I took Charles Todd's advice

On another thread, I mentioned that the cylinders for the fast-hitch forklift on the front of my 400 were swapping fluid between themselves. This caused the mast to tilt when the load was off center or the tractor was traversing a hill. I suspected that this might be a problem when I built the fast hitch so I went to the trouble of installing a keyed torsion bar between the two arms. It is shown below.
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Charles suggested hydraulic lock valves. I was thinking about a flow divider. After thinking about the problem, Charles's solution seemed better. The lock valves would also prevent creeping over time.

After doing preliminary estimates, I figured the cost would be around $600 for eight hoses, 10 fittings, and two valves. This got me to looking around my assorted junk. Final cost was only $34.00 for shortening two hydraulic hoses. I also spent around $12.00 on schedule 40 1/2" x 5" nipples. I went through a bunch of them trying to bend the perfect double offset that I needed. I hope they hold up because I don't welcome the thought of bending schedule 80 nipples.
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Proof positive of the need to have """"Stuff""""" on hand. Jim

Nice! Glad I could help plant a seed for the brainstorming session. I hope it works to your expectations. The only thing I have noticed about pilot operated check valves it that you have to be EASY on the control levers, or they operate a little sudden when the pilot pressure makes and the poppet shifts. Simply put they take a little finesse to use. Once again, NICE!

By the way, did you look at SURPLUS CENTER? They have free catalogs, my new one came in this past week.

CT

Yep, I get their catalogs. They have good pricing on hydraulic fittings. They're about 1/3 to 1/4 the price of local suppliers. Some of their hoses can be cheap too. I priced the lock valves at several places and they were $175 to $200. Can't remember if I checked Surplus Center on those. I usually price stuff via the computer.

Their shipments take about a week to get to me. When it comes to hoses and fittings, I usually can't wait.

When I used to go to auctions, I would always buy the box of made up hoses that seem to be at every equipment sale. When I need a hose but my hoses are too long, I have the local equipment shop cut it and put on a new end. I have saved thousands of dollars over the years. They tell me I am the only guy who brings in his own hoses. Most of those hoses will be in my estate sale after I pass on.

The lock valves came off an old 15 ton Taylor forklift that I no longer use. They were on the power side-shifting forks. I knew they were there but wasn't sure they were lock valves because it seemed like an odd location. I went to the Gressen Hydraulic site and was able to identify them through their engineering drawings. I had all the fittings (used) but one. A neighbor had that one.

I had a chance to use the tractor today. It is a whole lot better than it was in that the forklift mast doesn't shift from side to side while underway. However, it will tilt if the load is uneven when changing the elevation with the cylinders. It will correct itself when the strokes are fully extended or retracted. I will just have to set the fast hitch where I want it and change the fork height with the forklift electrical power-pac. So in that regard, the lift is very functional now.

To correct the tractor hydraulics, I will have to install a flow control valve so that equal volumes go to each cylinder regardless of load position. Maybe next year or whenever I find a suitable valve.