Need some hydraulic advice

Nklpltd · May 27, 2013

Hey guys I need some advice.

I realize this is a tractor forum, but hydraulics are hydraulics and I just need some general advice for a future project. My question is about a truck mounted crane. Like on most tractors or cranes, the controls are all by lever.

I am looking at buying a crane for home use and to help with the build of my future house next year. I will be building myself when I have extra time, so this means usually working alone. For my uses that I need the crane for, I will usually need a second person to help guide whatever I am lifting, if I am stuck on the truck with the lever controls. Well I want to try and convert to radio control or at least electronic toggle control with a long cord so that I can do this alone if possible.

My main question to you guys is, what type of distribution block am I looking for? It appears to be a pretty simple swap if I am only going to toggle control. swapping the block and wiring the switches.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Jake

J_J · May 27, 2013

You could perhaps wire up some solenoid valves to control from the bucket.

You could also use wireless remote controls.

Radio Remote Controls | Bailey No 301-102 RADIO REMOTE CONT. 4 FUNCTION 301-102

Nklpltd · May 27, 2013

J J... Thanks, that is an awesome source.

I looked at they have a 16 function remote which would be perfect.

That's was one of my biggest questions was using solenoid valves.

Would a crane use center open, closed or float?

CJONE · May 29, 2013

Nklpltd said:
J J... Thanks, that is an awesome source.

I looked at they have a 16 function remote which would be perfect.

That's was one of my biggest questions was using solenoid valves.

Would a crane use center open, closed or float?

Depends on who's crane you get, most all of the units I have worked on are open center units. All the way from pickup mounted Auto cranes to 24 ton truck mounted units. Even the Grove units were open center. CJ

oldnslo · May 29, 2013

Electric control of valves is typically on - off and would provide a very erratic or jerky movement on a crane. Using proportional control will provide the infinite speed control but will also add significant cost. Companies also make mobile style stack valves that can have manual lever control and proportional control capabilities.

3v0 · May 29, 2013

oldnslo beat me to it. So I will add my voice to what he is saying. You need to specifically look for a setup that is proportional. Or use a proportional remote control setup with servos motors connected to the hydraulics... but I am not suggesting that.

oldnslo said:
Electric control of valves is typically on - off and would provide a very erratic or jerky movement on a crane. Using proportional control will provide the infinite speed control but will also add significant cost. Companies also make mobile style stack valves that can have manual lever control and proportional control capabilities.