JJ and others - New remote

[woodlandfarms]

So, I am thinking that later this year I am going to add a remote on the left hand side of the tractor, to operate a grapple and backhoe. Essentially I plan to tie into the existing controller (somehow, any ideas) and pick up a small controller and weld it to the left side of the tractor, run some hoses to it,then out the arms.

SO, JJ and others, you guys love surplus supply, what kind of controller would you be looking at?

Also, I guess I could replace the controller on the right hand side with something more appropriate (two or thee handles mounted on top) and it would help with the leakdown, but then the logistics of getting something to fit and the added costs...

Look forward to your ideas...

 

[J_J]

So, I am thinking that later this year I am going to add a remote on the left hand side of the tractor, to operate a grapple and backhoe. Essentially I plan to tie into the existing controller (somehow, any ideas) and pick up a small controller and weld it to the left side of the tractor, run some hoses to it,then out the arms.

SO, JJ and others, you guys love surplus supply, what kind of controller would you be looking at?

Also, I guess I could replace the controller on the right hand side with something more appropriate (two or thee handles mounted on top) and it would help with the leakdown, but then the logistics of getting something to fit and the added costs...

Look forward to your ideas...

Carl, are you left handed?

With this valve, you have two joystick plus two single lever valves. 12 functions.

Directional control, 22 series.

Hydraulic Cylinder Components, Products

You could take your joystick valve in for a test, or get a gage and needle valve that you can close off, and test your self.

The four lever valve is around $480, and the single joystick below that one is about $170

 

[woodlandfarms]

No, I am right handed, but I don't sense enough room on the right hand side to put in a control without some serious modding (due to the position of the attachment points for the front lift).

I think I am going to have to go to a local Hydrualics shop to see how big these bad boys are ...

What do you think the difference is between the LS and AO series?

 

[Marks481]

I like the idea of the auxiliary control on the left hand side... it seems more natural (I suspect) when using the mini-hoe; since you have to articulate right and left while scooping in dumping, that means your left hand goes from the steering wheel to the auxiliary to curl/uncurl the bucket, and back to the steering wheel to articulate to dump the load.

Of course, anything would be more natural then having to lean down and grab the auxiliary control lever. Can't believe that PT never changed that design... gotta believe that more then one customer has complained about that ergonomic decision.

 

[J_J]

No, I am right handed, but I don't sense enough room on the right hand side to put in a control without some serious modding (due to the position of the attachment points for the front lift).

I think I am going to have to go to a local Hydraulics shop to see how big these bad boys are ...

What do you think the difference is between the LS and AO series?

LS is a log splitter valve. Don't know what the AO stands for.

As far as tying in to the current valve, You will need a valve with Power beyond [PB ]. Use the new valve as primary lift and tilt, and the current valve as the aux/backhoe circuit.

 

[RegL]

I like the idea of the auxiliary control on the left hand side... it seems more natural (I suspect) when using the mini-hoe; since you have to articulate right and left while scooping in dumping, that means your left hand goes from the steering wheel to the auxiliary to curl/uncurl the bucket, and back to the steering wheel to articulate to dump the load.

Of course, anything would be more natural then having to lean down and grab the auxiliary control lever. Can't believe that PT never changed that design... gotta believe that more then one customer has complained about that ergonomic decision.

Tim,
I think because the aux control lever is used mainly for locking attachments it's placed out of the way so it won't be operated by mistake. It's kind of scary to have an attachment fall off when you don't intend it to. I forgot to lock my brush hog on once, and I probably won't make that mistake again. Those hydraulic hoses are pretty strong but not meant to tow a running mower.

 

[KentT]

I like the idea of the auxiliary control on the left hand side... it seems more natural (I suspect) when using the mini-hoe; since you have to articulate right and left while scooping in dumping, that means your left hand goes from the steering wheel to the auxiliary to curl/uncurl the bucket, and back to the steering wheel to articulate to dump the load..

My Mickey-Mouse AUX PTO Mod works like that... after a little use, the movements become pretty smooth and coordinated.

Also works well for the grapple bucket, since opening/closing the bucket is a "once per load" kind of action, unless you need to tighten the grip on a shifting load. This allows the left hand to go back to steering while the right is controlling the lift and curl of the bucket to get it to transport position, or at the end of the trip to get it into position to open the bucket and dump the contents...

I still think the best, cheap solution is to run a cable control off the existing valve to the left side of the steering wheel. That's on my "wish list" for farther down the road... along with a few more mods.

 

[KentT]

Tim,
I think because the aux control lever is used mainly for locking attachments it's placed out of the way so it won't be operated by mistake. It's kind of scary to have an attachment fall off when you don't intend it to. I forgot to lock my brush hog on once, and I probably won't make that mistake again. Those hydraulic hoses are pretty strong but not meant to tow a running mower.

Depends on what attachments you have and what you use your PT for. MY QA cylinder is disconnected more than it is connected. The grapple bucket stays on my PT unless I have need of another attachment. I use the minihoe and brush cutter about the same. I used the LM bucket primarily when hauling mulch, but otherwise just used the grapple bucket. The other attachments (rake, boxblade, stump grinder, forks, finish mower) don't really get used enough to mention, at least yet.

 

[J_J]

You guys seem to be ignoring the electric valves. Just put them where you want, and then just flip a switch mounted on the joystick handle.

 

[KentT]

You guys seem to be ignoring the electric valves. Just put them where you want, and then just flip a switch mounted on the joystick handle.

Electric switches might work OK for the grapple, for example, but I can't imagine an electric switch giving me the kind of precise or "feathering" control I want when using the minihoe...

Try to picture controlling a backhoe with ONLY electric switches...

IMO, electric switches are great for diverter valves, such as the PTO, but not nearly as good for some other purposes...