Rockhound to a JD 4720 FEL

fausdick · Jun 10, 2010

Hello Everyone,

I have an existing JD 4720 (66HP) with FEL and adapter plates to accept skid steer attachments. I have access to a 60" Rockhound Rake which was on a Skidsteer. How would I hook up the hydraulics to the rear of the tractor to run the Rockhound. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

GreatWhitehunter · Jun 10, 2010

I'm not sure you'll have enough gpm to run the rockhound. Skidsteers (even normal flow machines) have alot more hydralic flow. But if you have a power beyond circuit in the rear you can run hoses from front to back. I'm not sure if a 3rd scv will run a rockhound. KennyD is the resident hydralic expert so maybe he can weigh in on this topic.

Matt

kennyd · Jun 10, 2010

Here are the specs on the Rockhounds: The RockHound Landscape Rake

It appears to only need 6 GPM to run the hydraulics so it may work fine from your rear remotes through long hoses. But you will need two remote to operate it, one to run the motor for the chains and one to dump it.

What concerns me more is the weight-it is very far forward of the attachment points, and the listed weight does not include all the rocks it collects. I have used one on a large Bobcat, and can assure you it's VERY heavy when you lift it up to dump the rocks.

kennyd · Jun 10, 2010

GreatWhitehunter said:
KennyD is the resident hydralic expert so maybe he can weigh in on this topic.

Matt

Thank you

fausdick · Jun 10, 2010

Thanks Kenny!

Really not worried about the weight, the unit is a 60" model so it's a little lighter. My question is on the Hydraulics, I have a JD 448 backhoe, so I have the "power beyond" bypass hose. Would I need to install a control valve to activate the rockhound motor and make it run? Thinking of fluid flowing in a loop, remove power beyond bypass hose, install pressure hose into the power beyond fitting. That hose would run to a remote control valve, then continue to the rockhound motor. Out of the motor would be the return line which would plug into the return fitting on the tractor, similar to the backhoe return when it's connected? Am I thinking correctly?

There is no existing control on the tractor which I could use to start / stop the rockhound motor?

It's the hydraulics that got me confused?

Thanks for all your help!!!!

Ron

kennyd · Jun 10, 2010

Ron...Please don't under-estimate 1100= pounds hanging that far in front of your loader

The power beyond has oil flowing through it anytime the machine is running, so if you just use that than the RH would be running all the time-And you will still need to control the dump cylinder.

You can however add a 2 spool valve into the PB circuit-just like your backhoe is "added" in series when you hook it up. Then you will have the two circuits needed to run the RH. A new valve will be $200 or so...plus all the fittings and hoses you would need this will easily be a $500 project.

So to answer you basic question: