Massey Ferguson GC2400/JD 318 Hydro Snow Blade Conversion

captain guido · Dec 2, 2019

Just about to finalize a conversion of a JD 318 hydraulic snow blade to my MF GC2400. I've self-fabricated a joystick mount and the front mounting bracket and the physical hook up is perfect. I'm having local MF dealer run hydraulic lines to the joystick from the machine's system just to make sure it is done correctly. I will run from joystick to the blade.

I am second guessing my choice of joystick. I purchased a Chief 2P40 which is a 10 gpm with float position. I was going for lowest volume GPM thinking the JD cylinders might not take anything bigger. I have seen videos on these conversions but none yet with details on the hydraulic components outside of the plow itself.

Anyone have any comments/advice?

seville009 · Dec 3, 2019

Since the dealer is installing the lines, maybe ask their opinion relative to the joystick specs

If it’s easy to change out, use what you have and just see if you’re happy with the operation once it’s all together and running

texasranger556 · Dec 5, 2019

According to tractordata your main pump is rated at 4.3 GPM so a 10 GPM rated valve would be fine. If the cylinders are small making blade movement too fast to control you could add an orifice inline with one or both of the cylinder work ports to restrict flow.

If you have cylinder dimensions you can calculate the cycle time, or just try it once installed.

captain guido · Dec 25, 2019

just completed the build. All working perfectly. thanks for all input.

GeneV · Dec 25, 2019

captain guido said:
just completed the build. All working perfectly. thanks for all input.

Pix, or it didn't happen.

captain guido · Dec 28, 2019

So here are the photos of the completed build, it actually was not as difficult as I thought it would be. Fortunately the chief P240 joystick was a perfect match. The P240 is 10 GPM, the MF GC 2400 has is 6 GPM. The blade is actually mounted to my modified front weight bracket that I fabricated to accept the dimensions of the JD 318 blade hook up. All hydraulics work perfectly. Verrrrrry Happy with the outcome. In the process of getting rid of the yellow paint so apologize for the primer on the front of the blade, in the painting process.