Remote valves - dedicated or generic?

   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #1  

Jay4200

Veteran Member
Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
2,053
Location
Hudson/Weare, NH
Tractor
L4200GST w/ LA680 & BX2200D w/ LA211
I am starting to spiral in on the requirements for my hydraulic remote project to run my snowblower chute. I am considering two options for setting up the remotes and would like suggestions/opinions/recommendations, etc. This might not be totally appropriate for the hydraulics forum (even though it IS a hydraulics-related question, and I think hydraulic system experience helps), so I posted a similar question in the attachments forum for better coverage. Anyway:

1) Attach a rigid mounting arm to the snowblower (welded steel), then connect the remote valves to the top of that mounting arm. Design the mounting arm such that it positions the valves conveniently for control from the cockpit - basically in the same position that a manual control crank handle would be. Keep all remote plumbing local to the snowblower, with the exception of the two lines that will plug into the existing PB quick-connectors. I could use screw-connectors for all of the connections, eliminating many hoses and quick-connects, as I could screw all of the hoses directly into the valve body. This will allow my tractor's current configuration to remain essentially unchanged, and will be set up a dedicated system for the snowblower. Hook up the blower, plug in the two lines and go. This seems to be the easiest solution and I'm sure it is far less expensive than option (2).

2) Build a full remote system that resides on the tractor. I would have to set up whatever valving and plumbing is required to make a clean install. I could then use the remotes for whatever I wanted in the future, although I have no plans for anything that uses additional rear-hydraulics. This would require a bunch of extra stuff compared to (1) such as a set of 4 hoses from the remote valves to the remote quick-connects and mounting brackets for both valves and connectors (AND they have to look good), unless 4 quick connectors can be mounted directly to the valve body - doesn't look extremely feasible to me. Remote quick connects would be mounted somewhere in the rear, and the blower connection would be made using it's 4 hoses and quick-connects. I would still run the two input hoses from the existing PB.

I'm on the fence, but I think I am currently leaning toward the dedicated system mounted on the blower. Pros/cons of either? Ideas? Insight?

JayC
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #2  
You have two threads on this question?

My vote is for #2
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #3  
#2.

You might find another use like a hydraulic toplink and it would be shame to be so close and not be able to use it. There are some clean looking installs of the remotes.
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #4  
#2

you'll eventually find uses for the remotes and you'll be happy.:D
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic?
  • Thread Starter
#5  
You have two threads on this question?

I do, and I'm glad I did. Not only did I get some inputs on my questions, I also learned what TnT meant (and now want one of those too), and also got some good insight on the finer details of the proposed project.

While I knew everybody would say #2 (and I would prefer that myself), I also suspected #2 would require a bunch more time and money. I was correct.

While I would like to plumb in a set of generic remotes onto my tractor, after looking at several other remote projects that TBNers have done, I have come to the conclusion that I would never be able to get that kind of project done before winter strikes. There is far too much fabrication and fitting of parts required - much of which would require getting some stuff, doing some fitting and measuring, getting some more stuff, etc. I envision lots of time spent and several trips to the supply house. Unfortunately, my tractor is at my camp, so I can only visit it on weekends, and also have other things to do between now and winter. Also, the local hydraulic supply houses all run contractor hours, which pretty much makes all but impossible to get there if you have a job, which I do.

So, thanks for the inputs, and I agree with #2 being the better solution, but it looks like option #1 is what I must shoot for. I also do like the idea of having a total system built right into the blower with just the two PB hoses for connection, even though the valve will move up and down with the blower.

I'll mock up a mounting arm so I can get a valve location optimized and fabrication of the arm is a piece of cake. Then I only need a few connectors, a couple of hoses, and a valve, and I'll be in business. I was especially intrigued by the TnT systems, however, so I'll probably start planning for some generic remotes once the blower project is done.

JayC
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #6  
Jay4200,

Just make sure what you make is temporarily permanent or IOW permanently temporary........that way you can change it to #2 down the road if/when your setup changes to adapt to other attachments hyd powered.......

Buy the right components for either way.......:thumbsup:
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic?
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Jay4200,

Just make sure what you make is temporarily permanent or IOW permanently temporary........that way you can change it to #2 down the road if/when your setup changes to adapt to other attachments hyd powered.......

Buy the right components for either way.......:thumbsup:

That's the whole idea and advantage of what I'm thinking about. When I park the blower, I pop two connectors and I'm right back to my original tractor configuration.

JayC
 
   / Remote valves - dedicated or generic? #8  
That's the whole idea and advantage of what I'm thinking about. When I park the blower, I pop two connectors and I'm right back to my original tractor configuration.
JayC
You will have to disconnect 2 connectors and re-connect 2 connectors. Not much of a time savings over option 2 (disconnecting 4 lines). Costwise, the difference is probably ~$50 or so.
If you go with option 1, get the hoses long enough that with the addition of 4 quick connects and a bracket you will be able to switch to option 2.

6 1/2" quick disconnects for $70 from Discount Hydraulic Hose


Aaron Z
 

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