Well fudge, Broken Spool

[LindenBruce]

Was out again today digging tree holes when suddenly the back hoe curl function went limp. I have re-sealed section valves before so I just thought the pin can loose and worked it's way out. So, I removed the cover over the valve assembly, unscrewed the handle and pulled off the rubber boot. Much to my dismay, the top section of the spool had snapped off!! Just crazy.

I have already contacted my dealer but it's late on a Saturday so I prolly won't hear anything until next week. Just a bummer because I was hoping to get a lot more work done this weekend. I have attached a pic. B

.

 

[K5lwq]

That is crazy. At first I thought the spool was what broke. Hopefully your dealer can help you get back going.

 

[LindenBruce]

I'm sure he will. Whats even more nuts is, I only have 68 hours on the tractor as a whole. Not all of that is with the hoe. I'm still shaking my head over this one. Stuff happens. B.

 

[ptsg]

Unfortunately, I have a feeling that they won't sell you just the single spool.

You may try to search the manufacturer of the valve and try going that way, otherwise, I see a new valve in your future.

 

[mrmikey]

I bet you won't be able to get just the spool, if not, why not get the ears welded back on?........Mike

 

[Diggin It]

I only have 68 hours on the tractor as a whole. Not all of that is with the hoe.

Unfortunately, I have a feeling that they won't sell you just the single spool.

You may try to search the manufacturer of the valve and try going that way, otherwise, I see a new valve in your future.

They'd better not be trying to sell him anything, unless he's had it sitting around for a couple of years with so little use.

 

[ptsg]

They'd better not be trying to sell him anything, unless he's had it sitting around for a couple of years with so little use.

Yeah I may have forgot about warranty, although, the Branson 4520 could be anywhere from 2011 to 2020 I believe.

 

[Thomas]

Interesting....

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'm betting it's covered under warranty.

 

[ericm979]

Hopefully. If not, I believe the manufacturer is Walvoil, and the valves are available separately. Someone here added a valve to the middle of the stack to run a thumb.

 

[LindenBruce]

I got the tractor brand new last summer and it has 68 total hours on the clock as it sits. I have repaired Walvoil valves before with single spool replacements. Parts are available. It won't cost me a penny, except maybe in labor. My labor. I'm hoping the dealer I bought it from will send a Tech out to fix it, But, they are a 3+ hours drive away so keeping my fingers crossed on that part. Like I said though in my opening post it broke on a Saturday evening, so the dealer hasn't event gotten my email about the issue yet. I, in now way, am making a complaint about the dealer or the product, just making a statement about the defective spool. Stuff breaks. It happens. It's just crazy THAT part broke like it did. Very rare. B.

 

[ptsg]

The joystick leverage of the longer lever can put a lot of tension on those parts. Maybe an extra bump while moving the tractor and moving the lever could be too much.

On the Rexroth valve I got for my loader, I found interesting that they had threaded the end of the spool and the ends are basically interchangeable for either other styles or just replacements.

 

[LindenBruce]

Yep, I have seen those styles of spool as well. I know this spool has to come out from the bottom, which means removing the valve assembly and laying it over with the hoses still connected. Pull the cap off and slide out the damaged spool. Should not take too long to do. B.

 

[Aquamoose]

Someone here added a valve to the middle of the stack to run a thumb.

I remembered too. Although I wished I bookmarked his post.

 

[LindenBruce]

That would be nice to find that thread. I want to add a hydraulic auger to my backhoe stinger and will need to add another valve.
My dealer is ordering a new spool under warranty and having it drop shipped to me. I will then swap it out and send the damaged one to them.
This is the bad thing about buying from a dealer a good drive away. I have to take the tractor to them for warranty work or do it myself. At least I have the know how to do the work. B.

 

[LindenBruce]

Well, my dealer busted their butts to get me the new spool ASAP. They had it on Thursday and I got it yesterday (Friday). Dropped the valve assembly today and pulled the bottom cap. Slide out the old spool easy peasy. Went to slide in the new spool and it was a no-go. No matter how I held my mouth, it was not going to go in. Out came a micrometer. The spool was .0015" bigger than the old one. CRAP!!! Sent an email to my dealer to advise on the problem. Now to wait. Another weekend without the old girl all the while the ground dries and hardens to granite. Darn. B.

 

[K5lwq]

Is it the same otherwise? If so you could take it and the old one to a machine shop and have them turn it down to the correct size.

 

[Tinhack]

Maybe you should lay-off the Wheaties.

 

[Wakey]

When things go this sideways, I try to laugh it off.

Sometimes you have to laugh loudly..

It works though.

 

[LindenBruce]

It's IS the same other wise. BUT, since it's under warranty I'm not modding anything. Because if I do and it breaks, I bought it. I just have to wait for my dealer to respond.

Maybe you should lay-off the Wheaties.

Oh SNAP. What's the fun in that (LOL).