Loader FEL Valve Replacement

[Omega Woods]

This is a mostly hypothetical question but I have a couple of issues that I am trying to resolve with a single solution if possible.

Issue 1: I hate not being able to raise/lower and dump/curl at the same time with my Branson. This is really one of the only things I dislike about my tractor (2016 model 4520R)

Issue 2: I sure want to connect up a grapple, which will require a third function.

So, I was looking on Surplus Center and found this 3 Spool 25 GPM Joystick Loader Valve w/Grapple | Directional Control Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com.

It's a FEL valve with a built-in third function. Can someone tell me why I can't rig this up to run my loader and with the addition of a couple of lines and couplers have the grapple third-function that I'm looking for? I'm pretty handy with stuff and was a machinist mate in the Navy so I'm pretty familiar with hydraulics and such. Is there something that I'm not considering?

Thanks!

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

I was just thinking about this the other day. My FEL is bleeding down now, and the joystick feels gummy all of the sudden. So I thought about this exact thing

 

[sikmusicfreak8]

That valve looks massively big for our hydraulic flow, but I think you're onto the right thing

 

[ericm979]

For sure you want a valve that is sized right for your hydraulic flow.

Does your 4520 have the joystick on the fender? If so you'll need to adapt the existing cable system to the new valve, and add an extra lever and a third set of cables to operate the extra valve. That's a lot of fabrication. Simpler ways to run a grapple: add an electric valve (either a 3rd function or a diverter off the curl circuit), or mount a 3rd function valve on the fender behind the joystick. I have the latter, added by Daves when I bought my tractor. With the handle mounted forwards it's not that far from the joystick. It's not as good as having an electric switch on the joystick as I have to move my hand, but it works ok for now. Eventually I'll make an electric over hydraulic system of some kind. There is a factory diverter setup that has a nice replacement joystick handle with switch that keeps the factory shape but I don't like how it runs the hoses.

I hear you on the loader valve itself. Finding a different valve that makes it possible to move the bucket and curl at the same time would be nice. Maybe one with regen to cure bucket flop, though that would mean you could not use a diverter off the curl. Maybe there's valves out there that would be a direct fit with the cables, or not need too much adaptation.

If you have the joystick mounted on the loader adapting a different valve is much easier- just mount and fittings.

 

[Omega Woods]

Joystick is on the fender. I'll probably use an electrical solution for the grapple and just live with the single function at a time unless someone has a better idea.

 

[The Highlander]

Branson has huge 11.1 gpm flow (16cc/rev). You should have some way of having 2 functions at once. The tractor i have has 9.5gpm (13cc) and it does 2 functions at once. albeit slow. I was having this issue (can't do 2 functions at same time) and my dealer told me to release pressure and disconnect all hoses... then connect them back. It did improve.

Seeing that this thread is 2 years old, i am wondering if you found a different solution to this problem.