I have a Ford 4500 backhoe that I would like to switch out the big monoblock valve block in the rear. The block has a bent spool and I am not a big fan of the original four stick layout. For some reason they appear to favor left hand movements and I am right handed.
My problem is I am not a hydraulics expert and am having trouble finding a suitable replacement block. Please note that I am not interested in the two stick conversion using the existing valve block shown in previous threads. That is a cool conversion that I don't think I am capable of building and it would not fix my problem since I have a bad valve spool.
I have seen many references to Surplus Center and have researched their products and contacted them directly. They do not appear to have a 6 spool valve block capable of handling the ~27GPM flow that I believe the 4500 pump is rated. I did find a 3 spool 25GPM joy stick (p/n 9-8217) that I am thinking about doubling up and using the grapple controls for the outriggers.
My questions are as follows:
1. Do you think that using those two 3 spools valve blocks would work for the backhoe controls?
2. Has anyone performed a similar valve replacement that can provide model numbers, and hopefully pictures, of what they used? The Surplus Center website specifically states they don't carry any valve banks big enough for a Ford 753 backhoe on a 545a which matches what I am not finding for my 4500.
3. Does anyone have a recommendation of another supplier with a suitable valve spool replacement?
Since I am replacing the valves, I would prefer to go ahead and upgrade to two stick controls but I would also consider staying with a four stick arrangement - as long as I can change the stick control order. I originally considered just reversing the original valve block (CLAS to SALC?) installation but was unable to due to the fixed positions of the relief valves on that dang monoblock.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
My problem is I am not a hydraulics expert and am having trouble finding a suitable replacement block. Please note that I am not interested in the two stick conversion using the existing valve block shown in previous threads. That is a cool conversion that I don't think I am capable of building and it would not fix my problem since I have a bad valve spool.
I have seen many references to Surplus Center and have researched their products and contacted them directly. They do not appear to have a 6 spool valve block capable of handling the ~27GPM flow that I believe the 4500 pump is rated. I did find a 3 spool 25GPM joy stick (p/n 9-8217) that I am thinking about doubling up and using the grapple controls for the outriggers.
My questions are as follows:
1. Do you think that using those two 3 spools valve blocks would work for the backhoe controls?
2. Has anyone performed a similar valve replacement that can provide model numbers, and hopefully pictures, of what they used? The Surplus Center website specifically states they don't carry any valve banks big enough for a Ford 753 backhoe on a 545a which matches what I am not finding for my 4500.
3. Does anyone have a recommendation of another supplier with a suitable valve spool replacement?
Since I am replacing the valves, I would prefer to go ahead and upgrade to two stick controls but I would also consider staying with a four stick arrangement - as long as I can change the stick control order. I originally considered just reversing the original valve block (CLAS to SALC?) installation but was unable to due to the fixed positions of the relief valves on that dang monoblock.
Any information is greatly appreciated.