Operating Hydraulic Implements Without Rear Remotes

[perdurabo]

I tried to search on this but didn't come up with anything that really applies.

I've got a Kubota L3400HST that has a FEL but did NOT come with a rear remote hydraulic valve. I want to be able to operate rear mounted hydraulic implements like a log splitter or a cement mixer dumper but I don't wan't to pay the $1200 my Kubota dealership quoted me for installing a rear remote hydraulic valve. That just seems crazy.

Is there a way to run implements like a log splitter or a cement mixer dumper off of one of the two FEL valves with just a really long hydraulic hose? If so, which coupler exactly do I tap into? Exactly what kind of hose do I need with what kind of couplers? Do I have to add more fluid to make it work since there will be some still in the hose when I disconnect the implement? To control the valve, I would just use the FEL joystick and move it up/down or right/left depending on which valve I attach it to, right?

If I CANT run it off the FEL valve is there some kind of cheaper aftermarket kit I can use to jury rig something just good enough to do the job?

Thanks in advance.

 

[beenthere]

Do a search on threads with POWER BEYOND in the title or thread. That will be what you want for your question, I am sure.
In the meantime, some more specific responses will likely show up here.

 

[kennyd]

You can operate stuff off of your FEL ports, no problem. I suggest using the dump/curl circuit so you can still raise or lower the loader if needed.

What ports are the dump/curl I can't help you with, but your manual should address that. 3/8" hose will suffice, and you will have to use a bungee cord to hold the joystick over to use a logsplitter so the fluid stays flowing through the valve on the splitter.

Not the ideal setup, but functional.

 

[/pine]

If I CANT run it off the FEL valve is there some kind of cheaper aftermarket kit I can use to jury rig something just good enough to do the job?

It sounds like you should be abale to do it yourself with mostly 3rd party (innexpensive compared to dealer) parts...

buy the outlet from the dealer that will let you tap into the system and plumb it yourself...

...I recently did this on an older B series and learned that it is not that difficult to hard plumb what you can with tubing and save the cost of hoses etc...

[edit]

determining where and how to fasten the valves may be the biggest challenge.... [/edit]

 

[Stonehaller]

I agree with KennyD. Trace back the lines from your dump/curl cylinders to figure out which quick couplers to hook into. You will need to get two coupler ends that match the loader side for your hoses to the back. You also need to make sure that the control valve on your splitter is open center (most are). Before uncoupling the dump curl cylinders, lower the loader with the bucket dumped, turn off the tractor and cycle the loader valve in all directions to relieve any stored pressure. When you go to hook the loader back up, you will need to get it in the same position. If the bucket ends up a different position you can have trapped pressure that will make it very difficult to get the couplers together again.

 

[dfkrug]

If I CANT run it off the FEL valve is there some kind of cheaper aftermarket kit I can use to jury rig something just good enough to do the job?

As others have stated, you certainly CAN get hydraulic power from your
FEL work ports (or the power beyond outlet of your FEL valve). The AUX
valve setups from Kubota have always been very expensive. However,
an aftermarket valve can be superior to OEM, and cost tons less, too. It
is no "jury-rig" if done correctly.

Once, I happened to be at the Kubota dealer, and the mechanic was
finishing up adding TnT to a new BX for a customer. The new dual AUX
valves he added were aftermarket because Kubota only offered a single
AUX valve from the factory for that model.

BTW, I run a hydraulic motor off my AUX valve and I use 15' 1/4" hoses.
It works fine, but I do not run the tractor at full RPM because the 8.3
GPM flow rate will cause excessive fluid heating thru such a long small
hose. If only for intermittant duty, 1/4 hoses are fine, and indeed, preferred.

 

[perdurabo]

Can you point me to a webpage or at least give me a more specific/detailed description of an aftermarket AUX hydraulic valve that will fit my Kubota L3400HST?

 

[kennyd]

Can you point me to a webpage or at least give me a more specific/detailed description of an aftermarket AUX hydraulic valve that will fit my Kubota L3400HST?

Use the search function of this site-there are HUNDREDS of post's here about how to do it in this (the Hydraulics) forum.

Search terms like these:

3400 (your model number)
remote
beyond