3-Point Hitch Is a Rear remote on a little TC-18 worth it?

[TomOfTarsus]

Hi all, it's been a while.

As I've gotten more and more use out of my little TC-18, I've started to find more possible uses for a rear remote - such as for a Top'n'Tilt, and possibly a hitch-mounted wood splitter. If I'm thinking correctly, both of those things require a "rear remote" hydraulic connection. The math shows that a splitter may work slow, but it'd work. (PTO operated splitters are 'way more expensive, and a standalone just give me another gasoline engine to maintain!)

The Top'n'Tilt would be handy for using my back blade and box blade, and for keeping the loader frame level.

Or am I just being a little too optimistic? I beg the advice of more experienced users.

Second question: If it is a reasonable undertaking, should I do it myself or have it done? I'm reasonably good mechanically, especially with good directions, and the nearest New Holland Dealer is about 40 miles away, so hauling the tractor to them causes trauma to my tailfeathers (i.e it's a pain in the butt!).

Thanks all,

Tom

 

[Soundguy]

rear remote for a to n tilt? sure.

rear splitter? probably grow old waiting.. get a pto pump.. the go for it.

soundguy

 

[TomOfTarsus]

Thank you, sir! Wait'll my b'loved hears that!

'Course, those PTO powered splitters are a sight more expensive - must be that pump.

Do you think adding a rear remote is something I could do myself, given reasonable mechanical skills?

 

[kennyd]

For a true TnT setup, you would need 2 rear remotes-one for the TOP and one for the TILT.

 

[Soundguy]

For a true TnT setup, you would need 2 rear remotes-one for the TOP and one for the TILT.

or 1 remote and a generic open center dual spool for the top n tilt functions.. convieniently mounted to a fender. probably way cheaper for the generic spool and a single remote vs 2 remotes.. ( if available )

soundguy

 

[TomOfTarsus]

Ooohh, good point! Yii, maybe I'd better have the dealer do it if I know so little about it!

Still, like I said, given parts and directions I'm pretty good... cleanliness, I know , is really important when doing hydraulics...

Thanks,

Tom

Blast, I need to learn my hydraulics terminology. What's a spool? Like a selector that chooses one or the other?

 

[Soundguy]

spool as in spool valve. IE.. 2 spools is 2 valves.

soundguy

 

[J_J]

A spool in a hyd valve directs the fluid to where it needs to go. Most of the time, the spool sits in the center and the fluid just passes through the valve to other parts of the tractor.

 

[Fastdraw]

The remote kits are semi complicated. If you have good mechanical skills and fair knowledge of your equipment it is very acomplishable, but if you have any doubts I would let a mechanic tackle it. As far as the usefullness, they come in quite handy and are worth the investment IMO. I run a speeco log splitter on my TC35 and it sure beats swinging an axe. Yes its a bit slower than PTO driven models but I am not in a hurry anyway.:thumbsup:

 

[TomOfTarsus]

Thanks, gents! Yeah, that's the issue, I have good mechanical skills but really haven't messed with hydraulics much - my boss has more design experience this way. I just found a dealer a little closer to me than the 40 miles I'd previously thought was my closest, so maybe I'll give them a call.

Like I said, it's worth some wrenching just to have to keep from trailering that beauty somewhere. I just need good directions.

Unless I win a Boomer in the 5-5-5 contest! :thumbsup: