Power Beyond or another option? Adding thumb, grapple hydraulic lines Kubota B26TLB

[galstaf]

Hey all,
My desire is to add a thumb to the backhoe and a grapple port to the loader on a B26TLB. I am looking at this item on Amazon to tap into the hydraulic system somewhere and use the following valve:


https://www.amazon.com/Monoblock-Hy...d=2661617011&s=gateway&sr=8-3#customerReviews

I am a bit of a novice with Hydraulics, so would love some input from the veterans on how to plumb it in... I see suggestions of tapping in to the beyond power valve for the loader. I also see others suggest tapping into the quick release on the Backhoe to feed the valve.

Any input on the pros and cons of this?

Are there any other gotchas... are the over pressure issues already compensated for or would I need another pressure relief valve?

If you have any suggestions, please bear in mind I don't have much knowledge, so please explain your suggestions verbosely.
This includes recommendations on where to get supplies online.

Thanks in advance!

Gal

 

[ericm979]

There's most likely a power beyond on the loader valve now. Usually it goes to the 3pt though with a backhoe it'd go to that first. You would want to put your new valve in series between the loader and the backhoe or between the backhoe and 3pt. You could use the connectors on the tractor that feed the backhoe but then you'd have to unplug the backhoe to use the grapple which might be a pain.

Surpluscenter and discounthydraulichose are both good vendors.

Most 3rd function kit valves do not have relief valves. I think the loader relief valve would trip if you deadhead another valve.

Many valves and other parts have NPT fittings. I have a hard time getting them to not leak even when using the special Loctite made for sealing those threads. I use adaptors from NPT to JIC and stick with JIC as much as possible. JIC connections are reuseable while NPT seals by deforming the threads making them only good for a few uses.

 

[galstaf]

There's most likely a power beyond on the loader valve now. Usually it goes to the 3pt though with a backhoe it'd go to that first. You would want to put your new valve in series between the loader and the backhoe or between the backhoe and 3pt. You could use the connectors on the tractor that feed the backhoe but then you'd have to unplug the backhoe to use the grapple which might be a pain.

Surpluscenter and discounthydraulichose are both good vendors.

Most 3rd function kit valves do not have relief valves. I think the loader relief valve would trip if you deadhead another valve.

Many valves and other parts have NPT fittings. I have a hard time getting them to not leak even when using the special Loctite made for sealing those threads. I use adaptors from NPT to JIC and stick with JIC as much as possible. JIC connections are reuseable while NPT seals by deforming the threads making them only good for a few uses.

Thanks for your input, Eric!

If I were to tie into the backhoe feed, couldn't I just split the hydraulic fluid with some sort of splitter and run the valve off the split. Obviously don't want to disconnect the hydraulics to use the grapple/Backhoe Thumb. Just making sure that if I just run to the valve from that joint that there is a pressure relief somewhere.

 

[galstaf]

Also looking for a 2-1 quick release splitter for the backhoe, so I can run the backhoe and this new valve simultaneously. Does such a thing exist; I can't seem to find one with searching.

 

[ericm979]

They don't do splitters on an open center system. It's one valve (or block of valves) after another. The flow goes through them until you move a lever to operate a cylinder.

You can use a single 3rd function valve and run a set of hoses back from the loader (where the connection to the grapple would be) to the BH. It'd be kind of a pain and you'd have an extra set of hoses to connect when hooking the BH up, plus wiring for a switch. And you'd have to move hoses to use the grapple with the BH on.

Better would be to have a 3rd function or diverter for the grapple using the appropriate solenoid valve and a switch on the joystick, and another valve on the BH to operate the thumb. Then there'd be no extra hoses and wires from the tractor to the BH.

 

[Saitcho]

For the thumb just buy the kit from kubota so you will be able to activate the thumb with the pedal. What I did on my B26 for the front grapple is I used one of the rear remote and routed lines to the loader. Instead of plugging in the rear remote quick connect I added (tees) to the lines so I get a cleaner install and can still plug an implement without having to unplug the lines going to the front.

 

[galstaf]

For the thumb just buy the kit from kubota so you will be able to activate the thumb with the pedal. What I did on my B26 for the front grapple is I used one of the rear remote and routed lines to the loader. Instead of plugging in the rear remote quick connect I added (tees) to the lines so I get a cleaner install and can still plug an implement without having to unplug the lines going to the front.

I would got factory but it is quite pricey for what it is and I have read more than one person saying they have had issues with the foot pedal / valve having leak down and causing the cylinder to sag. Have you had any issues?

@Saitcho ... what size and thread types did you use for your tees on the rear remote? I am having trouble even determining what sort of threads are on this tractor... I would think they would use the metric system for everything, but it seems the hydraulic lines are something different.
Could you post pictures of your install .. I would love to see how clean it looks.

Thanks much / Merci!

 

[Saitcho]

Mine did leak down I had to change the O ring and the wiper. What I did for the tee on the rear remote is I removed the two hydraulic lines and I brought them in a shop. They cut the line and installed a tee then I had them install a 90 degree elbow. So the oil is doing some sort of U turn, Then I routed the line under the tractor and I used two hydraulic lines clamp then went into the loader frame where there is already lines in there. I used a kevlar shield for the portion inside the frame. Then I went under the loader arm and I used the two threaded holes already in there to clamp the lines. Finally I built a bulkhead to hold the 2 quick connect, there is also two threaded holes already in there for that. So you can use wathever connector you want. Ill try to grab some pictures this weekend.

 

[galstaf]

Mine did leak down I had to change the O ring and the wiper. What I did for the tee on the rear remote is I removed the two hydraulic lines and I brought them in a shop. They cut the line and installed a tee then I had them install a 90 degree elbow. So the oil is doing some sort of U turn, Then I routed the line under the tractor and I used two hydraulic lines clamp then went into the loader frame where there is already lines in there. I used a kevlar shield for the portion inside the frame. Then I went under the loader arm and I used the two threaded holes already in there to clamp the lines. Finally I built a bulkhead to hold the 2 quick connect, there is also two threaded holes already in there for that. So you can use wathever connector you want. Ill try to grab some pictures this weekend.

Woah.. fairly involved! Pictures would be awesome if you could... I know it is chilly up there, but hopefully you will be out and about.

Many thanks!

Gal

 

[Saitcho]

Tractor is at the country house don`t know if I am going up there this weekend yet. Will grab pictures for you if I do. If you have not already go to kubotabooks.com and download the parts manual. Look on page 32 of the TL500 parts manual.

Part#220 Is the bulkhead I built.
Part#180 Are the metal retainer I built to hold the hoses.