This is a long shot, but you guys have not let me down yet :)
While I have been waiting to get my engine out of hock, I have been working on the front "jack" cylinders. I decided to do it now, since I could weld on the frame with the electronics disconnected.
Quite some time ago, I mounted the rear cylinders and power them with a power pack system that is not on the bus. I use this to lift the bus to remove the engine and get the rear axle high enough to get the rear end pumpkin out >:(
I have a couple of options for on-board pumps, but that is not the issue right now.
When I was assembling parts for the system, I bought a 5 spool valve, but I found out that only two of the valves have the 4 way 3 position open circuit configuration. Those work great for the rear cylinders, but I ended up with no valves for the front cylinders.
One option is to buy quick disconnects and hook up either the front or back cylinders. That is about a $100 solution and clumsy.
What I would like to find is a 4 spool valve assembly that is designed for 2 way cylinders. No problem finding them (Northern Tool: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_96+1503+771529 (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_96+1503+771529) and Surplus Center: https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2009112009364654&catname=hydraulic&keyword=HDD1 (https://www.surpluscenter.com/sort.asp?UID=2009112009364654&catname=hydraulic&keyword=HDD1)). I also looked at Ebay, but most of them don't really give you enough information to know what kind of valve you are buying - two way cylinders demand a specific type of spool valve.
So, finding the valves is not a huge issue. What is the issue is the cost. Given all of the financial turmoil in our life, I just can't put out $3-500 dollars for a valve.
Anyone know of a good source for used valves? Or for that matter, good quick connect sets?
The valve needs to be open center (fluid can flow through the valve when the spool is in the center position), have an adjustable relief valve and four each three position four way spools.
Thanks,
Jim
Jim,
I wouldn't buy used if you can help it, the spools will be shot along with the O rings, and they'll leak like crazy. You need a self centering valve, ports closed when centered. I don't know of a source near you, but you might try a hydraulic repair shop and see what you can come up with. Quick disconnects are OK, but they will leak over time, great when new though! ;)
Paul
Jim, go see our buddy Wayne the Gomaco pavers and curb machines use that type valve.
Even the electronic controlled ones would work for you
good luck
As paul said. Or go to your local tractor dealer and look at Cross valves. Or try TISCO on line. Cross is very dependable and parts are available for repairs.
Look for a farm equipment junk yard or maybe a fire department ladder truck.
Art
Jim
Try Surplus center at www.surpluscenter.com (http://www.surpluscenter.com)
Rick 74 MC-8
Hi Jim
I have a 4 way 3 position valve that runs on 12 volt. All you would need is a toggle switch to controll the solonoids at each end of the valve. There is also a manual spring loaded bypass at the end of the solonoid in case you ever needed to operate the valve without power.
These were used in a agricultral application and were almost always plumbed with 25 GPM going thru the open centre. Where the operator simply hit the toggle switch and the plow would raise out of the ground.
It is way over kill for your project however I believe it would work very slick.
I once used the same valve hooked thru a power steering pump on a truck and it raised and lowered the plow from a the toggle switch in the cab. ( single Ram )
These valves ( 2 ) are free to you if you want, the only problem I see is the valves are new, in the box and look very expensive. ( they were)
I live and would be shipping out of Canada so I would have to send them as a gift or send them to you for testing so you would not have to pay duty or tax. I'll check the valves maybe they are US made would make it even easier.
Perhaps Skip will chime in as he Owns a Prasco Super Seeder and could very likly have 25 years on his valve :)
I'll get the information and perhaps pictures and post later today.
Hi folks. Thanks for the great replies and even a great phone call from Bruce S.
Rick, I had mentioned Surplus Center in my original post. Indeed, that is where I got my present valve. I went back and looked at the specs from the ad (they no longer carry my valve), and the valve I got did not match the spec. I remember visiting their location in Lincoln and talking to them, but they were not willing to exchange.
Based on the recommendations of not using used valves, I am now focusing on this valve:
https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009112210081742&item=9-7864&catname= (https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?UID=2009112210081742&item=9-7864&catname=)
I chose to use double acting cylinders and that has painted me into a corner. They require special valving that lets the fluid flow out of the opposite end that is being pressurized. That is why I need a 3 position four way valve. Further, I need a valve with an open circuit design so that the fluid flows through the valve when it none of the spools are activated. This keeps the pump from maxing out on pressure that would occur with a closed center valve.
Paso, thanks for the very generous offer That would be a perfect valve, but I need 4 of them. Bruce S thank you also for your phone offer. Your valve is designed for a one way cylinder (spring return) and it would be a huge effort to make it work for my system.
I am probably going to bite the bullet on the Prince valve noted above. I will then try to recoup some of the cost by putting my current valve on the E place.
Jim