On Remote Hydraulic Valves

Rolando · Aug 31, 2004

I've made a few more decisions, which of course means I have even more questions... (L3130, LA723 FEL, skid steer quick hitch, 66" HD bucket, grappler, scrapper box, maybe a BH) (felling and moving trees, grading and limited fill moving)

I've decided I want to get the TnT for the 3pt hitch. I also want to get a grapple, which means I will need one more control for the FEL. I would like to do it with factory stuff, so the question is: I am correct that I want the 3 valve kit (2 for TnT and 1 for the grapple)? And after having gone that far, do I need, or would it be a good idea to get, a 4th valve for future additional use? Or is it unlikely that I would ever need 4 functioning valves at the same time?

I read on a post that one of the hoses to the 3 valves was tee'd to go both to the front and rear so that valve could control an implement at either location. Is that a worthwhile thing to do?

As always, thanks again for all the input.

MadReferee · Aug 31, 2004

If you go with Kubota factory valves you can only have 3 remotes and I believe that all lines to the QD's are hard tubing. I suppose you could run hoses from the grapple to one of the rear remote QD's although it might be a bit awkward to operate a lever on the right fender and the loader joystick at the same time.

Then again you could always roll your own remotes with an OEM 3 or 4 spool valve and hoses, fittings and QD's. Cost wise it might be a little bit cheaper but not as clean an installation.

There are alternatives using a diverter with a button on the joystick that would probably be better.

SkyPup · Aug 31, 2004

You may wish to rethink that 66" HD bucket, simply because you will have to make multiple reverse passes to smooth over the holes and such you've gauged out. With the standard 72" bucket, it is a one reverse pass with the FEL in float mode to clean things up. The HD bucket is also overkill, the standard one will last longer than you will. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

I thought about a grappler too, since I have a 70,000 BTU wood stove that is our source of heat during the winter and it only burns concrete hard liveoak so also have a 42 ton 6" ram hydraulic splitter. But the grappler really isn't worth it unless that is the only thing you plan on doing (moving trees and limbs), a simple toothbar is all you need.

Rolando · Aug 31, 2004

Good points all, MadReferee. Is there a Kubota option for handling the grapple? I agree that with the control for the Grapple next to your seat on your right, you would have to handle the FEL with your left while working the grapple with your right. With the steering wheel in the way it might be awkward. How are other people handling this?

I'll be talking to my dealer about this, but I like to go in with as much information and other's experience as possible.

Rolando · Aug 31, 2004

Thom, am I correct that you're talking about the fact that a 66" bucket won't totally cover the tire tracks?

Why do people want the HD bucket? I've read where many do, but their needs may exceed mine.

I was thinking about the grapple both for picking up the tree trunks and also grabbing bunches of branches and debris to move them and also compact them some. I'm also thinking about what type of grapple would be best, but that's a topic for another post . . .

SkyPup · Aug 31, 2004

Yeah, the 72" bucket will wipe out the tire indentations and smooth things out leaving no trace, also any two trees or obstacles where you can get the blade through, the tractor will slide through too, makes it easier on the "minds-eye".

Like I said, the HD bucket is overkill, you will not need it. I too wanted one myself but in 450 hrs of operation not a single dent or problem with the standard bucket. In fact, it was extremely difficult to drill two one inch holes in that high grade steel bucket to mount the toothbar. The standard buckets last forever.

I know the feeling when you are putting together some new equipment and thinking of all the future possibilites that you will encounter, you want to always have a strong basic foundation to start with so that you can handle all that comes your way in the future.

If you'd like, perhaps you could visit our farm and operate our L-3130, LA723 with 72" standard bucket, TNT, 72" Bushog box scrapper, etc....to give you a better idea of what you need. A top notch L-3130 setup is alot more than most would ever need to manage 5 acres.

Rolando · Aug 31, 2004

Thanks, Thom, that's a terrific offer! You have almost the exact configuration I'm interested in. I had lost hope that I could actually test the L3130 with the loader attached. I want the HST transmission, but I can test that at Gatorland since they have that tractor set up.

Send me a private message on how I can contact you to set up a time convenient for you. I need to sign off now, but I'll contact you after I get back. Thanks again.

SkyPup · Aug 31, 2004

Okay, I sent you an email.

BTW, it is not a good practice to push over trees with the tractor, some of them are widowmakers, especially dead lightning struck trees where the crown falls down on you when you push the trunk. People get killed doing that, not to mention the gravity and weight of the limbs and trunk are not what most think it to be and the entire thing can come down and flip-flop back over on you...... not good.

I've got six chainsaws with up to 30" bar, it is best to cut them off 6 feet above ground and then cahin or pull the root mass out with a little help from the FEL. I've taken out a dozen four-five foot diameter live oak trunks that you will not believe, but I have the photo documentaries of the tasks.

You will flip when you see what this setup is capable of, much more than you can imagine! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Riddler · Aug 31, 2004

Thom, thanks for sharing your opinion about the HD bucket. Sounds like the extra-expense, which often includes the cost of an additional, replaceable cutting edge, is not necessary absent full-time excavation use. Most dealers will allow us first time tractor buyers to convince ourselves that "heavy duty" must be better for us, even though we will find ourselves digging only occasionally. You saved me a few bucks today!!

texbaylea · Aug 31, 2004

Rolando

I have an L3130HST, LA723 with quick attach, R4s, 66" HD bucket and 3 remote valves. My remotes are setup like this; circuits 1 & 2 have outlets at the rear; 2 is teed and also goes forward; circuit 3 goes forward. All are plumbed in with hose. QD's for circuits 2 & 3 are mounted at the loader frame and at the front of the loader boom. I am going to have to take a break and take photographs of all this. I received a toothbar yesterday and will mount it this week. I have an ATI grapple mounted to my bucket primarily for picking up brush. So far, I have not found it necessary to operate the grapple at the same time as the loader controls and do not expect to. If you were using a diverter valve with a switch on the joy stick you would not be using that loader function anyway so what's the difference? I have always felt that the diverter valve was a bit of a kludge and that my method is cleaner.

I plan to order a hydraulic top link very soon and will use circuit #1 to control it. When I start to grade a new driveway I will get a hydraulic side link to be controlled by circuit #2. I can't forsee that I would want to operate the grapple at the same time as using the tilt. In my mind these are two disparate job functions.

I also use circuit #2 to rotate the tree shear and #3 to operate the shear when using that implement.

I have a histroy of keeping and operating my vehicles and equipment a long time so I got the HD bucket to help with that trend. Small delta in cost at this time. In my wood shop, the bandsaw and the lathe are both over 50 years old and going strong. My table saw is over 25 years old --- all Delta made. My first Kubota tractor was 20 years old when I traded it in and still very serviceable.

That is my approach. Hope it helps.

Vernon