cut in" to the existing hydraulics?

How do I define the dimensions of the "upgraded" lift cylinder? Is ID going to be a "guesstimate"? How do I define "stroke"? I think overall length when closed/open is something that I can get a good estimate on.

 

[peavs]

I'd like to use a selector valve if possible. The selector valve option seems "fairly" inexpensive and "easy" to implement.

What size should the ports in the selector valve be?
How do I "cut in" to the existing hydraulics?

"Inexpensive" usually doesn't apply to hydraulics and "easy" doesn't apply to the 3000 series.

As far as adding another non-cub lift valve, you will need to put it inline between parts 19 and 15. Hopefully, 19 will be a hose and not the hard U-shaped tube.

If you're adding the diverting valve, you'll have to attach it using the fittings on the deck lift cylinder.

Most of the hydraulics on the 3000 series are hard metal tubing ("brake line") with special ends on them. Unless you can cut into this tubing, you will have to attach any diverter valve to the deck or 3pt. cylinder fittings or where the quick connect fittings are.

 

[elfiero50]

"Inexpensive" usually doesn't apply to hydraulics and "easy" doesn't apply to the 3000 series.

I'll second that!!

 

[peavs]

"Inexpensive" usually doesn't apply to hydraulics and "easy" doesn't apply to the 3000 series.

I'll second that!!

I guess price is relative. The 759-3971 Auxiliary Valve Kit is $151.02 at Mesick's (now) plus whatever the current price is on the 190-288 Hydraulic Angle Kit ($399 list $260 dealer in 2005). Install it yourself and save some money. (It's easy to install, cutting the hole in the fender is the hardest part).

Going with the diverter, ($73) 3x8 cylinder ($50) Quick-Connects 2 sets ($23) 2 - 1/4 x 60 hose {up to the front} ($20) 2 - 1/4 x 48 hose {on the cylinder} ($18) 4 - 1/4 x 12 hose {for diverter hookup/mounting} ($26) 10 fittings/adapters at $4 each ($40) = $250 (All Surplus Center prices) Almost half the price of the factory option.

Add to all the above, the custom mounting that is required and possibly more/different adapters/hoses it quickly approaches the factory option price.

Of course, building it yourself is fun and you can always wait for deal on eBay.