Snow Controlling Angle Speed on a FEL Plow

[bdhsfz6]

I'm sorry to rehash a subject that has been discussed at length in the past but I'm hoping to get some newer information. I have a Landpride STB1596 FEL plow with factory installed crossover relief valve. I adjust the angle with a W&R Long 3rd function valve which, without the ability to feather the hydraulic flow, slams the blade back and forth violently. This has been a common complaint here with a great variety of solutions. There are so many types of FEL plows out there that there appears to be no single solution that will work for all.

The cheapest answer seems to be a fixed bi directional flow restrictor but what flow rate is appropriate for my setup? Adjustable rate valves are more expensive but they solve the issue of which fixed rate valve to buy. Several posters recommended this one from Surpluscenter.com.

3/8 NPT 8 GPM Prince WFC-6 In-Line Flow Control | Flow Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Then there is the question of where to place the valves so they don't defeat the purpose of the crossover relief valve. Some posters say to put them at the inlet ports of the cylinders (A in the pic) and others say the best place is on the connector hoses (B in the pic). None of these recommendations apply specifically to the STB1596 plow however.



I'm no expert but it seems to me the best option is "B". Since the above valves restrict the flow in only one direction, they won't restrict any return flow. Option "A" might work as well as long as they are not bi-directional but the valves would be more difficult to install.

Any comments would be welcome.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Without a doubt, I would use position B on each hose. Get 2 .031 orifice fittings here. Part #1201192

Worse case is that you might have to drill them out to .045. But I would try the .031 first.

 

[moship]

While not the exact same application, I'll provide this in the event it helps.

Kubota uses flow restrictors on snowblower, blades, etc on the B and L series attachments to slow down the controls for chute rotation, angle, etc. The ones I've run across are a simple drilled 0.063" diameter hole within a fitting. They are typically placed on one end of the cylinder only. (Only one is used per function (example: left/right).

Added in edit: Posted at same time as Post #2.

I like the idea of using a smaller orifice and drilling if speed is too slow.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Saw blanks that you could drill out yourself start small and drill bigger if you need more speed

Pressure Connections Corp - RESTRICTOR FITTINGS

1501-R Male Pipe - Female Pipe Swivel Elbow 90 Degree Restricted - Hydraulic Warehouse

Products By Part Number Hydraulic Hose & Fittings Adapters Restricted Orifice 1115 O-Ring Boss JIC Orifice Adapter | Green Line Hose & Fittings


David

 

[kennyd]

Without a doubt, I would use position B on each hose. Get 2 .031 orifice fittings here. Part #1201192

Worse case is that you might have to drill them out to .045. But I would try the .031 first.

^^^^
This.

We have 1/4" and 1/2" restrictors in stock too :thumbsup:

 

[rbargeron]

A cheap and effective way to slow down abrupt hydraulics is to use smaller hoses. 1/8" works well - especially with cold oil in the winter. My 2 cents.

 

[RickB]

Without a doubt, I would use position B on each hose. Get 2 .031 orifice fittings here. Part #1201192

Worse case is that you might have to drill them out to .045. But I would try the .031 first.

Agree, except the simple orfice style restrictors are functional in both directions so only one is required.

 

[RickB]

An easy way to slow down abrupt hydraulics is to use smaller hoses. 1/8" is a good size - especially with cold oil in the winter. The longer flow path works better (and quieter) than an orifice.

There's no valid reason that a small diameter hose is better than an orfice style restricor. Either would have to be sized properly to be satisfactory.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Agree, except the simple orfice style restrictors are functional in both directions so only one is required.

While I agree with you, I have found that in some cases 2 seem to work better for whatever reason?? They are cheap and it does not hurt to use 2 and then your covered.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Thanks for your help everyone. I ordered a pair of .031 fixed orifice restrictors from Hydraulicstore.com. Thanks for the link Brian. I also ordered a pair of adjustable flow restrictors from surpluscenter.com for use with the cylinders on a York rake.

 

[bdhsfz6]

While I agree with you, I have found that in some cases 2 seem to work better for whatever reason?? They are cheap and it does not hurt to use 2 and then your covered.

