Loader Spool Valves

Stan Coryell · Feb 1, 2022

I have an old Massey Ferguson 202 (35) with a 102 loader and the spools are about shot. I ordered a replacement from Northern Tool in November, it's still nowhere to be found. So... looking around, I can get a 2 spool joystick from Prince with float or a 3 spool (no float) for about the same price. I figure I can use the third spool for a hydraulic top link.

My question is how useful is Float? I have never been on a machine that has it. I use a box grader a lot for maintaining my property, so I'm leaning towards the hydraulic top link. My driveway is stone and I don't have anything that is paved.

Thanks,
Stan

wore out · Feb 1, 2022

(quoted from post at 10:37:27 02/01/22) I have an old Massey Ferguson 202 (35) with a 102 loader and the spools are about shot. I ordered a replacement from Northern Tool in November, it's still nowhere to be found. So... looking around, I can get a 2 spool joystick from Prince with float or a 3 spool (no float) for about the same price. I figure I can use the third spool for a hydraulic top link.

My question is how useful is Float? I have never been on a machine that has it. I use a box grader a lot for maintaining my property, so I'm leaning towards the hydraulic top link. My driveway is stone and I don't have anything that is paved.

Thanks,
Stan

Nothing wrong with the "float" option, that section can be used on the loader "arms", and is handy for some operations.

If it's use is not needed/desired at a given time it can just be ignored (don't move the lever far enough to engage "float").

DRussell · Feb 1, 2022

My opinion, based on experience operating both on a loader, is to buy a joystick style spool valve
as a replacement for loader controls. I find that a joystick is much easier and more natural to
operate than a 2 stick.

The float is nice for back dragging with the front bucket, but isn't necessary.

If you can afford it buy both a joystick 2 spool for the loader and another 2 spool for the rear of
the tractor. It's fairly easy to plumb them in sequence.

Fred Werring · Feb 1, 2022

Float is handy when your just trying to smooth something out.

Steve in IL · Feb 1, 2022

Stan - Maybe I'm just old fashion, but the main loader arms really ought to have a float function. Not only so that the bucket can follow a contour, but also so that the arms can go down without your
hand needing to be on the stick for the whole cycle. Just my opinion.

cjunrau · Feb 1, 2022

I have never used the float on a loader yet. been using a loader on farm for 40 years and have never seen the use for it yet.
I do prefer a joystick over 2 levers but both are usable. As far as others saying it is nice when back blading with the loader, all that
does is go with the contour of the ground. When I back blade or drag I want it level when finished and my eye can do a better job than the
original ground level. each to his own but it is not for me.

Jim.ME · Feb 1, 2022

I want to see a float position in a loader valve, otherwise I would just call it a directional control valve. It is handy back dragging and if you use the loader for snow removal or cleaning material from a hard surface. JMHO

Here is a link to one example of a loader valve that has a joystick for the loader boom and bucket functions, with a separate spool and lever for a third function.
https://www.surpluscenter.com/Hydra...r-Valve-w-Grapple-Prince-HC-V-BP22-9-8217.axd

Stan Coryell · Feb 2, 2022

Thanks guys. Joystick with float it is.

Loader Spool Valves

Stan Coryell

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wore out

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DRussell

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Fred Werring

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Steve in IL

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cjunrau

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Jim.ME

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Stan Coryell

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