I have a TJ Series tractor with electronic remote control valves. I use an implement that requires the raise and lower reaction rates of the implement lift cylinder to be as close to equal as possible. This helps to control the implement when I raise and lower it.

Can the electronic remote control valves be adjusted so that the cylinder reaction rate is equal for both extend and retract functions?

On TJ Series tractors with electronic remote control valves, the electronic control system for the remote valves is programmed at the factory to provide equal hydraulic oil supply for its extend and retract functions. This means that the piston and rod side of a hydraulic cylinder will be supplied with the same amount of hydraulic oil when the valve is activated in extend and retract.

Since the rod side of the cylinder requires a lower volume of oil to activate because the internal volume of the cylinder is diminished by the cylinder rod, the reaction rate of the rod side will be faster than the piston side of the cylinder. In most applications, this unequal reaction rate of the cylinder is not a concern and adjustment is not necessary.

However, there are times when applications and implements require an equal reaction time of an implement cylinder to maximize control and performance. The TJ Series electronic remote control valve system offers the ability to change the hydraulic oil flow curve for the extend and retract functions of a given remote valve. This allows independent adjustment of the extend and/or the retract function flow rates of the valve section, maximizing the control the operator has over the implement hydraulic function.

The adjustment is made using the Instrument Control Unit (ICU) of the tractor. No special tools are required and the adjustment is simple to complete.

This adjustment will have no effect on the detent timer duration for the given valve section. It will only affect the flow rate of the extend/retract functions by adjusting the amount of main control valve spool movement when the extend or retract function of the valve spool is activated.

How to change the remote valve extend/retract values

1. Enter the PROGRAM MODE of the ICU (press and hold the PROG key for two seconds during the first ten seconds of the ignition switch turning on). When in the Program mode of operation, the ICU will read INST SET MENU. 2. Press INCR or DECR button until AUX SET MENU is displayed. 3. Press PROG button to display AUX VIEW. 4. Press INCR or DECR button until AUX ADJUST is displayed. 5. Press PROG button to display EXT 1. 6. Press INCR or DECR button to display the desired remote (1 to 5, if equipped) and desired direction EXT – extend or RET – retract.

Instrument Control Unit

7. Press the PROG button to display the current factory set value for this remote direction. Record this value. NOTE: Before changing any values, record the factory value settings so that factory settings can be reset if desired. Changing the extend/retract values to zero will restore the factory values. 8. Press the INCR or DECR button to increase or decrease the number between +20 and -20. NOTE: Each number change corresponds to approximately .075 to 2.3 L/min (0.2 to 0.6 GPM) hydraulic flow change. 9. Press the PROG button to move to the next remote or to the AUX EXIT mode (ICU must be run through the AUX EXIT mode in order to save the adjusted setting of a given remote valve). Continue to exit the Program mode of the ICU until it returns to the normal operation mode. 10. Start the tractor and operate the implement to see if the rate of reaction for the implement cylinder is correct. 11. If additional adjustment is required, repeat Steps 1 through 10.