Remote Hydraulics 101

[hearnc843]

Well went and bought some land and I am having to use my remote hydraulics. I am a total beginner to these but I know the basic principle- you pump oil through a line to add high pressure oil to a cylinder on an implement. Other than that I do not know a thing. My tractor has two remote lines, look to be standard 1/2" Ag remotes. I have never used them and they look like they haven't been used in years. I plan on replacing them.

Questions I have- Why are there two lines? What is the 3rd smaller line in-between the two larger ones on the underside picture? The upright lever to the right side of the drivers seat has direct linkage to them- how do I use this? And any other helpful information.

The two large lines underneath connect back to the bottom of the PTO clutch lever plate. I am assuming this is where hydraulic fluid returns?
The two lines on top go directly to the remote connectors, I assume this is how oil is pumped in? I have some pictures too.

Any help is greatly appreciated. I was not raised doing ag, but I enjoy it and want to learn the ways. Tractor is Massey 175

 

[m16ty]

1 remote valve will have 2 hoses, 1 for pressure and the other for return.

 

[Jim.ME]

It appears your 175 has the independent auxiliary hydraulic pump option with a single remote set. It is a separate system (with a higher flow pump) from the 3-point hitch hydraulics. It is a one double acting remote. It has one double acting valve supplying two couplers so you can operate a double acting remote cylinder.

Your Operator's Manual should give you some info on using the auxiliary remote valve. Your Service Manual should have more detailed flow and adjusting info under the auxiliary hydraulic section. One tube out of the PTO lever cover is pressure to the valve, the other is return from the valve. The third line is a leak-off tube or such for the valve end cavity, if I remember right. The auxiliary valve may have a screw, in the front to turn out if you want to use it to run a single acting cylinder, and in for double acting. There may be another screw at the top rear near the remote hose to adjust flow rate to the cylinder. Again, the info should be in your manuals and be explained better than I have.

 

[hearnc843]

Thank you for the responses. Unfortunately I am in the middle of a big move and can't seem to come by my operator manual. I am planning on getting a simple hydraulic implement like a log splitter and replacing the lines you see in the pictures and giving it a go as-is. I am thinking I just attach the quick couplers to the hydraulics and then just pull the lever to the right of the seat? Is there anything I should look out for? Is this a dangerous thing to do?

 

[Jim.ME]

You can run a log splitter that way. Yes, the hoses are hooked to the tractor couplers. Often the remote valve handle is locked into a detent position, so it is supplying oil to a valve on the wood splitter constantly when splitting. A separate valve on the splitter is generally used to operate the splitter. That is so one can be at the wood being split for handling and alignment purposes, the tractor valve is too far removed for most people. Some people do make an extension rod/handle from the tractor valve handle back to the splitter, if they want to use just the tractor valve. Personally, I go with a splitter with its own engine rather than tie up a tractor.

 

[hearnc843]

Ok very good, I appreciate the advice