4n1 bucket, "re-hosing"

[joea99]

Got a Kubota B21, with a WR Long 50" 4 in 1 bucket. Hose popped last fall in the middle of a task. Capped the lines, disconnected the solenoid and welded small easy to grind off straps to hold it closed.

This spring, converted the pin on bucket to SSQA and, if I say so myself, it came out pretty good. Functionally. Weld looks, well, "it was windy all spring" and we will let it go at that.

That pretty much demands that I add QA connections for the hoses. The bucket side won't change much far as the TEE and cylinders go since the bucket is the bucket.

However, the TEE's to the QA and from the QA to the valve are another matter. The valve is a HyVair D03S-2C-12D-35.

I had been thinking to make the hoses from the valve to the QA, running along the FEL arms 3/8 instead of the 1/4 that were there. Well, one was anyway. And those from the QA to the bucket TEE's 3/8 as well. The others stay at 1/4.

Thinking this would allow more balance flow for possible future implements. Not really likely at my end of the game.

Also realized that the 3/8 hose will be a lot less "bendy" and more difficult to route and support while allowing for the FEL arms full range of motion.

So now, thinking that simply 1/4 inch throughout is probably just fine and allows more flexibility in various ways. Cheaper too.

What think the experts here?

 

[oldnslo]

If you will be running a continuous duty function like post hole auger the 3/8” hose would be less pressure drop. For 4n1 bucket momentary operation I doubt you would see much performance change between 1/4” and 3/8”.

As a point of reference My loader came from the factory with all 1/4” lines

 

[nyone]

Specs show that machine having about 8gpm total flow. I would use 3/8 line. How many gpm is the valve body listed for? Typicaly there 10-13gpm but may have 3/8-1/2 ports.

 

[joea99]

Specs show that machine having about 8gpm total flow. I would use 3/8 line. How many gpm is the valve body listed for? Typicaly there 10-13gpm but may have 3/8-1/2 ports.

That's what I originally daydreamed. Seems thinking things out take longer at 79, one reason I take my time and seek advice more these days. That's my story and I'm sticking with it.

Near as I can tell the spool for that valve is rated at about 13 gpm. However, the original line was 1/4 ID. Frankly though, I was not very impressed with way it was setup before, so figured I would try to "improve things".

Since the cylinders are pretty small and it worked well enough before, I just went with 1/4 all the way. Offends my sense of "proper engineering", but, dealing with "bend radius" and allowing "slack" for FEL movement and bucket curl pushed me to that choice.

Also thought about that, last year or two I added rear aux for a Top and Tilt (from Kubota/Gannon) which used 1/4 lines and fittings, from valve to cylinders and that is working OK.

I ordered the hoses and Quick Connects. Hopefully it all works out.

 

[rScotty]

Got a Kubota B21, with a WR Long 50" 4 in 1 bucket. Hose popped last fall in the middle of a task. Capped the lines, disconnected the solenoid and welded small easy to grind off straps to hold it closed.

This spring, converted the pin on bucket to SSQA and, if I say so myself, it came out pretty good. Functionally. Weld looks, well, "it was windy all spring" and we will let it go at that.

That pretty much demands that I add QA connections for the hoses. The bucket side won't change much far as the TEE and cylinders go since the bucket is the bucket.

However, the TEE's to the QA and from the QA to the valve are another matter. The valve is a HyVair D03S-2C-12D-35.

I had been thinking to make the hoses from the valve to the QA, running along the FEL arms 3/8 instead of the 1/4 that were there. Well, one was anyway. And those from the QA to the bucket TEE's 3/8 as well. The others stay at 1/4.

Thinking this would allow more balance flow for possible future implements. Not really likely at my end of the game.

Also realized that the 3/8 hose will be a lot less "bendy" and more difficult to route and support while allowing for the FEL arms full range of motion.

So now, thinking that simply 1/4 inch throughout is probably just fine and allows more flexibility in various ways. Cheaper too.

What think the experts here?

Quarter inch hose will be fine for running the front SSQA or grapple cylinders. If you were running a constant torque hydraulic motor with the front remotes then I'd see an argument for 3/8" and possibly even using tubing instead of hose.
Not concerned with "balancing the flow".
nice tractor,
rScotty