Just a followup for those interested. I installed a single .031 restrictor fitting on the Landpride plow. The plow swing speed was too slow so I drilled it out to .043 (#58 drill bit). The speed is acceptable but a .045 fitting would be better. I noticed a loud bang when closing the 3rd function valve while swinging the plow in one direction but not the other. I installed a second restrictor fitting and the noise went away. I'm not sure using a single fitting would have done any harm but using 2 is cheap insurance. The function is the same either way.

Thanks for your advice Brian.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Just a followup for those interested. I installed a single .031 restrictor fitting on the Landpride plow. The plow swing speed was too slow so I drilled it out to .043 (#58 drill bit). The speed is acceptable but a .045 fitting would be better. I noticed a loud bang when closing the 3rd function valve while swinging the plow in one direction but not the other. I installed a second restrictor fitting and the noise went away. I'm not sure using a single fitting would have done any harm but using 2 is cheap insurance. The function is the same either way.

Thanks for your advice Brian.

Thank you for the feed back. This can help out many people as well as I now know to recommend .045 for this attachment. :thumbsup:

 

[moship]

Thanks for posting back your end result and glad to hear you found an acceptable solution.

 

[Fallon]

I think it already was mentioned but... I'd make sure you installed the restrictors fittings upstream of the crossover relief valve. You want that valve to let the blade angle quickly (unrestricted) if necessary.

The restrictors on my TnT lug the engine a bit & cause some slight squeeling (not just the relief valve). But it makes it so much more controlable & usable. By far worth it.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

I think it already was mentioned but... I'd make sure you installed the restrictors fittings upstream of the crossover relief valve. You want that valve to let the blade angle quickly (unrestricted) if necessary.

The restrictors on my TnT lug the engine a bit & cause some slight squeeling (not just the relief valve). But it makes it so much more controlable & usable. By far worth it.

You know that if you feather the valve just a bit, the unit will still move at basically the same speed and you won't have the squealing or engine lugging. Or are you talking about your 3rd function, then it is what it is.

 

[Fallon]

You know that if you feather the valve just a bit, the unit will still move at basically the same speed and you won't have the squealing or engine lugging. Or are you talking about your 3rd function, then it is what it is.

Ya, but the OEM Kubota valves & especially linkages suck. Very hard to feather & often stick. Moving the lever for 1 valve will often actuate the other. I'd have fiddled with it myself already, but I knew I'd be taking it in for warranty work.

I need to add restrictors to my SSQA plow here at some point. No flow control on my 3rd function on the loader so it will be an issue.

Finally taking it in for those & leakdown issues with the rear valves here this week.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Ya, but the OEM Kubota valves & especially linkages suck. Very hard to feather & often stick. Moving the lever for 1 valve will often actuate the other. I'd have fiddled with it myself already, but I knew I'd be taking it in for warranty work.

I need to add restrictors to my SSQA plow here at some point. No flow control on my 3rd function on the loader so it will be an issue.

Finally taking it in for those & leakdown issues with the rear valves here this week.

I have the same leak down and sticking problems with the 3 remotes on my L6060. Using a known good cylinder, I verified the leak down is definitely a valve issue. The sticking problem is due to the convoluted linkage system used to get the levers in a nice neat location in the fender console. When I mentioned these problems to the dealer, I was told it is a known issue with no fix at present. I hope you have better luck and please post your results.

 

[Fallon]

I have the same leak down and sticking problems with the 3 remotes on my L6060. Using a known good cylinder, I verified the leak down is definitely a valve issue. The sticking problem is due to the convoluted linkage system used to get the levers in a nice neat location in the fender console. When I mentioned these problems to the dealer, I was told it is a known issue with no fix at present. I hope you have better luck and please post your results.

Actually dropped it off today. We'll see how it goes & what they come up with. I have decent faith in my dealer, less so in the Kubota valves. Dealer mentioned lockout valves, but I'm not interested, I like float to much.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Actually dropped it off today. We'll see how it goes & what they come up with. I have decent faith in my dealer, less so in the Kubota valves. Dealer mentioned lockout valves, but I'm not interested, I like float to much.

A band aid for poor quality IMO. I sure hope your dealer comes through for you.