I'm restoring a 1949 D2 5U with a #44 hydraulic system. It has the 3 position control (up-hold-down). Is there any way I can change this to include a "float" position?

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Jack

Hi jkh4449,
to the best of my knowledge and reading from the Hyd Cont SRB, Form No12914-1, print date 08-54.
The 44 was available with single spool or double spool valves.
The SRB states that "Either one or two valves may be used. Upper valve has raise, lower, hold, float positions. Lower valve has raise, lower, hold postitions."
It takes a fair push to get the valve spool past the detent to achieve the FLOAT lock detented position, or, you may have the blade connected to the lower spool if you have the two valve setup.
The detent unit is adjustable for lock out and may have been adjusted so Float cannot be reached for some other application. There are two pages in the SRB on adjusting the float lock out!!!!
Hope this helps,
Cheers,
Eddie B.
PS. I would post scans but am out of postability at present.
Maybe some one else can help further here please.

Hi edb,
Yes, I have the info and will post in the AM.

As requested:

Be aware that alignment of the roller and detent bracket is critical to avoid binding. The only adjustment for this is to shim under the outside control lever.

Hi OM,
thanks once again for helping out here. I will be away for a week so will not be posting in that time.
Will take undercarrige stuff off when I get back and get back to normal posting.
Cheers,
Eddie B.

If I may jump into this thread, I have a related hydraulic problem.
My D2 5U has what looks like the same hydraulic system as is being discussed except it has only one control lever.
I have a considerable hydraulic leak at the base of the control lever. I was planning to remove the hydraulic unit and take it to a hydraulic shop for repair.
Q. Is the problem repairable in place? Is there a seal involved, a bushing or packing?
If not repairable in place:
What is the procedure for removing the unit?
Do I disconnect the unit at the engine or in front of the radiator?
Does the radiator have to come off?
I don't have a SRB for the hydraulic unit, are they available?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Repairs can be made in place by removing the big cover.
Involves a seal, maybe bushings and probably putting a speedy seal sleeve on the worn shaft.
Post the unit serial number (tag on RH side rear of unit)

Thanks, OM.
The machine serial # is 5U 17846, I'll get the hydraulic unit serial # and post it tomorrow.

Some of the early #44 units did not have a float position, there was however a float valve change over group available. If your #44 unit is a 4w up to 4w484 it may not have float, and finding a valve with float for that unit might be difficult, if it is above 4w484 or one of the other series #44 units it will have float and just need adjustment or repair.
Josh

For spotting purposes the 4W and 7V #44 series are the ones with the split lines coming off the center of the hydraulic control unit.