Struggling with stubborn levers, and finding precise operation of your front loader (Tura) bucket almost impossible? It's time for an upgrade. Replacing your old, clunky controls with a cable-operated joystick is an investment that will completely transform the comfort and speed of your farm work.
Connecting such a system may seem complicated, but it's actually based on a few simple, iron-clad rules. However, if you ignore one of them (for example, forgetting the pressure sleeve), you could blow the new manifold the first time you turn on the pump!
BRhydraulic experts have prepared a step-by-step guide for you to connect your new manifold error-free and safely.
Step 1: Selecting the appropriate monoblock manifold
To control a classic loader (frame lift + bucket tilt), you need a 2-section control valve . If you're planning a bale grab or grabber, choose a 3-section control valve (then the joystick controls two sections, and an additional button on it controls the solenoid valve or the third section on a separate lever).
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Oil flow: For smaller tractors (e.g. Ursus C-330, C-360), a distributor with a flow of 40 l/min is sufficient. For larger machines with a more efficient pump (over 50 l/min), choose an 80 l/min distributor to avoid choking the system and boiling the oil.
Step 2: Deciphering the Ports (Where to Connect the Hoses?)
Each monoblock distributor has letters stamped on the cast iron body. This is your most important diagram:
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Port P (Power/Pump): This is where you connect the supply hose that delivers oil directly from the tractor's hydraulic pump.
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Port T (Return/Tank): This is where you connect the return hose. From here, the oil must have a free path directly to the tank (without any resistance!).
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Ports A and B (Actuator Outputs): These are the sockets located on the top of the manifold.
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Section 1 (e.g. A1, B1) – you connect the hoses from the Tura main frame lifting cylinders.
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Section 2 (e.g. A2, B2) – you connect the hoses from the bucket/fork tilt cylinders.
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Step 3: Pressure Sleeve (N) – A mistake that destroys distributors!
This is absolutely the most important point of this manual. In most tractors, the new Tur distributor is connected "in series" (meaning the oil flows from the pump first to the Tur, and only then feeds the tractor's original linkage at the rear).
If you do this, you need to screw the pressure sleeve (pressure continuation) into the special port marked with the letter N on the distributor .
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Sleeve N feeds the pressurized oil further (to the rear linkage).
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Port T safely dumps the "leftover" operating oil into the tank.
What happens if you feed the rear linkage from a standard T-port (without the N-sleeve)? The T-port is designed for low pressure only. If you use it to feed the rear linkage, you'll create pressures of around 160 bar. The result? The distributor will "swell" and its cast iron housing will immediately crack, which is not covered by any warranty!
Step 4: Connecting the joystick and cables
The joystick mechanism allows you to control two sections of the distributor at the same time (e.g. lifting the frame and closing the bucket at the same time), which would require the use of two hands with levers.
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Cables (Bowden Cables): Choose the appropriate length (usually 1.5 m to 2.5 m) to run them without sharp bends from the cab to the distributor located on the fender or frame.
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On one side you screw the ends of the cables into the joystick base in the cabin.
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On the other hand, you tighten the special "caps" directly onto the distributor sliders. Make sure the cables are taut but allow the sliders to return freely to their neutral position.
Summary
Switching to joystick control is the best decision for any front loader operator. Just remember to properly route the power supply (P), the return (T), and – if you're connecting the valves in series – the mandatory use of a pressure sleeve (N).
Looking for a ready-made and reliable kit? At BRhydraulic, you'll find everything you need: high-quality monoblock distributors, precision joysticks, control cables of any length, and the necessary pressure sleeves.