Improvising "float on remote valve" on a Kubota M7040?

[Tx Jim]

I need "float" on one remote control valve on my Kubota M7040 to operate a one way cylinder on a disc mower so the cutterbar can follow the ground better. My M7040 bought used has 2 set of remotes but neither set has float. I know I could plumb in a single spool aftermarket valve with float but that will be impractical because my tractor has a cab. I really don't want to spend $800 plus dollars for another valve just to get float. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks,Jim

 

[Leejohn]

Jim just heading out the door and read you post and just want to see what you think of some kind of cross over on mower line? I well check back tonight. Lee

 

[J_J]

If you want float on a valve without float, then use this valve.

Surplus Center - 20 GPM 1/2" NPT FLOAT VALVE PRINCE SS-2B1D

Just pull the knob for float.and push in for non float.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks J_J but you failed to tell me how to plumb it. I understand one port goes to cyl that only has one hose and one hose to tractor remote where cyl hose was plugged in BUT where does the other port attach with a breather or to sump? From reading valve description I think the valve you listed is for a 2 way cylinder not a one way cylinder such as I have. Please correct me if I'm incorrect.

 

[J_J]

You have three ports, one port is the supply.

One port goes to cyl.

One port goes to tank.

When knob is pushed in, the fluid goes to cyl.

When knob pulled out, the cyl fluid goes to the tank port and you are now in float.

Use air to check out the functioning.

El cheapo float.

How about a tee in the one line to cyl circuit and a gate valve to tank.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to do some thinking on how to attach a hose to the tank and where to mount valve for easy access as my tractor has a cab.

 

[Farmerford]

Tx Jim:

If access to the valve is an issue, you can use a 12 V DC solenoid poppet valve teed into the line between the cylinder and remote valve, with the other port on the solenoid valve connected to tank. When the poppet valve is closed the fluid from the remote valve will extend the cylinder. With the remote valve in neutral and the poppet valve open, the cylinder circuit will be connected to tank and the cylinder will float.

I used two HydraForce 12v DC solenoid poppet valves from Surplus Center to create a float function on the bucket of a FEL and they work fine. I used normally closed valves because most of the time I did not want float. That way, I activate the solenoids only when I want float; I thought that might save wear on the coils, but it probably does not matter since Hydraforce says they are rated for continuous use.

 

[J_J]

Surplus Center - 1/4" BSPP 12 VDC HYDRAFORCE SV08-30 SELECTOR VALVE

This would work to release fluid from an SA cyl coming off a tee.

 

[Tx Jim]

Thanks guys. Now all I need to do is decide how to plumb to reservoir.

 

[bulldogshotgun]

dont forget you need to plumb it in to tank below oil level. so it doesn't suck air.