Connecting hydraulics for a Westendorf loader on a NH2120

[meringer]

Just purchased a used Westendorf loader to mount on my NH2120. The NH has an existing 2 spool remote control assembly on it (diagram attached). 3 lines run in to the valve assembly and 4 lines run out to the implement. The Westendorf has an 2 lever control mounted to the loader with 2 hydraulic hoses to be connected to the hydraulic system (see pics). Is it safe to assume that one of these hoses is a return to the reservoir and the other to power the hydraulic cylinders? My question - how do I connect these to the tractor's hydraulic system (given that there were 3 lines running into the NH 2 spool valve assembly and only 2 lines running into the Westendorf valve assembly)? Thanks in advance!

 

[LouNY]

You say your NH has an existing 2 spool remote,
does this go to rear remote quick connects?
or is this a loader ready valve with a joystick?

 

[meringer]

It is a loader ready valve with a joystick. The tractor previously had a snow plow blade on it. I'm replacing that with a loader.

 

[meringer]

FYI . The tractor also has a single spool remote for the for the rear hydraulic quick disconnect

 

[TractorTech]

Easiest, cheapest way would be to remove the Westendorf valve and put quick coupler tips on loader hoses. This would utilize the NH joystick valve.
If hoses aren't long enough, make new hoses.

 

[LouNY]

The easiest and cleanest would be to use the existing lines and joystick, just connect the four lines from the loader valve to the four lines on the tractor.

 

[LouNY]

Easiest, cheapest way would be to remove the Westendorf valve and put quick coupler tips on loader hoses. This would utilize the NH joystick valve.
If hoses aren't long enough, make new hoses.

Or just short extensions.

 

[meringer]

Thanks TractorTech and LouNY for your recommendations. Indeed that seems the simplest route. Still would like to understand the reason for the 3 line vs 2 line difference between the valve assemblies. Will probably continue to research a bit to figure that out.
Happy Easter!

 

[K5lwq]

The difference between the two valves is power beyond. The one on the tractor has and needs 3 hoses because the third hose feeds the remote valve or 3pt valve. In order to use the valve that came with the loader you would need to add a power beyond sleeve and a third hose.

 

[meringer]

Thank you K5lwq. And after looking up the Summit Hydraulics spool valve (that is installed on the loader) I see that there is a 3rd port for power beyond. Just have to decide if having the newer valve is worth the work to modify (the valve on the loader is 2 years old while the one on the tractor is 28 years old).

 

[Harry in Ky]

28 years old? So is the tractor, but you plan on using that don't you?

 

[meringer]

Fair point.

 

[TractorTech]

If age versus function is the issue, I pick function in this case. You can always keep the Summit valve as a backup, but the Ford valve is pretty nice, plus it is a joystick which speeds usability.

 

[WranglerX]

In my limited learnings the three line are "Power" (P) to valve from pump, "Power Beyond" (PB) usually to something in rear of tractor like a backhoe and/or 3 point hitch, and a "tank" (T) line to return hydraulic oil to reservoir....IF I am wrong don't be to concerned there will be at lead 10 people to tell me so..... IF the three line are connected to a valve, check for casting marks on valve body as to what function they are (P/PB/T) ....

 

[dfkrug]

Just have to decide if having the newer valve is worth the work to modify (the valve on the loader is 2 years old while the one on the tractor is 28 years old).

All good advice above.

The factory loader valve is better in the obvious ways (joystick vs. 2-stick, already has PB), but the diagram shows it has float and probably regen as well. Easy choice.

I have used both 2-stick and joystick controls for an FEL. One of them stinks.

 

[meringer]

Thanks everyone for the great input! I will be sticking with the Ford factory joystick. Now on to the next challenge which will be mounting the Westendorf loader on this tractor. Mounting brackets will need to be modified or I will need to order model specific brackets from Westendorf.