Long post, but bear with me, I want to add rear remotes to my LX2610. I have done some research and think I have the right solution, but want to run it by folks before I do. Important to note that I already have both a backhoe (BH77) and a Kubota 3rd function valve installed.
There is a power beyond port on the loader valve that is normally piped right back in to Tank as you would expect. With the 3rd function only, this pipe is removed and the new hook up would go PB -> 3rd Function -> Tank. With the Backhoe only the pipe would be removed and it would go PB -> Backhoe -> Tank. With the backhoe not attached, you connect the two lines that normally go to the BH77 together to complete the circuit.
Since I have both, it goes PB -> 3rd Function -> Backhoe -> Tank. Attach the two backhoe hoses when not in use to complete the circuit. Now I want to add a rear remote.
The way I see it there are three options (spoiler alert - I think I want to go option 3).
Option 1:
From what I have researched, Kubota sells a rear remote kit with manual levers that pop into a tray in the tractor. So how do these remotes get power? There is what appears to be another PB port, that is essentially a diamond plate that covers two lines, and normaly ports power to tank, but you remove it, and attach stackable valves to it. You can do up to two valves and one of those can be a float valve. These are manual valves and the levers integrate into the fender tray.
Pros: Kubota Kit, Plugs into an existing port, levers that integrate into Kubota design, option for a float valve, whole unit is out of the way, tucked under the fender,.
Cons: Max is two cylinders you can control (can’t add more - not enough room). Once you get the valves and levers it is about $1,800 - $2,000.
Option 2:
Instead of using the Kubota Kit, I could get a kit from Summit (or someone else, doesn’t matter) but I would need power. I mentioned the additional power source that is covered by a diamond shaped plate in option 1. Kubota also sells a conversion plate, that you replace the cover plate with. It has two ports ( a P and a T) that could be used to power the summit (or other) unit.
Pros: The summit unit (for two rear remotes) is $850 and the Kubota conversion plate is about $250. For another $150 I can get three instead of two rear remotes.
Cons: Summit has no option for a float directional control valve. The valves are attached to the ROPs, not hidden beneath the fender. The summit system is an electrical switch box that has to be attached somewhere, not levers that are integrated into the LX fender. Electrical valves don't hold as well from what I have read.
Option 3:
Skip using the extra power port on the kubota. The outlet (tank line ) of the 3rd function would go to the P port of the rear remote. The Outlet (tank line ) of the rear remote would go to the Backhoe. The current Backhoe Tank line would stay as is. So the routing is PB -> 3rd Function -> Rear Remote -> Backhoe -> Tank
Pros: No conversation kit necessary, but would have to run some new lines. Cheapest, and maybe easiest option.
Cons: Same as option 2.
——————————
Summary:
The Way I look at it is that option 3 makes the most sense. While I can’t get a float valve (at least with summit) I am not sure that is that important. I also have the option to go 3 or 4 valves (for more money) if I want. Option 2 is only slightly more expensive than option 3 but has no real advantages.
My Questions
- Is Option 3 viable? (Take return/tank line from 3rd function to P port of rear remotes, return/T line of rear remotes goes to P port for backhoe)?
- I am looking at top and tilt, so thinking I just need two cylinders, does anyone end up really needing three? I don’t have a hydraulic blade but maybe that is where it would be nice to have three. Any other attachments you need three for?
- How important is a float valve vs being able to get three or more valves? While it might be nice I just don’t see being able float the top or side link that important. At least important enough to spend an extra $1000. I could be wrong here.
There is a power beyond port on the loader valve that is normally piped right back in to Tank as you would expect. With the 3rd function only, this pipe is removed and the new hook up would go PB -> 3rd Function -> Tank. With the Backhoe only the pipe would be removed and it would go PB -> Backhoe -> Tank. With the backhoe not attached, you connect the two lines that normally go to the BH77 together to complete the circuit.
Since I have both, it goes PB -> 3rd Function -> Backhoe -> Tank. Attach the two backhoe hoses when not in use to complete the circuit. Now I want to add a rear remote.
The way I see it there are three options (spoiler alert - I think I want to go option 3).
Option 1:
From what I have researched, Kubota sells a rear remote kit with manual levers that pop into a tray in the tractor. So how do these remotes get power? There is what appears to be another PB port, that is essentially a diamond plate that covers two lines, and normaly ports power to tank, but you remove it, and attach stackable valves to it. You can do up to two valves and one of those can be a float valve. These are manual valves and the levers integrate into the fender tray.
Pros: Kubota Kit, Plugs into an existing port, levers that integrate into Kubota design, option for a float valve, whole unit is out of the way, tucked under the fender,.
Cons: Max is two cylinders you can control (can’t add more - not enough room). Once you get the valves and levers it is about $1,800 - $2,000.
Option 2:
Instead of using the Kubota Kit, I could get a kit from Summit (or someone else, doesn’t matter) but I would need power. I mentioned the additional power source that is covered by a diamond shaped plate in option 1. Kubota also sells a conversion plate, that you replace the cover plate with. It has two ports ( a P and a T) that could be used to power the summit (or other) unit.
Pros: The summit unit (for two rear remotes) is $850 and the Kubota conversion plate is about $250. For another $150 I can get three instead of two rear remotes.
Cons: Summit has no option for a float directional control valve. The valves are attached to the ROPs, not hidden beneath the fender. The summit system is an electrical switch box that has to be attached somewhere, not levers that are integrated into the LX fender. Electrical valves don't hold as well from what I have read.
Option 3:
Skip using the extra power port on the kubota. The outlet (tank line ) of the 3rd function would go to the P port of the rear remote. The Outlet (tank line ) of the rear remote would go to the Backhoe. The current Backhoe Tank line would stay as is. So the routing is PB -> 3rd Function -> Rear Remote -> Backhoe -> Tank
Pros: No conversation kit necessary, but would have to run some new lines. Cheapest, and maybe easiest option.
Cons: Same as option 2.
——————————
Summary:
The Way I look at it is that option 3 makes the most sense. While I can’t get a float valve (at least with summit) I am not sure that is that important. I also have the option to go 3 or 4 valves (for more money) if I want. Option 2 is only slightly more expensive than option 3 but has no real advantages.
My Questions
- Is Option 3 viable? (Take return/tank line from 3rd function to P port of rear remotes, return/T line of rear remotes goes to P port for backhoe)?
- I am looking at top and tilt, so thinking I just need two cylinders, does anyone end up really needing three? I don’t have a hydraulic blade but maybe that is where it would be nice to have three. Any other attachments you need three for?
- How important is a float valve vs being able to get three or more valves? While it might be nice I just don’t see being able float the top or side link that important. At least important enough to spend an extra $1000. I could be wrong here.
