Where's a good location for Hydraulic Guage

[Bigbear]

Where\'s a good location for Hydraulic Guage

I would like to install a gauge for the hydraulics so I can monitor what's going on. Would you put it right after the pump, or somewhere on the loader or backhoe. I feel like I could better judge the rpm's while running the backhoe if this gauge was in the system. BEAR

 

[RickB]

Re: Where\'s a good location for Hydraulic Guage

A pressure gauge is going to tell you very little. The typical open center system will develop nearly the same pressure just off idle that it will at WOT. And the actual pressure developed is directly related to the work being performed, not ERPM. But if you wish, plumb the pressure gauge anywhere between the pump and control valve you wish to monitor. A flow meter will give flow rates which are directly related to open center system pump (engine) speed. All pump output will have to be directed through this device. An inexpensive analog 30GPM flow meter will run about $180. There may be lower capacity units out there at a lesser cost.