New Fangled hydraulic option on 3720

[MBDiagMan]

I have experience with electrically actuated hydraulic control valves on fork trucks. It is a new wave(more accurately should be called new source of massive headaches) in the industry. I have seen massive problems from these newfangled gadgets. I have seen a number of different types and sizes of these valves and they are ALL problem prone.

I am quite confident that in years to come they will work the bugs out of these things, but I would not reccomend being their guinea pig for the process. I would give them at LEAST another five years to work out the problems with them before I would spend fifteen cents for ANY equipment using them. Even after that five years I would be skeptical of them at best.

Todays vehicles and machinery are eaten up with electronics and computer control. There are plenty of good things that come of this, but electrically operated hydraulic valves are not yet among the good things.

Trust me on this one.

 

[jimgerken]

Here's my aftermarket solution on a 3720. Prince sectional valve. JD power beyond allows easy connection.

 

[MBDiagMan]

Here's my aftermarket solution on a 3720. Prince sectional valve. JD power beyond allows easy connection.

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!!!

Nothing beats mechanicall actuated hydraulic valves. You'll be out in the field using this setup while the guys with electric actuated valves are in their shop scratching their heads and cussing or taking their rig to the dealer shop.

 

[jimgerken]

Yea, the "old-fashion" valves are bullet-proof. This three-section unit is on it's second tractor. And I could have chosen (or could change to) valves with detent, valves that control hydro motors, valves with float, etc. It mounts with three bolts. If anything were to go wrong, or I decide to trade tractors again, it comes off in about ten minutes with two wrenches.

 

[foggy1111]

Yea, the "old-fashion" valves are bullet-proof. This three-section unit is on it's second tractor. And I could have chosen (or could change to) valves with detent, valves that control hydro motors, valves with float, etc. It mounts with three bolts. If anything were to go wrong, or I decide to trade tractors again, it comes off in about ten minutes with two wrenches.

That does provide lots of power options Jim. Very nice work! I am considering my options for different hydraulic needs of my own.....and your set-up is very appealing!!

So.....with the power beyond and valve and quick couplers set up (for two sets of couplers instead of 3 as shown).......can you estimate what a person would spend to get an install such as this accomplished?

i.e. Power Beyond install, Dual valve and couplers from Surplus Center....and doing most of the work yourself? (Basically the economy way of getting it done.)

 

[jimgerken]

foggy1111: I would have to check current prices on stuff to be sure. You'd get the PB option from JD parts, and that costs around $275 (from memory). The valves are under a hundred per section, so you'd have a couple hundred in a 2-section valve of your choice (float, no float, hydro motor, whatever) including the thru bolt kit and levers. You'd have to fab a mounting base bracket, and find a good place to put it on your tractor. Then you'd need a couple hoses and couplers. Looks like about $600 to get it done, plus labor and a bit of head scratching time. Figure a week of evenings and weekend days, to do the install, during which your tractor would be "in the shop".

 

[foggy1111]

foggy1111: I would have to check current prices on stuff to be sure. You'd get the PB option from JD parts, and that costs around $275 (from memory). The valves are under a hundred per section, so you'd have a couple hundred in a 2-section valve of your choice (float, no float, hydro motor, whatever) including the thru bolt kit and levers. You'd have to fab a mounting base bracket, and find a good place to put it on your tractor. Then you'd need a couple hoses and couplers. Looks like about $600 to get it done, plus labor and a bit of head scratching time. Figure a week of evenings and weekend days, to do the install, during which your tractor would be "in the shop".

Thats close enough for me. I was mostly curious what Power Beyond costs....ballpark. I think I need to give this a go. May make a plan for the winter months. Thanks Jim! (you may be in my neighborhood??)