Ball valve vs. Needle Valve

[LittleBlueTractor]

Been reading in this forum about hydraulic flow control and considering adding some needle valves in various circuits. I'm not sure why they are so pricey, but I came across this in my research:

Hydraulic Ball Valve 2 way 3/8" NPT 7250 PSI FREE SHIPPING

Seems to me like it would have the same basic effect as a needle valve, but probably with less fine of control. Having that big handle sticking out might not be a good thing either, but would it be OK to use one in place of needle valve to serve the same function? I apologize ahead of time if the answer is obvious, but didn't find anything in a TBN search about it.

 

[SandburRanch]

Been reading in this forum about hydraulic flow control and considering adding some needle valves in various circuits. I'm not sure why they are so pricey, but I came across this in my research:

Hydraulic Ball Valve 2 way 3/8" NPT 7250 PSI FREE SHIPPING

Seems to me like it would have the same basic effect as a needle valve, but probably with less fine of control. Having that big handle sticking out might not be a good thing either, but would it be OK to use one in place of needle valve to serve the same function? I apologize ahead of time if the answer is obvious, but didn't find anything in a TBN search about it.

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Ball valves aren't a good choice for throttling. They need to be fully open or fully closed.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Or you could go with a needle valve from the same company for about the same price.

Results for Hydraulic valves:Needle valves

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

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Ball valves aren't a good choice for throttling. They need to be fully open or fully closed.

Yeah, I figured it might be something like this -- not designed for throttling. Is there any uses for it on a tractor?

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Or you could go with a needle valve from the same company for about the same price.

Results for Hydraulic valves:Needle valves

Saw that one but thought I should go with a 3/8 version (which they don't have.) I suppose it might not make much of a difference as we're talking about reducing the flow on that circuit anyway huh?

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Saw that one but thought I should go with a 3/8 version (which they don't have.) I suppose it might not make much of a difference as we're talking about reducing the flow on that circuit anyway huh?

Is this for top and tilt? If it is you will find that you want the needle valve about as closed as you can get it and still have some flow. I would not worry about 1/4" being to small.

 

[SandburRanch]

Yeah, I figured it might be something like this -- not designed for throttling. Is there any uses for it on a tractor?

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If I were to put one on a tractor the handle would be removed to avoid accidentally opening or closing.

I learned my lesson while working between to large compressor cylinders. Open ended ball valve (no plug) and the handle caught in the side opening of my bib overalls. End result was scalded ribs from hot jacket water. Just lucky it wasn't 210 degree engine water but 150F compressor water.

 

[glc24]

If you want to isolate a line or a circuit,ball valves would be the choice. For control,it really should be a needle valve.

Greg

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Is this for top and tilt? If it is you will find that you want the needle valve about as closed as you can get it and still have some flow. I would not worry about 1/4" being to small.

Only have the hydraulic top link at the moment. Will do the side link later. My next project is a electric diverter for a grapple and that's where I was thinking I'll need one. But to be honest I was considering installing them before the diverter to slow down the all the FEL controls. All the hydraulics seem to be a bit too fast for me except maybe dropping the 3 point, which I can control with a knob under the seat. Probably just an experience thing with learning how to feather the controls, but it would be nice if I could slow things down a bit.

 

[kennyd]

Only have the hydraulic top link at the moment. Will do the side link later. My next project is a electric diverter for a grapple and that's where I was thinking I'll need one. But to be honest I was considering installing them before the diverter to slow down the all the FEL controls. All the hydraulics seem to be a bit too fast for me except maybe dropping the 3 point, which I can control with a knob under the seat. Probably just an experience thing with learning how to feather the controls, but it would be nice if I could slow things down a bit.

Do NOT put any of these valves on the IN, OUT or PB ports on the valve. They only belong between the valve and the cylinder you want to slow down, not in the "main flow".

Use 1/4" hose to feed your grapple, it's cheaper and easier to route-3/8" is a waste of money.

Slow the RPM's on the engine a little to slow things down if you feel they are moving to fast for you.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Do NOT put any of these valves on the IN, OUT or PB ports on the valve. They only belong between the valve and the cylinder you want to slow down, not in the "main flow".

Use 1/4" hose to feed your grapple, it's cheaper and easier to route-3/8" is a waste of money.

Slow the RPM's on the engine a little to slow things down if you feel they are moving to fast for you.

I misspoke (actually miss-wrote) when I said "all of the FEL controls", but it would have been before the diverter for the grapple and bucket curl/dump function. But, got it, not between the FEL control and diverter. Was going to go 3/8" all the way to a bulk head at the front of the loader in case I used it for something other than the grapple in the future. Not a good idea?

 

[kennyd]

I misspoke (actually miss-wrote) when I said "all of the FEL controls", but it would have been before the diverter for the grapple and bucket curl/dump function. But, got it, not between the FEL control and diverter. Was going to go 3/8" all the way to a bulk head at the front of the loader in case I used it for something other than the grapple in the future. Not a good idea?

Good, just wanted to make sure you understood

As for the 3/8" line...What is the GPM output of your pump? What other than a grapple could you power? Possibly a hydraulic post hole digger depending on your pump flow...a snowplow does not need 3/8" hoses.

 

[LittleBlueTractor]

Good, just wanted to make sure you understood

As for the 3/8" line...What is the GPM output of your pump? What other than a grapple could you power? Possibly a hydraulic post hole digger depending on your pump flow...a snowplow does not need 3/8" hoses.

Not much need for a snow plow down here in Houston! :laughing:

And not many GPM on my CUTs implement pump: 6.2. Haven't looked at the requirements on a post hole digger, but that was I was thinking. May not be thinking far enough ahead though.