Hard piping the hydraulics to in front of the station for FEL use.

[ironduck24]

What started out as a brake cylinder and line replacement has turned into a full tractor restoration job. While the station is still stripped down I'm looking to hard pipe the hydraulic lines on my 5245 from the top of the hydraulic manifold (under station platform - seat) forward and under the station to a point just forward of the fuel tank. Has anyone done this before? If so could they provide some insight into the best way to do this, and do you know of anyone who makes the banjo fittings that would permit such a modification? (I have the ability to do some machining but why reinvent the wheel if the parts are available?) Should all three ports be brought forward or just the return and the line for double acting cylinders? (Would there be a use for the single acting line up front?) I currently have hydraulic hoses that run under the station from the rear disconnects that are badly worn and frayed, and although it will likely cost a bit more to do this modification (the hard piping) I think it will be a cleaner installation and would open up my rear ports. My biggest problem so far has been finding a reliable source of metric hydraulic fittings and tubing in the northeastern US. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Thank,
-Chuck

 

[dave_peters]

I wouldn't hard pipe those hydraulics. You will find that vibration causes the pipes to crack, we've been there!
Use good quality 2-wire flexible pipes and cover them with the product whose name I forget, but looks like a flat steel spring wound round the pipe, and clamp it to prevent rubbing.
If you havn't a seperate spool valve up front then there is no point in routing the return pipe there.

 

[treaney]

Chuck,

Send me your email address (tom@reaneycomputer.com) and I'll send you a hydraulic diagram with a spool valve that will help .

TomZ