Remote-Operated Electronic Flow Control Valve

Remote-Operated Electronic Flow Control Valve FARM SHOP Maintenance 31-2-40 "Our new remote flow control valve lets you adjust hydraulic flow by using a toggle switch inside your cab. It comes in handy on any equipment where you change hydraulic flow and motor speeds frequently. It keeps heat, noise and potential hydraulic leaks away from the operator, resulting in added safety and comfort," says Mike Vandehey, Banks, Oregon. The valve is designed to replace the machine's existing manual control valve and can be installed anywhere on a machine. The valve measures 5 in. wide and 18 in. long and consists of an electric actuator that mounts on a metal bracket that has a valve bolted to its bottom side. The actuator has a 4-in. stroke and moves a metal arm that hooks up to the valve. The unit requires a double throw, double pull switch which reverses the polarity. The valve operates off a toggle switch and can be wired into most ag and industrial monitoring systems such as chemical and fertilizer monitors. It eliminates the need to have a manually-operated valve inside the cab. The valve can also be used as a stand-alone unit, by wiring it to a toggle switch for manual adjustments on chemical pumps, agitators, fans, augers, and any other hydraulic-powered device, says Vandehey. Vandehey got the idea a few years ago when he bought a Deere self-propelled windrower. "We wanted variable speed on the reel so we converted the machine to hydraulic drive, since at that time an OEM version wasn't yet available. However, we soon learned that an electronic flow control valve wasn't available as a complete unit from Deere. We looked for a valve that would work with the rig's factory wiring, but we couldn't find anything at a reasonable price." He spent a few nights lying awake "thinking about ways to get the job done myself". With a few phone calls to some local industrial parts suppliers, and some machining and fabricating, he was able to get the job done. "The valve worked perfectly, and the installation was so clean that when Deere introduced its new electronic flow control valve for its swathers, my neighbor had me install my pump and valve because it looked so much better than Deere's." He installed two of the new valves on his home-built, self-propelled sprayer - one for the Hypro pump to control spray pressure, and one to operate a hydraulic pump that lets him change agitator speed from the cab via a toggle switch. He also sold a unit to his local spray monitor dealer, who uses it on a dry fertilizer monitor to control the draper chain. "I've also sold valves for use on windrowers, both Hesston and Deere, where the operator uses the factory switches in the handle." Other potential on-the-farm uses include on a variable speed unloading auger, hydraulic fan conversions for combines, and to control the draper chain on semi trailers equipped with a live floor. "Our valve also works great for adjusting fan speed on combines, where it eliminates the need to adjust any belts or pulleys. The valve can be hooked up to existing wiring in the combine for the actuator that changes the shiv position," says Vandehey. Sells for $360 plus S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mike Vandehey, North Valley Farms, LLC, 39595 N.W. Wilkesboro Rd., Banks, Oregon 97106 (ph 503 577-9457; fax 503 324-7014).

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