Hydrauluc top & tilt kit

[Fallon]

I've been working on this and now have 2 different solutions for the leak down issues.

If you feel that you can get by without the float feature, then install a DPOCV. This requires custom banjo bolts to work on Fit Rite cylinders. $120 shipped to you.

Or if you feel that you would like to keep the float feature capability, then an electric on-off valve can be installed at the tractor rod end coupler with a control grip for the control lever to actuate the on-off valve. Still need to put final pricing together, but looking like $300 + or -.

Was meaning to pester you about it one of these days. So problem solved on that front. ;-) love the TnT even with all the leakdown issues it's so worth it.

At those prices I'd likely just deal with losing float on the sidelink. I really only use it for setting an impliment level to a surface while sitting still. I haven't really used it while pulling a mower or ground engaging impliment.

 

[Henro]

It's not used much because it will completely disable the float function. Which is still a nice function to have on the top link.

But that is the point of the pilot operated check valves, is it not? Float and pilot operated check valve are functional options that are added to a standard valve operation, and not compatible as you point out. You chose one, the other or neither. If you choose neither, you have no float and still have to deal with cylinder drift, unless you get very lucky with the standard valve. Even then, over time drift will likely start with valve wear.

I have four remotes, normally use three of them. One has float. That one will not hold position over time. This is a negative when you want your 3 point arms to remain in position, like when a brush hog is used. As mentioned float is a nice feature, but must be weighed against the cylinder drift issue.

In my case I love having the one float valve, but would not replace one of the other POCV valves with a float valve. I guess there could be times when two float valves could be useful, like having one on the top link of the brush cutter, and another on the 3PH arm to allow twisting when mowing highly irregular surfaces...actually I am not sure that would work...seems like cutter would just settle down low on one side?

Now I am having trouble visualizing when I could use a second float valve...

Anyone have any examples of using two float valves simultaneously on a 3PH?

 

[John_Mc]

It's not used much because it will completely disable the float function. Which is still a nice function to have on the top link.

I don't have the float function and have never really come across a situation where I felt the need for it. There is no float on the stock manual top or side links, and my brush mower has "float" built into the linkage.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

But that is the point of the pilot operated check valves, is it not? Float and pilot operated check valve are functional options that are added to a standard valve operation, and not compatible as you point out. You chose one, the other or neither. If you choose neither, you have no float and still have to deal with cylinder drift, unless you get very lucky with the standard valve. Even then, over time drift will likely start with valve wear.

I have four remotes, normally use three of them. One has float. That one will not hold position over time. This is a negative when you want your 3 point arms to remain in position, like when a brush hog is used. As mentioned float is a nice feature, but must be weighed against the cylinder drift issue.

In my case I love having the one float valve, but would not replace one of the other POCV valves with a float valve. I guess there could be times when two float valves could be useful, like having one on the top link of the brush cutter, and another on the 3PH arm to allow twisting when mowing highly irregular surfaces...actually I am not sure that would work...seems like cutter would just settle down low on one side?

Now I am having trouble visualizing when I could use a second float valve...

Anyone have any examples of using two float valves simultaneously on a 3PH?

I can't think of a situation where you would have both the top link and side link in float mode. So one valve with the float feature does work for both. But what a hassle to have to be switching hoses back and forth from one set of controls to the other.

 

[ovrszd]

Would you ever let your Land Plane float both directions? I don't have one so aren't sure.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I don't have the float function and have never really come across a situation where I felt the need for it. There is no float on the stock manual top or side links, and my brush mower has "float" built into the linkage.

There are instances where the amount of movement allowed with the std mower hitch is not adequate for the situation, such as on banks either up or down.

As far as having independent draft link movement, while you tractor may not have it many tractors do. John Deere tractors first come to mind providing a small amount. Pictures give an idea of what is on some tractors. Pictures are of a 40xx series JD side link-draft arm connection.

As far as having a hydraulic side link with the float mode feature, this does not work well for rough mower use, typically only with implements that make full width ground contact, or a finish mower with corner wheels.

 

[ovrszd]

I built my hydraulic side link. Wanted to retain that float ability. That was the most technical part of the build.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I built my hydraulic side link. Wanted to retain that float ability. That was the most technical part of the build.

You needed the lower unit pictured . Actually both units to not have to build anything.

 

[ovrszd]

I enjoyed the challenge.

 

[DK35vince]

I'm curious: is no one using double piloted check valves on their cylinders anymore? I did not know about those when I set up my TnT system years ago. I've regretted it ever since, since the leakdown on my system can be a pain in the but in some situations.

I sure do.
I tried a top link and side link and got tired of the leak down. (side link leak down is really annoying).
Switched to piloted check valve top/tilt cylinders probably 17 years ago and have had zero leak down ever since.

 

[Molalla1]

I sure do.
I tried a top link and side link and got tired of the leak down. (side link leak down is really annoying).
Switched to piloted check valve top/tilt cylinders probably 17 years ago and have had zero leak down ever since.

