Questions about remotes

Doc_Bob · Mar 26, 2006

Remotes. I have some newbie questions about remotes. Everybody talks about them and installs them. I am not really sure what implements require them (additional remotes that is). Folks talk about stacked versus non-stacked, 1, 2, or 3, rear and front. Easy for owner to install versus having the dealer install them.

Questions:
1) How many should someone have? 1, 2 or 3?
2) What implements require them?
3) Dealer install versus owner install?
4) Front or rear remote or both?

I know this is quite a few questions. If I should be asking elsewhere, let me know.
Bob

JerryG · Mar 26, 2006

Bob,
1) I would say to always to get at least two.
2) I use mine the most with a rear blade. There are several things that use them. Mowers, blades and T&T to name a few.
3) The dealer installed are usually cleaner, but owner installed ones can actually be tailored for the owner more.
4) Most uses are in the rear, but some things like grapples and tree shears need them in the front.

MadReferee · Mar 27, 2006

Ditto what Jerry said.

However, non-factory components for a do it yourself set of remotes will always be cheaper than the factory remotes. It may not look and install as cleanly but the cost savings could be as much as 50% or more. That translates to several hundred dollars cheaper.

jinman · Mar 27, 2006

( However, non-factory components for a do it yourself set of remotes will always be cheaper than the factory remotes. It may not look and install as cleanly but the cost savings could be as much as 50% or more. )

I disagree with that as a blanket statement Mad. My first remote on my tractor was $500 and the remaining two were less than $225 each. This is a stackable assembly with factory levers and hard tubing to the fittings with all mounting hardware for an easy bolt-together installation. I took 1-1/2 hours to install the whole thing with removal of the right-rear tire. I didn't have to plan, draw schematics, make a parts list, find vendors, prototype, assemble, or any of the other things that add cost to a DIY job. I just ordered the pre-engineered setup, installed it, and went to work. I think if you had done this job, you would not make a blanket statement like that. I know all New Hollands and other brands are not as easy, but on the Class III Boomers, TC35/40/45, I don't think you can beat the factory setup for cost or convenience.

I'm attaching a picture of my remotes when I was fitting up my tilt cylinder and before I got the CCI toplink. You can see how neatly the kit fits on the rear of the tractor and the stack of remote valves is visible by the right wheel. I have since also run a set of 1/4" hoses up to my rock bucket grapple. So, the three remotes for less than $1000 total are installed and allow me to run TnT and my grapple. They also are factory units with parts support and the ability to be worked on easily at any NH dealer. I think there's a lot of value in that. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PineRidge · Mar 27, 2006

( ( However, non-factory components for a do it yourself set of remotes will always be cheaper than the factory remotes. It may not look and install as cleanly but the cost savings could be as much as 50% or more. )

I disagree with that as a blanket statement Mad. My first remote on my tractor was $500 and the remaining two were less than $225 each. This is a stackable assembly with factory levers and hard tubing to the fittings with all mounting hardware for an easy bolt-together installation. I took 1-1/2 hours to install the whole thing with removal of the right-rear tire. I didn't have to plan, draw schematics, make a parts list, find vendors, prototype, assemble, or any of the other things that add cost to a DIY job. I just ordered the pre-engineered setup, installed it, and went to work. I think if you had done this job, you would not make a blanket statement like that. I know all New Hollands and other brands are not as easy, but on the Class III Boomers, TC35/40/45, I don't think you can beat the factory setup for cost or convenience.

I'm attaching a picture of my remotes when I was fitting up my tilt cylinder and before I got the CCI toplink. You can see how neatly the kit fits on the rear of the tractor and the stack of remote valves is visible by the right wheel. I have since also run a set of 1/4" hoses up to my rock bucket grapple. So, the three remotes for less than $1000 total are installed and allow me to run TnT and my grapple. They also are factory units with parts support and the ability to be worked on easily at any NH dealer. I think there's a lot of value in that. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif )

I second Jim's remark as we also installed a set of 3 rear remotes on our Class III machine. Everything right down to the stickers for the controls was in the kit and it all went together without a hitch. I wish all my projects were just that easy.

daTeacha · Mar 27, 2006

I ordered a custom plumbing setup on my DX29, running the quick connects to the point where the loader connectors are and then another line to the front of the loader for the grapple with quick connects at both ends. The dealer estimates $150 labor, but I don't remember the parts cost offhand. Everything will be tucked up out of the way of errant branches and pretty much out of sight. The lines on the loader will be between the hard lines already there. I figured it would turn out better with the tractor and the hose making tools in the same place at the same time rather than measuring and allowing a little extra to make sure it wasn't too short then having extra hose to deal with at one end or the other. If I add a second set, I'll probably do it myself.

jinman · Mar 27, 2006

Rich, depending on how many right angle adapters, swivels, and quick connects (at least three sets) your dealer adds. I'd expect a parts bill with hoses to be in the $250 to $300 range in addition to the $150 labor. I found my dealers charge for a right-angle adapter to be over twice the cost of ordering the same part from Surplus Center. I do my own hoses because it's so much cheaper to do my own custom work. I can't beat the price and convenience of the remote valves, but I can do hoses and plumbing a heck of lot cheaper than my dealer can. At least that's been my experience so far.

MadReferee · Mar 27, 2006

Jim,
So you arre saying 3 factory remotes (less installation cost) will be cheaper than say a 3 spool Prince SV valve with hoses and fittings. I don't think so. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

My comment was that the do-it-yourself setup would be a few hundred dollars cheaper but not look as integrated as the factory setup. I would always vote for the factory setup but not everyone can afford the extra few hunderd bucks.

daTeacha · Mar 27, 2006

Jim,

What is your investment in tools to put the fittings on the hoses so they don't leak? I basically have none at this point.

jinman · Mar 28, 2006

( Jim,

What is your investment in tools to put the fittings on the hoses so they don't leak? I basically have none at this point. )

Rich, since I bought the hoses with fittings already installed, I put them together with a couple of 8" adjustable wrenches (Crescent wrenches) and a can of TFE paste. You don't want to make the mistake of not using TFE paste and try to put the connections together "dry." You can use teflon tape if you know what you are doing, but I would not recommend that to someone doing this job without a lot of experience. By using the TFE paste and making sure all fittings are tight, you should have nice hoses with no leaks whatsoever. Did you think there were more tools required? You can even buy re-usable fittings for the ends of hoses and install them yourself, but I didn't do that. MadRef has experience with those and can tell you what is required. For me, planning the hoses and fittings was much harder than putting it all together.