LA 211 3 position valve hydraulics question

clemnd86 · Jan 27, 2005

I have a used BX 2200 with LA 211 loader. The loader valve stays with the loader when the loader is removed. I am told by the Kubota dealer that the valve is a 3 position valve. I just picked up a snowblower for the machine and I would like to connect the blower to the tractor with the valve. I went to my local Kubota dealer and got 4 quick connects for the lines leading to the loader from the valve. However the quick connects are standard pipe thread and the hose fittings are JIC. The dealer said he can get me adapters to convert from JIC to standard thread but I am concerned that the connections will make the lines so long that they will interfere with loader operation. Further, I am planning to connect one end of the quick connects into the hard pipe that runs down the loader arm to the pistons, would that create too much stress on the connection? Would it be better to run a short jumper hose on that side to let the quick connects hang lower with some flexibility?

Last question- I know it would be expensive but is it possible to upgrade the loader with a new valve and new loader mounts so the valve will stay on the tractor (I have a curtis cab and the one time I took the loader off the valve would not fit throught the opening without taking the cabs front grill off)?

MadReferee · Jan 27, 2005

The adapters from male JIC to male pipe thread are only an inch or so long. This extra length should make no difference at all. The length of the couplers will add and additional 3" or so and again, should make no difference regrading interference.

( I am planning to connect one end of the quick connects into the hard pipe that runs down the loader arm to the pistons, would that create too much stress on the connection? )

I don't think so. Several other TBN'ers have done similar connections for their grapples.

As for your last question, I think someone has done that as I remember reading here about it a while ago. Maybe someone can post a link.

Junkman · Jan 27, 2005

I am a little confused on the situation. If you remove the loader and leave the valve on the tractor, half of the quick disconnects stay with the valve. Is your snowblower a front mount of rear mount? If it is a front mount, then the only connection is the up and down part and the right to left isn't used. If you are thinking of spending the money to upgrade, then I would just purchase the newer style four way valve as used on the BX1830/2230/23. I believe that you also need to have a 4 way valve to use the front mounted Kubota snowblower. If you go with the newer valve unit, there are some hose changes also that will be needed, but figuring out what is necessary isn't a unsurmountable task. Also, you will need to purchase the right hand side loader upright member. My guess as to cost, by the time you are finished, will be about $1000. There have been a few posts where people have made adapters to keep the valve on the tractor when the loader is removed, and I have looked at the pictures, but they don't give enough detail to see exactly all that is required in doing the conversion. I plan on doing it also, but am waiting for spring when it will be more comfortable to work on the tractor. Here is one thread... click here.... Here is another.... click here...... Here is the last one...... Click here..... Were you the lucky person that won the BX2750 Snowblower on eBay that was located in MA??

SeymourBota · Jan 27, 2005

you'll have to trade up to the 4 way valve or each implement (FEL & blower) will need to have their own 3 way valve which will stay with them when detached.

rbarker · Jan 27, 2005

( (I have a curtis cab and the one time I took the loader off the valve would not fit throught the opening without taking the cabs front grill off)? )

First, I think that you need the four way valve for the snow blower. Your current three will not work. I don't remember why, though! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Now to your other question. I have a BX2200 and a Curtis Cab and suffered through loader removal of an "alternative" nature. This included removing the pivot pins on the loader arms instead of the one main disconnect pin on the upright. A MAJOR pain in the butt! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Then I found that all you need to do is open the windshield and disconnect the bottom hinges with the little spring clips. Push the windshield wide open and the top of the "firewall" part of the cab comes right off. It's only set in with pins, no bolts or nuts or anything. Now the loader can be removed in the usual way.

Here's a picture that will hopefully illustrate what I mean. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

clemnd86 · Jan 28, 2005

I have two female quick connects already on the blower (yes, I won it on ebay 2 weeks ago-it seems to be in nice condition). I have asked a couple of local dealers about using the 3 position valve for both applications. 1 said yes, the other wasn't sure. Although you guys are not the first to say I need the 4 position valve. Although I don't really understand why? The valve that is on the loader now controls up and down motion on the loader and curling in and out of the bucket. It just seems to me that if I connect the hoses that control the up and down motion of the loader, I would have the up and down motion of the male adapter for the snow blower. I just imagine that one hose would supply pressure for one side of the piston while the other hose would return the fluid from that side to the tank. I suppose I am simplifing it too much.

I must say it has been a royal pain to find JIC/standard thread adapters locally.

Junkman · Jan 28, 2005

If you need any moral support, I am available. There is a place in Webster MA that I get hoses and fittings. They are not the cheapest, but they do sell only Parker products and I consider the Parker the best that you can get. They are very helpful, but the down side is that they are only open on weekdays and close at 5 PM. To give you an idea of how accommodating they are, I called today at 4:45 needing a fitting, and they waited for me to get there about a half an hour later. That is what I call old fashioned customer service, and I don't mind paying a little extra for that service..... Junk...

clemnd86 · Jan 29, 2005

So can anyone tell me if I need the 4 way valve to run my loader and snowblower?

Junkman · Jan 29, 2005

No for the loader, but the 4 position is necessary for the snowblower according to the order sheet for the snowblower. I don't know what the difference is in operation that would effect the snowblower. I suggest that you contract Kubota customer service to find out.