Bobcat CT235 Front Hydraulics Install

[powerscol]

Well I finally got around to a bit of work today after the rain/snow the past few weeks. I am adding front hydraulics for the rear of my CT 235 to run a hay grapple. Some will say why did you not go with a 3rd function set up on the loader handle, but pricing made that a bit of a stretch for me.

First a lot of folks helped here answering questions and getting me pointed in the correct direction. J_J, SSDoxie and MtnViewRanch (aka Brian with Fit Rite Hydraulics) along with several venders were a great help.

Brian set me up with a kit. I think it was a first for him on my model tractor and he has been great to work with. He first sent out the connection hardware and a section or orange plastic hose to get the hose lengths figured out.

I then went about finding a place to mount the mid point dis-connect and settled on the left side under the floor board.

Once that was in I install the front mount on the loader cover plate, making sure the bolt heads would not contact the hard lines by using some foam as a spacer. I also cut some of the orange rubber hose and protected the lines from the cover mounting bolts.


Next on how I ran my hoses

 

[powerscol]

Sorry about the extra photos on the first post. I am still learning the ins and outs of attachments.

Knowing I wanted to go up the left side I first tried using 90 degree fittings and going sideways behind the top link, but not enough room.


Brian gave me a hint, and I determined I could run down and forward, looping under the 3pt lever housing, then coming up and over the trans and down to the left side connection. Using the orange hose supplied I made the run and determined the hose lengths.


I also figured out I could use a lot of the existing panel bolts if I just used longer ones and a second nut below the original welded capture nut.

Once I had all the hose lengths determined Brian sent them out. only took him a few days and they are very well made. Everything I needed was included.

I installed the front hoses today, and drilled and tapped 5/16 bolt holes on the loader arm to capture the hoses in rubber lined stainless steel clamps.


Tomorrow I will be installing my second remote valve that has the float, and then running the remaining lines. I did check the front line with full lift of the bucket, and I may need to lengthen one about 2", but I will do that later if needed. Right now there appears to be clearance, but the zip tie location on the rear loader post needs adjustment to prevent binding. I wanted a nice snug fit to prevent any snagging of the lines.

 

[powerscol]

Well it appears my bobcat Doc did a very good job on the install of the first valve. Try as I might I could not get some parts loose with the tools I have, and knowing I break stuff I decided to drop the unit off to have the second valve installed and to get the spring service done. They should have it done this week.Doc looked over the parts and it looks like a simple bolt up install. I told him I would hold him too those comments and predictions. Ill update folks as I know more.

Any questions on my install to this point?

Thanks - Keith

 

[powerscol]

Well I finished up the install today. First the Kioti second rear remote kit # 322027with the float valve does fit and worked. Dealer had no problem with the install, other than having to cut a spacer to fit. Its is a good thing that I had the valve installed before finishing my line install, as the fit was tighter than I estimated. No worries as I found a better path.

I uploaded the photos, but don't seem to ba able to move them around. I started at the back (4th from left) went under the 3pt link arm and came up inside the remote valves against the transmission case (photos #6 from left, 1st on left and lower left). I zip tied to the rear remote hard lines to hold in place.

From there I crossed over the trans to the left side of the tractor and zip tide to a cross member near the rear and came forward to the connection under the left side step (2nd and 3rd photos). I used two hose clamps about 1 foot back of the connection by extending and existing panned bolt.

Other than one leak everything worked as planed. I attached and got my hay grapple working (see post in Hay Forum)

I do need to lengthen the hoses previousy installed up front to be able to utilize max lift - I just miss measured.

 

[762MM]

Hey Powerscol - thanks for the information. By way of a thread resurrection, I have a question for you.

Since some time has passed, can you share any feedback on your two bulkhead mounting locations? Are you happy with the set-up, layout, function, etc? I am looking to clean up my hose routing and mounting.

Thanks.

762-MM

 

[powerscol]

The only bulkhead I would have changed is the one front center. The grapple hoses exit the grapple front center too and in some positions get bent hard. If I had to go it again I would move that bulkhead to the side.

I also recently changed over to a true third function valve.

Hope this helps

 

[762MM]

Thanks for the update.

I am still trying to determine if I drill/tap my cross tube, or weld on the bulkhead. My CT235 has the hardlines run on the back side of the tube with no protective plate on which to mount. Either way I look forward to a better set up.

Regarding the mid mount, did you just drill through the floor and let the rubber floor mat cover the bolt heads?

Thanks again.

 

[powerscol]

I'm trying to think if the holes were already there, but yes I did pull the floor mat (lifted and taped back) to get the holes drilled. When I did my 3rd function install I did not change anything from the mid point bulkhead forward. I did drill and tap holes on the loader arm for the hose clamps.

PS: getting the mat back down can be a pain. I had to use soap and a soft blow hammer to get the tabs back in their holes.

 

[762MM]

Thanks again - I hear ya on the mat. I installed my 3rd function a couple years ago (without bulkhead but with disconnects). I used zip ties through existing holes in the floorboard and that mat was a bit difficult to get back. I too used soap.