Valve decisions?

[dcyrilc]

Time to start thinking about a TNT for my tractor as well as possibly replacing the valve assembly for my loader.

I have a JD 2240 tractor with a CC hydraulic system. My pump supplies 9GPM at 2200-2300PSI (per the tech manual). The first thing I am going to look at is the loader valve. Here are some pix of the current valve.


I'd like to replace it with a joystick as I am more familiar with the joystick than the dual valve handles.

The first main issue I have run into in looking at new valves is that they all seem to have the work ports on top which conflicts with the factory design. I want to eventually add a grapple to the bucket and would prefer for it to have it's own valve rather than tapping off the curl/dump valve. I also am not overly interested in using electric-over-hydraulic valves though this is not set in stone depending on the accuracy and fine control ability of the valve vs cost.

 

[RickB]

9 GPM sounds more like the rating of the charge pump. I'd look into that spec again if I were you. I'll bet the main pump flows 15 GPM or better.
Most any valve with a direct mounted joystick will need to be mounted at about a 45 degree angle to the loader mast. Plan on some fabrication to properly mount the valve you choose, whatever it is. You may be able to find a three spool valve with two controlled by a joystick and the third by a single lever, or the third electrically controlled by a rocker or pair of momentary buttons on the joystick handle.

 

[kennyd]

Well, you know my preference Prince SV stack valves and redesign that mount.

 

[dcyrilc]

9 GPM sounds more like the rating of the charge pump. I'd look into that spec again if I were you. I'll bet the main pump flows 15 GPM or better.
Most any valve with a direct mounted joystick will need to be mounted at about a 45 degree angle to the loader mast. Plan on some fabrication to properly mount the valve you choose, whatever it is. You may be able to find a three spool valve with two controlled by a joystick and the third by a single lever, or the third electrically controlled by a rocker or pair of momentary buttons on the joystick handle.

Looked at the spec again like you said. You were right, that spec matches the trans pump further in the book.

Elsewhere I find:
Hydraulic pump: Minimum pump output at 2500 rpm engine speed and 140 bar (2050 psi) operating pressure ..... 12 U.S. gals./min

 

[RickB]

That's better; the 15 gpm figure was off the top of my head.

 

[dcyrilc]

Most any valve with a direct mounted joystick will need to be mounted at about a 45 degree angle to the loader mast. Plan on some fabrication to properly mount the valve you choose, whatever it is. You may be able to find a three spool valve with two controlled by a joystick and the third by a single lever, or the third electrically controlled by a rocker or pair of momentary buttons on the joystick handle.

Well, you know my preference Prince SV stack valves and redesign that mount.

Looks like a redesign may be the way to go if I plan to change the valve instead of rebuilding it. I like the way the current design sheds water away from the valve if working in the rain or snow or left outside.

What are your thoughts for a redesign Kenny? Proposals? This is one area where I really lack creativity. I have found over the years that I can repair just about anything if I understand what's worng with it, but trying to design something from scratch usually leaves my mind blank without stimulation to work from and get the process started.

I think that if I replace it, it would be nice to keep the old valve and mount as an emergency back up or for some future use so we'll be working from scratch. If the valve sits at a 45 from the post, the top mounting on the work ports should become a non-issue.

As for valve design/layout, I keep bouncing back and forth between the two designs that RickB mentioned. Third lever beside the joystick vs a rocker switch on the joystick with a remote ellectrically controlled valve for the grapple.

Anyone want to throw out some pros/cons to each design as they see it?

 

[dcyrilc]

That's better; the 15 gpm figure was off the top of my head.

Thanks Rick.
Although I have a fairly solid understanding of hydraulics and how they work, my practical application (other than usage) is somewhat lacking.