FEL 3 way & 4way valve

[Deerlope]

Could someone tell me why I need a 4 way valve to use on a snowblower or angle blade as opposed to the 3 way that came with FEL?

 

[kevinj]

Kubotas answer to me was that the 3 way, 4 way thing applies to mounting configurations not the hydraulic porting. So, in short the 4 way stays on the tractor and the 3 way comes off with the loader. Both valves have the quick dump and 4 position lever.

 

[Charliebrn]

Actually, on the BX series at least, there are major differences between the 3 and 4 way valves. Both have the "float" position as well as rais/lower and curl/dump. Only the 4 way has fast dump. Also, there is a difference in the way the fluid flows in the 4 way, as the three way can't actually angle a blade or snowblower, only raise/lower. Someone explained it once, and it made me wish I knew about the 4way when I bought mine, but I haven't needed it anyway. when you first purchase, it's only about 60 bucks to change, but after the fact its a lot more....

 

[kevinj]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Both have the "float" position as well as rais/lower and curl/dump. )</font> the curl/dump would be used to angle the blade..... My dealer has 3 & 4 way in stock now and says ALL have quick dump. It is something that is not needed anyway. Fast dump is certainly not needed for blade angle !!! There must be a better explanation. Most Kubota hydraulics are plenty fast. Maybe we could get another dealer opinion here ?????

 

[Charliebrn]

Not to dispute you or your dealer, but I can tell you that my 3 way valve does not have the Fast-Dump position. Unless they made changes to the valve very recently, that was the difference between the two. the fast-dump also gave you the ability to angle blades...something about regenerative hydraulic flows....can't remember the specifics.

 

[tomnky]

All I can say is when you go to order a hydraulic angle front blade from Kubota .The manual tells You a four way valve is required.

I saw it with My own Two Eyes. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
To me it meant the 3way would not work

 

[r0GuE]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( when you first purchase, it's only about 60 bucks to change, but after the fact its a lot more.... )</font>

My dealer gave me the three way. When I asked about the 4 way, he said that if I ever wanted to change, he would put a 4-way on for the 50 bucks. Then the time I thought I'd get a front blade (and would need the 4 way) he was not there any more. He had left the dealership. So I am screwed if I ever need a 4way. That is why I bought a rear blade that I will use for snow.

My advice is to ALWAYS insist on the 4 way for a BX loader purchase.

 

[kevinj]

I think that only the new valves are quick dump. I do not understand how or why you would want the quick dump for a blade. I do not know of any dozer, snowplow or similar device with a quick dump valve. Breakaway yes, quick dump no. The mounting hardware is quite different. The 3 way comes off with the loader and the 4 way stays on the tractor so it can be used with other tools. I have been wrenching equipment for over 30 years and am not a hydraulics expert but we were always taught that the "way" of the valve meant pressure to the port. So a 1 way would be like a 3PH and only lift. The old loaders had 1 way cylinders. Then we had two spool valves like the Kubota which would put pressure to all 4 ports hence 4 way valve.

 

[kevinj]

If you go to a dealer and look at the valve mount you will see why you need the "4 way"

 

[tomnky]

I obviously will when it arrives, then I will see if they have a 3 way anywhere.

Thanks