OK, need serious hand holding to add remotes to L3800

[ctgoldwing]

I admit I am a total novice when it comes to hydraulics. There is also no project big or small I won't take a whack at destroying.

I have a basic understanding of an open system, power beyond port and how the valves are daisy chained. That's it. I don't have a clue on fittings nomenclature, what's available to make installation easier (a bracket between the ROPS to mount 'couplers' for my future TNT?).

Here is what I would like to do. I am going to install a top n tilt kit. That's pretty easy sounding to me. Having couplers mounted in front of the 3ph to connect the tnt cylinders to the valves is not really clear. Just sounds like a mechanical puzzle. If I order a Fit Rite kit I'll know what kind of fitting I need to couple to. The other side of the coupler I assume will be female threaded for the hoses that go back to the valves. Is there a 'standard' size / thread?

The valves. I would like (I think this is what I want) a 2 spool valve with float (I really want the float). I would like to mount it on the right fender. Are there mounting kits for these or is it simply a bolt thru mount or do I need to fab something?

Hose connections - I believe I need 2 from the FEL, the power beyond and a return. Does the FEL valve no longer need a return and I just plug it with the plug I am removing from the power beyond connection? Do I just take the return from the new valves and couple it at the FEL to the line going back to the reservoir?

Any specific recommendations would be appreciated especially valve models and where to buy (I just got the Kubota prices and gagged). Should I get a hydraulic fitting wrench? I don't even know all the questions to ask

Thanks!

This has to be a doable project and I am positive many of you have done much more complicated hydraulic projects.

 

[Peter 315]

I just bought the factory rear remote kit 2 valves.....You will have to fab a bracket ..surplus hyd has good prices on valves..

 

[Fallon]

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/hydraulics/295816-kubota-l3200-tnt-3rd-function.html L3200 & L3800 (as well as the Lxx01s) are going to be identical for hydraulics.

Ya, get a set of thin hydraulic wrenches.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

This is what I typically provide.

Bucher 12GPM stacking valves, (3 valves are most common, 2 w/float, 1 SRC)1 piece valve & coupler mount with 1/2" AG type breakaway couplers. Work port hoses. Customers typically have to source the 3 supply line hoses themselves once they have determined the routing they want and then measure for hose lengths. All of your fittings should be #8 JIC for connecting to the tractor.

The pictures are of an MX series and the customer just recently added a 3rd valve. :thumbsup:

Be careful about getting cheaper valves. There have been many people that have had internal leakage problems and you are on your own when that comes up. The valve manufacturers always seem to say that the amount of leakage is within specs. Best to get valves that are known to be a better quality valve IMO.

I'm currently at about a 23 week lead time for the top & tilt sets, so if you are going to go with me, something to consider time wise. :scratchchin:

 

[ctgoldwing]

Hello Brian

Listen to your voice mail

I called you about 3 hours ago, lol

Give me a call when u get a chance

Jerry

 

[Peter 315]

This is what I typically provide.

Bucher 12GPM stacking valves, (3 valves are most common, 2 w/float, 1 SRC)1 piece valve & coupler mount with 1/2" AG type breakaway couplers. Work port hoses. Customers typically have to source the 3 supply line hoses themselves once they have determined the routing they want and then measure for hose lengths. All of your fittings should be #8 JIC for connecting to the tractor.

The pictures are of an MX series and the customer just recently added a 3rd valve. :thumbsup:

Be careful about getting cheaper valves. There have been many people that have had internal leakage problems and you are on your own when that comes up. The valve manufacturers always seem to say that the amount of leakage is within specs. Best to get valves that are known to be a better quality valve IMO.

I'm currently at about a 23 week lead time for the top & tilt sets, so if you are going to go with me, something to consider time wise. :scratchchin:

Nice setup but you lose the cup holder...:laughing:

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Nice setup but you lose the cup holder...:laughing:

True, hard to have it all.

 

[s219]

I went with the Kubota kit for my L3200. The instructions had a few errors (hopefully corrected by now) but based on all the questions you are asking, it would probably be a big help for you to have it in kit form with instructions, diagrams, and pictures.

Make sure you get the part #s and pricing from the Kubta Wholegoods catalog, then shop around. Messicks sold the kit to me with a decent discount. I went with a double action valve and a float detent valve. The rest of the kit has all the hoses and brackets, and a new mounting bezel that integrates the 3-pt hitch lever and new valve levers. It looks very clean and is well integrated and easy to operate.

If you are going by the pricing on the Kubota website, well, that is full retail including install costs most likely. In other words, what you'd pay for them on a new tractor at MSRP. If buying the kit separately, the cost is less and you provide the labor.

I did not think the install was hard at all, except I had to use my brain to reconcile the errors in the instructions (did not pass a sanity check). The errors were due to the fact that the instructions were based on a tractor with backhoe and they didn't seem to entertain the possibility of a tractor without a backhoe (which is actually simpler). Once I figured that out it was very obvious.

Some people have reported leakdown issues with the valves on the Grand L models, but I have had zero problems with the kit on my L and it's been in heavy use for 6+ years now. I don't remember the valve manufacturer, but at the time I looked them up and they were reputable.

Don't overpay for your top+tilt cylinders. I spent about $150 for each cylinder and they have been great. Mine are AI products cylinders (they are a big farm equipment distributor). I can look up the model numbers if you want. Again, 6+ years of heavy use and no issues with those. I gave them a coat of orange paint and ordered hoses from discounthydraulichose.com for about $60, but otherwise it was just basic plumbing.

 

[s219]

This is how the factory kit integrates the valve levers:

 

[s219]

Valves go under the seat and mount to the side of the transmission case with a custom mounting block: