Speeding up hydraulics?

PCABE5 · Aug 4, 2020

k0ua said:
Very good thread there, real world figures.

Well, guys there you go, a real way to make your loader faster. Replace the stock pump with a higher flow rate pump as shown in the thread.

You mentioned it above but thought it was worth repeating. The "system" has to be able to support the larger pump. The lines and valves in the system have to be able to support the new flow rate or it will not perform as expected. The XR's had lines and valves that could support a 12gpm flow.

One piece I have found marginal in my new setup is the loader QD's. 1/2 inch QD's would be ideal but would require some custom plumbing to make that work.

k0ua · Aug 4, 2020

Did you notice any temprature rise in any of the components with the increased flow rate? How about the engine, did you notice any more load on engine HP? Or would it be so little as to be unnoticeable?

PCABE5 · Aug 4, 2020

Temperature at the suction filter with an infrared meter was 160-165°F at about 89°F ambient temperature with the old and new pump. So I'm not seeing a temperature spike and I'm okay with that fluid temp. That is after 4 hours of finish mowing.

I did notice some temperature increase doing a flow test at the loader valve as I could feel it in the hose and I did not notice it at the rear outlets. That was why I think the loader QD's are marginal. 3/8 industrial (loader) verses 1/2 AG connectors (rear) make a difference.

Engine runs at 180°F when it's 80+ outside and that is where the thermostat starts to open so I'm good with that. Keep in mind that the air conditioner is running as well.

I'm sure there is a hit on horsepower but not noticable in my use. At full pressure it will take more HP but that is not a constant state. I'm just guessing here, but at a no load condition the additional power needed to run this pump vs the stock pump is probably is less than 1 HP. In my limited field testing I notice about the same load in certain sections of my property with either pump. I'm also not noticing any appreciable increase in fuel usage.

k0ua · Aug 4, 2020

So you are saying the only real downside noticed is the extra onetime hit to the wallet and a single hit to the time budget to install it. The rest is all upsides. More loader work can be accomplished per unit time, less frustration waiting on the loader overall.