another electric diverter valve question

[dcomp]

Hey guys I know this has probably been beaten to death but if I install an electric diverter valve on the curl circuit for a grapple do I have to purchase the valve according to tractor GPM? My tractor is a ford 540b and tractor data says 21.5 GPM. Thanks

 

[Sysop]

Yes, you'll want one that can handle the flow without restriction. Not sure if this applies to your older Ford or not, but many tractors devote a certain amount of the flow to the power steering (generally between 2 and 6 GPM). If that is the case, you may be able to get away with one rated for slightly less, but not much.

 

[jenkinsph]

I think you would be better off staying close to the 20 g/m size valve. When using the loader for other operations you want the bucket curl function to operate at normal speeds.

 

[jenkinsph]

Yes, you'll want one that can handle the flow without restriction. Not sure if this applies to your older Ford or not, but many tractors devote a certain amount of the flow to the power steering (generally between 2 and 6 GPM). If that is the case, you may be able to get away with one rated for slightly less, but not much.

The specs show a flow rate for the loader with separate flow for steering. The poster is correctly specifying the flow rate according to Tractordata.

 

[Sysop]

The specs show a flow rate for the loader with separate flow for steering. The poster is correctly specifying the flow rate according to Tractordata.

That being the case he'll need one that supports the full 21.5GPM of flow. Going with anything less will heat the hydraulic fluid due to the restriction.

 

[dcomp]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I do believe that is correct it has a separate power steering pump and separate three point pump and also a large pump mounted out in front of the engine just like a backhoe. I'll look at the larger diverters.

 

[Sysop]

I'll look at the larger diverters.

Good way to go. You'll never have an issue with a valve that allows more flow than the machine supplies.

 

[dcomp]

Well now that I think about it I know being open center there's 21 GPM flowing through the loader valve but is there also that amount flowing to the curl circuit and a diverter would be after the main valve ?

 

[kennyd]

How big are the hoses on the loader-from the valve to the cylinders?

 

[dcomp]

I'll have to go see for sure but I'm pretty certain they're 1/2"

 

[jenkinsph]

The diverter is after the loader valve which means that when not operating the curl or grapple that the main flow would not be affected by a smaller diverter valve. I would still want the curl function to operate at its maximum speed so that is why I would stay close to the 20 gpm flow rate with the diverter valve.