New tractor - how many remote hydraulic valves?

Trooper4985 · Aug 12, 2012

I'm specing a tractor for my 52.2 acre property. I wont be able to afford all the implements I need/want initially but I do want to have all the plumbing in place when I buy the tractor. I will be using the tractor for .2 mile driveway (gravel now eventually paved) maintenance/snow removal, .5 acre garden, 5-6 acres of food plots, and ditch/pond maintenance.

How many remote valves should I include with the tractor and what type of valves should they be if my list of toys includes, FEL, top and tilt, a log splitter, wood chipper, 2 bottom plow, tiller, disc harrows, post hole digger, back blade, front mount snowblower and back hoe?

Thanks

WilliamBos · Aug 12, 2012

If your budget will allow, get the maximum amount of valves that you can. You will find a use for them, and it will be cheaper to add them now, then after the fact.

What brands are you looking at?

94BULLITT · Aug 12, 2012

I have a tnt on the L4240 I went with 1 double acting for the top link and 1 float for the side link. I love being able to float the side link. If you get a post hole digger you could use a remote for a down pressure kit. What size tractor were you thinking of getting?

Chilly807 · Aug 12, 2012

I'd say a minimum of 3 sets of remote connections. 2 for TnT, 1 for an implement. If you get a 3-way adjustable rear blade you'd need 5, but that's a lot.

MtnViewRanch · Aug 12, 2012

I use to think that 3 rear remotes would be good. I am now convinced that 4 or even 5 is what is needed, depending on what type of implements you plan on using.

To start with , 2 for the top and tilt which is a necessity in my book.

3rd remote for hydraulic actuated rippers on a box blade if you are going to have a box blade.

3rd and 4th remote for a rear blade or landscape rake. 1 for angling the blade and 1 for offsetting the blade.

5th if you are a person that wants-needs gauge wheels for your rear blade & or landscape rake.

You might want to consider a diverter valve addition If you can't get enough OEM rear remotes.

For the "TnT", you will want at least one of the valves to have the float position available as 94BULLITT has.

For your 3rd remote you would want a simple spring return to center valve, or if you can only get 3, then you will want the valve to have a detent for use with the log splitter although many people just use a bungee cord to hold the valve open when using a log splitter and they do not have a detent valve.

4th & or 5th valves would be like the 3rd valve setup, but if the detent valve is available, you only need one of them and the others can be the spring return to center valves or detent-auto kick out type of valve. the auto -kick out valve automatically kicks out of the detent position when the hydraulic has reached the end of it's stroke. Very convenient for some implements, but not a huge deal not to have it.

I think that Kubota only offers 3 rear remotes, good luck.

TCJatko · Aug 12, 2012

A other posters have stated, the more the merrier. Get as many as possible, you'll always find a use.

jdonovan · Aug 12, 2012

less than 2 I think would be short sighted. If you don't have a specific need, and want to be generally prepared, I would go with 3. 2 for TNT, and 1 for implement.

Grn mtn boy · Aug 12, 2012

I would also recommend a minimum of three rear remotes. I currently have two but once I get my TnT from Brain @ Fit Rite they'll both be in use. Maybe Santa will bring me a third set for Xmas.

Chris

rswyan · Aug 12, 2012

As others have said: .... as many as you can stand ....

I have a three spool Prince SV on our B2910 .... and as soon as I get my tilt cylinder welded up I'll be down to only one free .... and my third spool is currently set up with 1/2" Quick Couplers for our Country Mfg. dump trailer ....

I'd also say don't neglect the front - get a remote setup for that while your at it .... a simple diverter for the curl circuit can be done for probably about $350 or $400 ....

Gordon Gould · Aug 12, 2012

Listen to them, they are being straight with you. I started with two. Before I knew it I had a grapple and then TnT so added a third for the grapple. Now I need another for my sickle bar lift cylinder. I am going to add at least two so I will have a spare - for a little while anyway.

Trooper4985 · Aug 12, 2012

Thanks for the input guys.

I'm going with Kubota. All the guys I work with who have tractors have Kubotas and have never had a bad thing to say about them. I love green tractors but I can't justify the diffrence in price I'm finding for what I need. I'm currently looking at the MX5100 or the L5740. If Kubota brings the 0% financing back next year I can swing the L but if not I will only be able to swing the MX payment. I want to go with the L for the mid PTO but I can deal with backing up if I have to.

Based on what everyone has said... I will go with a minimum of the 3 remotes that Kubota's configurator allows you and going with Bullit's reccomendations. Will a dealer install more than 3 on a new build or do I have to go with aftermarket?

MtnViewRanch · Aug 12, 2012

I just saw a Kubota 0% ad today. :cool2: There use to be a guy on TBN that had 6 rear remotes on his Kubota. I believe that his dealer installed 3 diverters.

foggy1111 · Aug 12, 2012

Seems to me I have read that folks with a log-splitter prefer to have a Power-Beyond set up for high capacity. I dont have a log spliter.....correct me if I'm wrong.

As far as remotes go....I agree that more is better.....but I think with what your planning to operate you can "get along" with two sets. It all comes at a price. I'd like more....but I can operate all my equipment with one set of remotes and a little ingenuity. (of course I'm kinda tight

) Its seldom that you need to operate all functions at the same time.

There's lotsa ways to spend your money....and they aint all hydraulic.

