Adding Non-PTO Winch to 455E

[jbosco]

I have a 45,000 lb ~20 GPM winch to plumb into a 455E with a clam shell bucket. The easiest approach looks like plumbing a selector valve off the clam circuit. I called the Deere vendor for the correct power beyond plug and was told it's not available, therefore abandoned this approach. Would you estimate the flow from the auxiliary (clam shell) line enough for this winch, or should I persue the power beyond (or different) approach. As the winch weighs about 800 pounds, would you remove the rear weight or keep it?

Thanks
John

[LeonardL]

If memory serves me correct the G series crawlers had what is known as "Stack Valves" for hydraulic control valves. We installed a hydraulic winch on a 450G dozer and we simply added another valve to the stack. I say simply... it can be a daunting task sometimes to get these valves lined up without an issue or two. Or at least it was for me.
Doing this allows you to have your power beyond hydraulics that are designated to the winch. The winch we installed had its own control valve and we did away with it and controlled the winch with the new stack valve.
These other guys may have a better solution, this is just what we did to get our winch to work.

As for your counter weight? I personally would take it off. Your winch will be more than enough weight to compensate. If you get to much weight on the rear of the machine you change the center of gravity. You will loose down pressure on the bucket and your machine will ride more on the back rollers of the undercarriage. It will also cause more wear on your sprockets and the pins and bushings of your track rails.

Hope this helps... Good luck!

[jbosco]

Thanks Leonard

The Deere parts manager basically said all these parts were unavailable. Do you know of a source for another stack valve and/or the power beyond plug?

Best,
John