Question for a Hydraulics Guru

[Helen L]

Ok here's the deal. The boat has a 30GPM pump and 12 gal tank. I have a 14" hauler going on and also want to run 4-5 hydraulic bandit reels. Manufacturer claims a 12GPM pump can run up to 8 reels with a 50/50 flow divider. Question is how should I properly plumb this all into one circuit. Can it be done this way? I don't want to be bursting lines, so I'm sure a pressure regulator is needed. I'm wondering if I can have ball valves inline to divert flow to either the reels or hauler. The hauler and reels wouldn't be run at the same time ever. Can I simply branch each reel off the supply line and off the return? Any help is appreciated. I can have some of the guys from my harbor help but I figured I'd start here.

Tim

 

[F/V First Team]

Why is the tank so small? I cycle 100% of my hydraulic oil every minute, and I'm using a cooler to keep everything happy. From your set up you're going to be cycling 100% of your fluid every 20 seconds almost. That's going to foam I'm pretty sure. Foam doesn't make for good hydraulic fluid :-\

 

[Helen L]

Tank and pump are what were on the boat, which ran 3 winches. I can upgrade the tank to something larger if need be.

 

[F/V First Team]

Wow.

For my hydraulics I use a solenoid operated diverter valve, when open (off) it lets the fluid circulate from the pump to the tank, when closed (on) the fluid is directed to the hauler then back to the tank. Slick rig. I think something like this might work for you since the hauler and the reels wouldn't be used at the same time. You could even double up on them, that way the circuits could be "off" and the fluid would just circulate back to the tank. Maybe a manifold would suffice for your 4-5 reels. Your returns can all flow back into a manifold to return to the tank. Fun times. (JIC fittings are your friends, just say NO to pipe threads)

 

[MDI45]

Helen L,a bigger tank would help but not ness...do you want to use quick connects so you can store the reels when not using them..

 

[Helen L]

Thanks for the response. So for the feed to the reels, have each reel feed from a manifold too?

 

[F/V First Team]

Hang on, I'll draw something up

 

[Helen L]

Helen L,a bigger tank would help but not ness...do you want to use quick connects so you can store the reels when not using them..

Yes quick connect for the reels. I've heard even those are still messy when disconnected.

 

[F/V First Team]

A little rough, but the idea is there

 

[Helen L]

So for each return on the reels, would they be going into a T-fitting of some sort in the main line, which would then go to the return manifold?

 

[F/V First Team]

You can just T everything together, that pretty much makes a manifold. If you wanted to put a check valve in between the hauler valve return and the bandit reels that could work too - in that big gray manifold block. Depending on the output of the pump, pressure wise, you may have to regulate the feeds going to your reels, and a by-pass put in to flow back to the return line from the reel manifold.

And an oil cooler wouldn't hurt My power steering cools the hydraulic fluid in my set up, uses the same tank for both systems.

 

[Helen L]

Who do you use for your hydraulics supply? I was talking with Rose's.

 

[F/V First Team]

For the regular stuff Marine Hydraulics down in Rockland, Maine (it's our closest hydraulic shop)
For the more (ahem) exotic items, we like to look around and come up with systems. I can't remember off the top of my head the manufacturer of the solenoid diverter valve, I should be below deck on the boat tomorrow, I'll look it over. I thought it was a Bimba part, but I've looked online since you started this thread and cannot find it.

Rose's should be able to hook you up though.

 

[F/V First Team]

Also, while stainless quick disconnects are sexy as hell, they are expensive.

All stainless hydraulic parts are...:roll:

 

[Helen L]

Yeah I was just looking...some are $400!

 

[Helen L]

Looking on Grainger right now, would a manifold like this work?

Manifold, 7 Port Bar, #4 SAE - Hydraulic Valve Manifolds - Valves - 5UXE0 : Grainger Industrial Supply

 

[F/V First Team]

quarter inch connections, 6 would be better (3/8) but I guess that all depends on what the reels need to be fed with

 

[steveinak]

Wow.

For my hydraulics I use a solenoid operated diverter valve, when open (off) it lets the fluid circulate from the pump to the tank, when closed (on) the fluid is directed to the hauler then back to the tank. Slick rig. I think something like this might work for you since the hauler and the reels wouldn't be used at the same time. You could even double up on them, that way the circuits could be "off" and the fluid would just circulate back to the tank. Maybe a manifold would suffice for your 4-5 reels. Your returns can all flow back into a manifold to return to the tank. Fun times. (JIC fittings are your friends, just say NO to pipe threads)

Travis whats wrong with pipe thread?

 

[F/V First Team]

I've never met a pipe thread that someone else has done that didn't leak.
JIC 37° fittings are owner-proof. Plus much quicker in my opinion.

 

[WoundUpMarine]

Yes quick connect for the reels. I've heard even those are still messy when disconnected.

quick connects with non return valves in them are pretty standard and shouldn't make a mess when disconnecting. just make sure you ask for the right fittings when sourcing everything out.