)

case245 · Aug 12, 2012

get 3 remotes on the kubota i have an 7040su fel 4x4 loaded rears cast centers i i only got 2 remotes

94BULLITT · Aug 12, 2012

I know after putting a hydraulic top link on the bobcat I had it spoiled me and now I want everything hydraulically controlled. The remotes on these kubota's are expensive.

94BULLITT · Aug 13, 2012

If you go with l5740 you can get 2 remotes and a 3rd function for about the same money as 3 remotes. The 3rd function is nasty to install on these tractors.

boggen · Aug 13, 2012

normally suggest min of 2 rear remotes. for newbies not knowing what they will get. and suggest 3rd. if thinking about TNT. and if an issue ever arose were an implement needing an extra set of rear remotes. they could just remove the TOP or the TILT cylinder on 3pt hitch and put the old link back on. to free up a rear remote for implement.

if you are going for extras, getting a extra "front remote" to operate grapple, or Fel mount post hole digger or post pounder, or something else. this may give you either a 3rd lever, or a joystick with an extra button on it, or a joystick and lever for front.

high mounted front and rear work lights. is a top option for myself. prefer 2 forward and 2 rear. you may need to get the larger "alternator" option if they give you that choice. on cab models the larger alternator is automatic most times.

you have enough duties, were you will most likely want "split" rear brake pedals, (a separate pedal for right and left rear tires) and have dedicated foot for them. and use other foot for HST pedal / gas pedal / go pedal. kubota on some models place split breaks right above HST pedal. and may make things difficult for you to use them.

get something else than "gear transmission" from HST, to shuttle shift, to other. the tractor will be jack of all trades. and straight gear shift transmission. would most likely be a big pain in rear. in multi projects. that require a lot of shifting and going from forward to reverse.

with all duties you will most likely want AG R1 tires. vs turf or R3 loader tires.

FEL, and backhoe, tend to be high dollar ticket items compared to other implements / attachments. and you will most likely get a larger discount if you buy tractor, FEL, backhoe all at the same time. all other things can be had 3rd party, and just waiting for sales and deals without much fuss.

double check for backhoe. that you can turn seat 180 and operate backhoe. vs getting off tractor and getting on backhoe seat. double check you can remove backhoe, and have access to 3pt hitch.

optional accessories
--to buy with tractor, can be rear remotes. sometimes require special pipe or bends, and can be cheaper up front, vs hauling tractor back and getting them installed at later date. not to mention different valves may be needed on a upgrade later. resulting in more cash out.
--tire type, can be a big one and cab be expensive to switch to another tire type later on.
--larger alternator, to run other various 12v stuff. such as a 12v winch for example. and not draining battery, or extra work lights on tractor.

strongly consider getting rear tires filled with a fluid for rear ballast. before tractor leaves dealers place. it can be DIY. but *shrugs* you may get a discount.

if you are not a welder, see about getting 1 to 3 hooks welded to top edge of front bucket. before tractor leaves dealer place.

TripleR · Aug 13, 2012

Trooper4985 said:
Thanks for the input guys.

I'm going with Kubota. All the guys I work with who have tractors have Kubotas and have never had a bad thing to say about them. I love green tractors but I can't justify the diffrence in price I'm finding for what I need. I'm currently looking at the MX5100 or the L5740. If Kubota brings the 0% financing back next year I can swing the L but if not I will only be able to swing the MX payment. I want to go with the L for the mid PTO but I can deal with backing up if I have to.

Based on what everyone has said... I will go with a minimum of the 3 remotes that Kubota's configurator allows you and going with Bullit's recommendations. Will a dealer install more than 3 on a new build or do I have to go with aftermarket?

I am getting use to our new L5740; splitting the last eight days between it and our M8540. It is a really nice tractor and I love the swivel seat. I got the three remotes as I got factory TnT. If you are handy MountainViewRanch sells kits which will save you a few bucks over OEM. I didn't get any float valves, live and learn. The MX5100 is also a really nice tractor, but I have to have a cab.

I copied another member and put five hooks on my HD bucket.

Good luck with your tractor.

gwdixon · Aug 13, 2012

My neighbor just bought a L5240. Is is cheaper than the L5740 and has exactly the same engine, etc. It is just rated at a lower RPM.

But to the topic. He had an aftermarket Gearmore T&T installed. It came with 3 valves (two for the T&T and one extra) and of course the hydraulic cylinders and plumbing. It was less than half of the three Kubota remotes.

The negative is that the levers are attached to a rod off of the ROP and looks a little aftermarket.

View attachment 276779

Edit: Forgot to mention that the Kobata dealer installed it. The dealer thought the Kubota prices were way out of line.

rswyan · Aug 14, 2012

foggy1111 said:
As far as remotes go....I agree that more is better.....but I think with what your planning to operate you can "get along" with two sets.

Part of the issue is how familiar one is with what are the possibilities are ....

For someone without a lot of experience with tractors and implements it may be difficult initially to envision what can be ...

foggy1111 said:
It all comes at a price. I'd like more....but I can operate all my equipment with one set of remotes and a little ingenuity. (of course I'm kinda tight ) Its seldom that you need to operate all functions at the same time.

For me it isn't so much operating them at the same time, as much as it is being able to operate without having to futz around with hooking and unhooking connections .... which is usually a somewhat messy job.