remote hydraulics

[svlsmokey]

I would like to install remote Hydraulics to the rear of my Branson 3520h. So far I have priced a 2 valve kit from the dealer and a 3 valve kit from fit-rite hydraulics. Im leaning toward the fit-rite kit. Before I start, I would like to know where the plumbing will tie into the tractors system. The dealer made mention of hydraulic hookups in the back but everywhere else people seem to be talking about tying into the power beyond port of the loader valves. Can any Branson owners provide some direction and or pictures?

 

[N2DFire]

Not a Branson owner but hopefully I can get you a little more info

First - the hydraulic system is basically one big loop

Tank -> Pump -> Power Steering (if not fed from a separate pump/output) -> Loader Valve (Lift/Lower function then Dump/Curl function then out the Power Beyond Port) -> Rear Remotes (SCV's) -> 3 Point Lift -> back to the Tank

With that in mind - on our Kioti the factory SCV's have a special mounting place/port already built into the rear end housing that they bolt into. The cover cap is simply a "bypass" that keeps the circuit intact when no SCV's are installed.
I suspect your Branson has something similar and that is what the dealer is talking about (it's been over 2 years since I looked at a Branson so forgive me).

Without being able to hook into that specific location (Kioti's is an odd ball proprietary thing you can't just screw hoses & fittings into) - the only other option is to break into the leg of the circuit between the power beyond port on the loader valve & the rear of the tractor, which is what pretty much any aftermarket set-up is going to do.

One is neither inherently better or worse than the other - it's just a matter of quantity & aesthetics.

Quantity - Typically all CUT factory options limit you to two SCV's unless you start adding spliters / diverters. Aftermarket allows you the option of stacking pretty much as many as you can find mounting space for.
Aesthetics - Our Kioti already had control lever locations/slots made into the right console area but these would be very hard to make work with anything aftermarket so the valves / controls need to be located elsewhere.

It's just a matter of preference & budget at that point.
Hope this at least clears things up a little. Good luck on your project.

 

[ericm979]

I have both the factory dual remotes and an additional dealer added remote. The additional remote connects to the power beyond port on the loader valve. The factory remotes bolt on to the top rear of the gearbox above the PTO. The factory remote levers integrate well with the tractor; the fender mounted one it on the fender. The factory levers are kind of short and down in a hole between the seat and fender, behind the position control. I sometimes catch my sleeve on one when I'm operating the other. They operate the valves with a complicated linkage that has some play in it. They don't feel linear. I can feather them for a small amount but it's difficult to get a moderate amount of flow without opening them all the way (as evidenced by the cylinders moving). I haven't tried the fender mounted remote yet but with no linkage it feels more direct.

I don't know if there is a practical advantage to taking it off the loader PB port vs the 3pt hydraulics. I expect that since the 3pt is after the loader anyhow it doesn't matter. First pic is the PB port on the loader valve. Last shows the factory valves.

If you want three valves best to get them in one set rather than what I have. The 3725 came with the factory valves already installed which is why I did it this way.

 

[svlsmokey]

Thanks. Plumbing into the 3-point port seems cleaner than running hoses half way forward, but I'll have to see if that will work.



Here's a picture of my loader port. Is the PB port on the top? The inside port is already used.

 

[ericm979]

Usually the 3pt is last in the chain and the loader's PB port feeds it somehow. I thought that there was an internal connection from the loader to the 3pt but hadn't actually looked carefully at a Branson without the factory remotes. It looks like you have a hose from the loader's PB to the 3pt. With my setup the loader's PB goes to the non factory remote and that valve's PB goes back up to the loader valve to be connected to the hose that was connected to the loader valve PB. The block you have on the 3pt takes the PB fed to it and feeds it to the 3pt valve inside the transmission. The PB from that dumps into the case. That's how I think it works anyhow. When I get a chance I'll check the service manual.

I wouldn't worry too much about extra hoses. Hose replacement is infrequent but things like ergonomics and valve operation you'll notice every time you use the valves.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Thanks. Plumbing into the 3-point port seems cleaner than running hoses half way forward, but I'll have to see if that will work.

View attachment 513773

Here's a picture of my loader port. Is the PB port on the top? The inside port is already used.

View attachment 513772

The port on the left of the 2nd picture with the black fitting going into the valve should be your power beyond port. You would feed the aux valves using that port. The power beyond port from the aux valves returns to where that hose is currently connected. You also need to either tee into the existing (preferred) return to tank line or find a tank-case port for the return to tank line from the aux valve set.

If you are a machinist or know a machinist or want to pay a machine shop, you could build a hydraulic block that would work for you off of the factory ports for the factory valves. This is an option, but typically only done by people that have the capabilities to built the hydraulic block them selves.

 

[svlsmokey]

So in the 2nd picture above, I would put a T where the hose is currently connected? And the PB return line from the valves would go to the port next to it?

I received the valves from Brian this week. Looks like a great set up. Now to see where I can mount them.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

So in the 2nd picture above, I would put a T where the hose is currently connected? And the PB return line from the valves would go to the port next to it?

I received the valves from Brian this week. Looks like a great set up. Now to see where I can mount them.

You NEVER tee into a pressure line, only a return to tank line. I am not sure which line is your return to tank line. Should have a "T" or "TANK" marking next to the return to tank port.

The hose that has the 90* fitting connected to the black adaptor fitting on the valve should be your power beyond port. You need to run a hose from that power beyond port on the loader valve back to the "pressure in" port of the rear remote valves. You then run a hose from the power beyond port on the rear remote valves back to the point on the tractor that your current power beyond hose is connected. That completes your pressure loop.

Determine which of the remaining 2 supply lines is the return to tank line and tee into that line (probably down on the tractor, not at the loader valve if you can) with the return to tank line from the rear remotes.

You should be dealing with existing ports in use, none that are plugged.

Good luck. :thumbsup:

 

[svlsmokey]

Ok. It sounds like I'm just interrupting the line from the loader PB port to the rear and inserting that supply into the remote valves. Add a return to tank and it should be good.

 

[svlsmokey]