[brentj]

Obviously a newbie question, but to add a front snow blade with hydraulics do I need to add a deck lockout valve? Or there one already on an x728?

I've been given different answers. But I don't know what one looks like...

Thanks.

 

[Jere39]

Immediately behind the front hydraulic connection block (four hydro connections each color coded to match the raise and angle cylinder connections for front attachments) would be a valve with a knurled black plastic handle. Like any valve, turn it in to shut it off, turn it out to open the valve.

Brett's diagram and b&w shop photo are pretty clear, just in case it would help to see a dirty and used one here is mine in color.

 

[Brett-JDX748]

The 7 series do not come standard with the hydraulic diverter valve. The valve is included with the "Quick Hitch" package.

You need to purchase:

A: Quick Hitch Package

B: Power Angling Kit

C: Blade

The Diverter valve replaces an elbow on the back side of the SCV, it's all metal (even the knob) it's a bit tricky to install, I actually had to take the valve apart so that it would clear the frame rail so I could tighten it. Once the valve body was tightened I re-assembled the valve.

#9 is the valve.

 

[brentj]

Thanks to all

 

[brentj]

Do I have to drain the fluid or something before installing valve? Or can I just put down a pan and try to go fast? Maybe it comes with instructions...

 

[Brett-JDX748]

I didn't drain the fluid. I just held a rag up to the SCV as I removed the elbow. You just lose what is in the line (minimal).

 

[badzuki]

I think your getting different answers becuase the particular way your question is worded technically has two answers.

The first is the deck can be locked up with the height indicator dial. Doesn't require the diverter valve.

However, to run the hydraulic angle cylinder on a snow blade, you need the diverter valve to direct the fluid toward the snow blade and not the deck/3pt hydraulic cylinder.

 

[Brett-JDX748]

And "Technically" you don't "need" the diverter but the funny thing is with hydraulics, fluid like electricity, takes the path of least resistance. So what happens is that the fluid moves the deck lift to it's end of travel and then moves the angling cylinder. So you wind up with jerky operation. That's why the valve comes with the Quick Hitch Kit.

 

[brentj]

Thanks. I think I've got it now...

 

[chvymn99]

So with the lock out valve in place. Will you see adverse effects using your deck and the 3pt hitch during the rest of the year? Or is that simply a screw in the valve to divert and unscrew to go back to normal flow?

 

[brentj]

I hadn't fully thought this through either; I was thinking about converting a front mount thatcher to mount on the quick hitch to use the hydraulics. But I forgot that as a "mowing season" attachment, I'm not sure if I'd have to open and close the valve when changing mower height (ok if once a day) and then wanting to use the quick hitch up/down hydraulics? Or maybe that's the OTHER hydraulic lever...

 

[GregM]

Because you only need the thatcher to raise and lower, you could just us the other spool. One set to raise and lower the deck and one set to raise and lower the thatcher. Then the thatcher would have the float option. GregM

 

[etc02]

I have a quick hitch and snow blower on order. Will this come with a diverter valve, or is this not necessary for the blower?

 

[badzuki]

It will come with the diverter valve and it is necessary becuase the other hydraulic spool is used for shoot rotation.

 

[Brett-JDX748]

Or is that simply a screw in the valve to divert and unscrew to go back to normal flow?

Correct

 

[etc02]

I admit I don't fully understand the reasoning of the diverter valve. Deere sells all of these attachments, how come the tractors do not equipped to be able to use them? How come a diverter valve is not standard, or 3 spool hydraulics like on my 420?

 

[Brett-JDX748]

How come a diverter valve is not standard, or 3 spool hydraulics like on my 420?

Because they can make more money selling it to you as an option, same with the 3PH and the PTO.

 

[UrbanTractor]

Because they can make more money selling it to you as an option, same with the 3PH and the PTO.

Is there an option to add a 3rd spool, like etc02 has on his 420?

Or, if no o.e.m. option, could it be added aftermarket?

 

[Brett-JDX748]

Is there an option to add a 3rd spool, like etc02 has on his 420?

Or, if no o.e.m. option, could it be added aftermarket?

No factory option for a 3 spool. But it could be done. Biggest issue is the controls.

 

[blantz2]

I don't have the valve and I don't see that it's really that big of a deal for cycle time. The down side of not having it is when I try to push something heavy ie. dirt, etc. the blade angle doesn't hold it's place. This is fixed with the valve as I understand.