Instructions to add extra spools to L2800 for grapple.

[teg]

This is for a MID-tractor mount!!! I would like to document what I did. It took me a LOT of reading at TBN to figure out how to get this done (thickheaded?), I hope to add to the pool of information here. (Fast forward to the end, It WORKS!!!) warning, my writing sucks, if you need clarification on something... ask.

As for the Location of the New Spool: I didn't want the spool to be on the rear of the tractor, rops or fender where it might block my view. IslandTractor once said about "the rear remote: make sure the control lever is conveniently located on your tractor..." so I decided I wanted them near the FEL controls. This might not be a good location for TnT but time will tell... I wanted to take advantage of the hoses that were already located there.

I bought WestBrookLawn's grapple and thought about electric hydraulic diverter but the money didn't add up and KennyV said "...you ever needing remote hydraulics it is worth the cost to do rear remotes and run a good hose down under the tractor to the front..." I thought, why not split the difference just in case you want two or three hookups in either location... 7' hose goes to either the front or the rear of the tractor.

 

[teg]

L2800 Hydraulics uses Open Center valves with power beyond that are plumbed inline/straight/in a row (for the farmers). I had 2 options, either before the FEL or after. I went with "after" the FEL but before the 3ph which was down steam.

I took the return line (power beyond) from the FEL and used it to be the return of the new spool valve (going to the 3ph). Then I bought a hydraulic hose to re-route from the (now vacant) FEL power beyond to tie in to the "IN" port of the new valve. Then all I had to do was connect the new low pressure tank return line to the old low pressure one from the FEL using another hose and a TEE. Sounds easy, eh?? See the instructions that came with the Spool that I've added to - hope it made it more clear. (clear as mud as they say...)

First step for me was just mounting the valve/spool... once mounted, the rest was just plumbing (which hates me as much as I hate it). I remove the plastic cover of the FEL. Then removed the locking device. I had to drill the holes larger for the 5/16th rod that I wanted to use... I used the 2 holes for the locking device and two that held the plastic cover on. Then used 5/16 threaded rod (about 3" long) to mount a 1/4" plate (3"x7"-ish) just above where the locking device for FEL is located. The front hole near the tractor, I used about 6" of the threaded rod and it was used to also hold the new 3 spool valve. I then marked and drill the other two holes on the 1/4" plate for the new valve, cut threaded rod so that it didn't stick up. Used lock tight on nuts.

 

[teg]

After thoughts... could not believe it didn't leak and it only took two days (based this statement on previous plumbing work ). I did use TFE paste... on everything. I like the location. I bought a compact spool that caused some headaches (can not screw in 2 90* fittings next to each other!@#$%^&*) Plumbing was very compact and tight - almost too tight. Hoses are touching the paint, should I protect them some how? I don't care if the paint rubs off... after spending the money to upgrade this tractor, I don't ever plan to sell it. Plan to post all the parts that I used... once I figure out what I have left over...

I did check the pressure, it was 2250, it should be 2347 I decided to bump it up to 2400. I did NOT have to add a shim, I just tighten the nut about 1/2 a turn.

 

[teg]

Ordered from Surplus Center: Warning if you use the Ground shipment method - they simply did not fill my order for 3 days. It only took 2.5 days to be delivered via ground, once they got around to packing it.

1st order
9-7863 - 3 SPOOL 8 GPM PRINCE MB31BBB5C1 DA VALVE 1x $199.95
918-3284 - 3/8" X 84" 3/8 NPTM X 3/8 NPTM 4000 PSI HYD HOSE 4x $62.00
9-6901-8-6 - SAE 8M x 3/8 NPTF 90 SWIVEL 4x $17.80
9-7381 - 3/8" NPT QUICK COUPLER F/F S40-3 4x $31.80
$338.25 s&h $28.75

2nd order (too fast - should have waited)
9-5302-38 - N600S 3/8 NPT PARKER NEEDLE VALVE 2x $69.90
$69.90 s&h $11.55

3rd order (once I figured out a problem with my plan)
9-7184 - 3/8" NPT HEX NIPPLE 4x $2.36
9-1503-6-6 - 3/8 NPTM x 3/8 NPTF 45 SWIVEL 4x $13.00
9-1501-6-6 - 3/8 NPTM x 3/8 NPTF 90 SWIVEL 2x $5.90
9-6900-8-6 - SAE 8M x 3/8 NPTF SWIVEL 4x $7.96
$29.22 s&h $25.4

Local napa store
H42508 - 3/8" hydraulic hose 36" and 30" $29.45
060-J06 - 3/8" npt-m swivel Hose ends 3x $9.09 ($27.27) (didn't need swivel)
060-608 - JIC? taper end swivel Hose ends $6.59 (didn't need swivel)
c5706x8 - "tee" fitting JIC? female swivel plus 2 males $12.79
9315x8x6 - sae-m 8 to npt-f 3/8 $3.69
$83.78

hardware store
tfe paste $5.65
Thread 5/16 x 36" rod $2.06
Box of nuts (plenty of extras) $5.40

Cost $534.26
Shipping and reaming by SC $65.70
Total $599.96

 

[kennyd]

Nice write-up:thumbsup:

 

[dex3361]

Great thread Teg. I have considered installing set up just like that. Good documentation as well.:thumbsup:

 

[dfkrug]

First step for me was just mounting the valve/spool... once mounted, the rest was just plumbing....

Very nice, TEG.

Finding a good location to mount the valve is often the toughest part,
whether you use a manual or solenoid-operated spool valve block. Your
location is quite creative.

The L2800/L3400/L4400 is so popular that your write-up should come in
handy.

 

[teg]

Nice write-up:thumbsup:

Great thread Teg. I have considered installing set up just like that. Good documentation as well.:thumbsup:

Thanks guys... I'm going to try and show how it was done... figure I would use some photos...

 

[Thomas]

Also being L2800 owner I thank you for sharing...now you got me to thinking.

 

[teg]

More photos... Oops forgot to resize a couple of them... oh, well...