:thumbsup: . . .

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Would you ever let your Land Plane float both directions? I don't have one so aren't sure.

I have never seen a benefit of doing that. But then I'm not a drop and go land plane user.

 

[ovrszd]

I have never seen a benefit of doing that. But then I'm not a drop and go land plane user.

I couldn't imagine it either. But then, we are control freaks.

 

[Fallon]

I couldn't imagine it either. But then, we are control freaks.

3rd. I don't use side float for my LPGS or box blade when moving.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

3rd. I don't use side float for my LPGS or box blade when moving.

With a box blade and using the rear blade going forward for smoothing, that is when using the float feature "can make a big difference" with how the end result looks.

This same procedure works very well when transitioning (going around a tight corner) from a road into a driveway or vise-versa. This is the number 1 area that I use the side link float feature. The main road which is my road is shared with 4 other neighbors for 1/2 mile. When doing the final finish-smoothing grade from the road into their driveways, the crown of the road changes. So with the float mode engaged, the implement flows the angle of the grade going around the corner, not the tractor as it changes from one surface to another. :thumbsup:

 

[Henro]

I use float on one of my tilt cylinders (I have two tilt cylinders) when plowing snow on my driveway, which has compound curves to it. Works well, as I have gage wheels on the blade and it will automatically tilt more or less, as the angle of the driveway surface changes.

I suppose the blade would do the same without the gage wheels.

Float on the top cylinder just gives more top link movement when brush hogging and going through dips and humps. Do not use my brush hog much these days...

Can not think of any reason why I would want a standard valve over one with either float or pilot operated check valves built in. My valves operate the same as standard valves, except that the check valves operate automatically, while the float function requires pushing the lever into the detent position.

The one negative is that the valve sections cost a little more than the basic valve sections.

 

[Threepoint]

I use float on one of my tilt cylinders (I have two tilt cylinders) when plowing snow on my driveway, which has compound curves to it. Works well, as I have gage wheels on the blade and it will automatically tilt more or less, as the angle of the driveway surface changes.

I suppose the blade would do the same without the gage wheels.

Float on the top cylinder just gives more top link movement when brush hogging and going through dips and humps. Do not use my brush hog much these days...

Can not think of any reason why I would want a standard valve over one with either float or pilot operated check valves built in. My valves operate the same as standard valves, except that the check valves operate automatically, while the float function requires pushing the lever into the detent position.

The one negative is that the valve sections cost a little more than the basic valve sections.

Henro, I'd like to learn more about your setup. Are your check valves double piloted, and actually mounted on the cylinders, between the ports, with banjo fittings? That's what I'm guessing, if they operate automatically. But if so, I'm curious how you can still retain the float function of your tractor's remote valves. Are you sure that pushing the lever into detent position really gives you float?

 

[Henro]

Henro, I'd like to learn more about your setup. Are your check valves double piloted, and actually mounted on the cylinders, between the ports, with banjo fittings? That's what I'm guessing, if they operate automatically. But if so, I'm curious how you can still retain the float function of your tractor's remote valves. Are you sure that pushing the lever into detent position really gives you float?

I used Prince valve sections if I remember correctly. They have pilot operated check valves built in. I believe there is a check valve for both directions, but it has been a while, and the only thing I am sure about is gravity does not move the cylinders when the system is at rest. The section with float does not have pilot operated check valve, just the float function. A cylinder connected to the float valve will change length due to gravity over time.

Here is an ancient (was going to say old, but it seems older than old...) thread about what I did. I think it will answer your question better than me trying to type the details...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...r-ending-t-t-path.html?highlight=never+ending

Hope the link works...

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Henro, I'd like to learn more about your setup. Are your check valves double piloted, and actually mounted on the cylinders, between the ports, with banjo fittings? That's what I'm guessing, if they operate automatically. But if so, I'm curious how you can still retain the float function of your tractor's remote valves. Are you sure that pushing the lever into detent position really gives you float?

The three 3 position valves have the DPOCV built into the valve, there is no float feature with those 3 valves. His 4th valve is a 4 position valve and has the float feature, but no DPOCV. It leaks down.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no control valve that has both the float feature and DPOCV built into it.

 

[Threepoint]

I used Prince valve sections if I remember correctly. They have pilot operated check valves built in. I believe there is a check valve for both directions, but it has been a while, and the only thing I am sure about is gravity does not move the cylinders when the system is at rest. The section with float does not have pilot operated check valve, just the float function. A cylinder connected to the float valve will change length due to gravity over time.

Here is an ancient (was going to say old, but it seems older than old...) thread about what I did. I think it will answer your question better than me trying to type the details...

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...r-ending-t-t-path.html?highlight=never+ending

Hope the link works...

Thanks for the link, Henro. That's quite an impressive thread! So, 15 years later, your super-custom T 'n T setup is evidently still working well! :thumbsup: