Torvy
Super Member
OK, experts, here is the next in my series of questions from a beginner for beginners...
My understanding of hydraulics is relatively basic. Essentially, a fluid contained in a closed system with a pump to pressurize it. Valves and the like are controlled by levers or switches to drive or manipulate gears/levers/devices with force. There are two primary ways to measure hydraulic abilities. Pressure and flow (or volume). Pressure is measured in Pounds per square inch (PSI) or similar metric measurement. Flow is measured in gallons (or litres) per minute. I view pressure thinking of a typical garden hose. Without any attachments, the hose flows out under low pressure. If you press your thumb over the opening (or kink the hose), the water flows out at a higher pressure, but no more water actually comes out. For our purposes, pressure with make things move more quickly. Flow is more about capacity. The more flow, the more ability a hydraulic system should have to lift/dig/push. This is what I think I know. Please correct any misunderstandings.
In terms of how hydraulics are incorporated into tractors, from what I remember as a kid and what I have read tractors may have 1 to 5 (6?) output ports depending on what you buy. With an FEL, there would be 1-3? that control the lifting, dumping and/or grapple functions (these same ones are used for snow blowers?). Near the 3pt hitch you would have 1-3 ports (typically) that can be used to operate attachments/implements. Please correct misunderstandings here as well.
The question(s): Under what circumstances would I need more ports in the back? (like what types of attachments use more?) How often do you need all 3. Are there good arguments for saving the money by having fewer? Are the couplers standardized for compact tractors or do some manufacturers use proprietary connectors? Any good advice on how to maintain hydraulic systems? Should I keep backup hoses in my shop or do they fail infrequently enough that it is not worth keeping inventory? Can cracks/holes be patched or is the pressure so great that it would be pointless?
I know this topic can be huge and there are a lot of other possible concerns with separate pumps and such. We can save those for another day. Thanks again. The answers to my earlier questions have been outstanding and quite helpful.
My understanding of hydraulics is relatively basic. Essentially, a fluid contained in a closed system with a pump to pressurize it. Valves and the like are controlled by levers or switches to drive or manipulate gears/levers/devices with force. There are two primary ways to measure hydraulic abilities. Pressure and flow (or volume). Pressure is measured in Pounds per square inch (PSI) or similar metric measurement. Flow is measured in gallons (or litres) per minute. I view pressure thinking of a typical garden hose. Without any attachments, the hose flows out under low pressure. If you press your thumb over the opening (or kink the hose), the water flows out at a higher pressure, but no more water actually comes out. For our purposes, pressure with make things move more quickly. Flow is more about capacity. The more flow, the more ability a hydraulic system should have to lift/dig/push. This is what I think I know. Please correct any misunderstandings.
In terms of how hydraulics are incorporated into tractors, from what I remember as a kid and what I have read tractors may have 1 to 5 (6?) output ports depending on what you buy. With an FEL, there would be 1-3? that control the lifting, dumping and/or grapple functions (these same ones are used for snow blowers?). Near the 3pt hitch you would have 1-3 ports (typically) that can be used to operate attachments/implements. Please correct misunderstandings here as well.
The question(s): Under what circumstances would I need more ports in the back? (like what types of attachments use more?) How often do you need all 3. Are there good arguments for saving the money by having fewer? Are the couplers standardized for compact tractors or do some manufacturers use proprietary connectors? Any good advice on how to maintain hydraulic systems? Should I keep backup hoses in my shop or do they fail infrequently enough that it is not worth keeping inventory? Can cracks/holes be patched or is the pressure so great that it would be pointless?
I know this topic can be huge and there are a lot of other possible concerns with separate pumps and such. We can save those for another day. Thanks again. The answers to my earlier questions have been outstanding and quite helpful.
