WR Long vs Summit vs OEM valve kits - deep dive

[selftot]

There are multiple threads about this but i put a more complete comparison together so i'm sharing it.

I have been looking at rear remotes and third functions for my L3400.

OEM
- No rear kits available for L3400
- 3rd function kit not certified for my L3400 or loader
- 3rd function kit that might fit not certified for units with a backhoe
- Could be made to work with modifications.

I might pay for OEM if it fit properly but with these problems I don't want to pay premium price.

WR Long
- claims valves are closer to OEM than other third party stuff
- has separate bypass path so fluid does not enter the valve block when not engaged
- has float and continuous flow functions
- third function customized to my specific loader
- third function uses toggle switch
- top / tilt customized to my tractor model
- top / tilt kits come with restrictor
- get good reviews for quality and service
- comes with Ag quick connect

Summit
- more affordable
- generic 3rd function - not specific to loader
- generic top / tilt
- third function uses buttons
- no restrictor in kit for top / tilt
- get good reviews for quality and service
- comes with Ag quick connect

For my needs / money / older tractor, Summit seems to come out on top.

The bypass path on WR Long sounds good but for properly sized valves - does it matter ?

Probably for newer tractors a stronger case could be made for OEM.

Did I miss anything?

 

[TheOldHokie]

There are multiple threads about this but i put a more complete comparison together so i'm sharing it.

I have been looking at rear remotes and third functions for my L3400.

OEM
- No rear kits available for L3400
- 3rd function kit not certified for my L3400 or loader
- 3rd function kit that might fit not certified for units with a backhoe
- Could be made to work with modifications.

I might pay for OEM if it fit properly but with these problems I don't want to pay premium price.

WR Long
- claims valves are closer to OEM than other third party stuff
- has separate bypass path so fluid does not enter the valve block when not engaged
- has float and continuous flow functions
- third function customized to my specific loader
- third function uses toggle switch
- top / tilt customized to my tractor model
- top / tilt kits come with restrictor
- get good reviews for quality and service
- comes with Ag quick connect

Summit
- more affordable
- generic 3rd function - not specific to loader
- generic top / tilt
- third function uses buttons
- no restrictor in kit for top / tilt
- get good reviews for quality and service
- comes with Ag quick connect

For my needs / money / older tractor, Summit seems to come out on top.

The bypass path on WR Long sounds good but for properly sized valves - does it matter ?

Probably for newer tractors a stronger case could be made for OEM.

Did I miss anything?

You missed a lot and are conflating third function with rear remotes.

All of the third function valves operate the same.They are open center D03 solenoid operated industrial valves with one inlet and one outlet. Flow circulates constantly through the open center except when the valve is energized.

In terms of choosing a kit/supplier the differentiation is in:

1. Quality of the valve itself
2. Quality of the electrical controls
3. Quality of the hoses fittings, and couplers.
4. Esthetics and ergonomics of the installation
5. How well a kit fits any specific model coming out of the box.
6. Cost.

In real life there is very little differntiation in 1 thru 3. Its 4 thru 6 that separate the kits.

For rear remotes the valves are manually operated open center with one inlet, a tank return outlet, and a power beyond outlet. Flow circulates constsntly through the open center except when the valve is shifted. Differentiation is the same as third function with more emphasis on (1).

Front or rear all will work with a backhoe.

Dan

 

[selftot]

In terms of choosing a kit/supplier the differentiation is in:

1. Quality of the valve itself
2. Quality of the electrical controls
3. Quality of the hoses fittings, and couplers.
4. Esthetics and ergonomics of the installation
5. How well a kit fits any specific model coming out of the box.
6. Cost.

Yup - those are the details i was discussing.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

Unless I'm missing something NEW, these guys only have electric-operated rear remote valve systems. Electric-operated valves that are talked about on these forums are FAR FROM IDEAL for top & tilt cylinder operation. It is simply hard to beat a manually operated valve. The secret here is to have a good quality manual valve that does not have excessive internal leakage, regardless of what the leakage rates are listed at. And yes, they all have internal leakage, but some are better than others.

 

[MtnViewRanch]

The quality of the top & tilt cylinders most likely will not make a big difference for your L3400.

But Summit has issues when the side links need more than a small angle at either the top or bottom or both ends of the side link cylinders. Common issues with both the LX, B and BX series tractors as well as the other manufacturers with similar requirements.

Just keep in mind, with these types of items, you usually get what you pay for.

 

[selftot]

Unless I'm missing something NEW, these guys only have electric-operated rear remote valve systems. Electric-operated valves that are talked about on these forums are FAR FROM IDEAL for top & tilt cylinder operation. It is simply hard to beat a manually operated valve. The secret here is to have a good quality manual valve that does not have excessive internal leakage, regardless of what the leakage rates are listed at. And yes, they all have internal leakage, but some are better than others.

Correct - still electric-operated rear remote valves.

Comparing manually operated to solenoid actuated, is it the ability of manual valves to do fast movement as well as slow? With electric, you could probably get small increments with a restrictor, but then it would always be slow. Or is it that electric cant even do slow...

 

[TheOldHokie]

Correct - still electric-operated rear remote valves.

Comparing manually operated to solenoid actuated, is it the ability of manual valves to do fast movement as well as slow? With electric, you could probably get small increments with a restrictor, but then it would always be slow. Or is it that electric cant even do slow...

You cannot get metering with conventional solenoid activated valves. Line restrictors can reduce max flow rate but its still all or none.

Adding manual rear remotes to a L3400 is childs play

1. Purchase the valve of your chouce. It needs to have power beyond and tank return outlets. It can have as many spools as you want and the spools can be the types of your choosing
2. Mount it in the location of your choice
3. Plumb it into the neutral (power beyond) and tank return circuits as shown in your operayors manual.
4. Hang some quick connects on the rear and connect them to the valve.

Dan

 

[McMXi]

Correct - still electric-operated rear remote valves.

Comparing manually operated to solenoid actuated, is it the ability of manual valves to do fast movement as well as slow? With electric, you could probably get small increments with a restrictor, but then it would always be slow. Or is it that electric cant even do slow...

One caveat here is that you can use one standard manual valve and lever for fine control, but control/operate multiple circuits via solenoids (and momentary buttons) which are simply open or closed. This is what Summit Hydraulics refers to as a multiplier.

This is a really nice set up since there's no need to operate multiple rear remotes at the same time, and with the right control grip, you don't need to move your hand between levers. I find this to be a huge improvement in the MX when blowing snow and either rotating the chute or changing the deflector angle. I simply hold a button down on the control grip and move the lever fore/aft for one function, and hold down a different button but move the lever fore/aft for a different function. You can operate multiple hydraulic circuits out back with this system, all from the one lever.