hyd spool valves

JD uses a closed system where fluid only flows when a valve is opened.

On pressure release, it is very nice to have the system shut off for you. Keeps you from having to babysit the hydraulics. Deere is pressure sensitive and all you do is set the lever and go about your business. When it finishes responding to the command it automatically kicks out. My 4600 Ford OEM is manual and when you are busy, you often hear the tractor engine loading down signaling the end of the cylinder's travel. Definitely prefer the pressure (automatic) release.

Mark

Have a quick looksee in your op's manual for the Ford. With OEM valves, they should kick out on their own. The catch with them is the detent mechanism, or sometimes a weak pump. The detents can be set so as to require a higher pressure to kick out than the tractor can develop. So, if the pump is weak, or the relief valve is a little low, the detents will not kick out at the end of the cylinder's stroke, and as you say, you must babysit the lever, and shut it off. I'm after forgetting how to adjust that on your tractor, but I'm almost positive that it can be adjusted. On the delux valves, you see a set screw requireing a flat screwdriver, and a jam nut. Just loosen the nut, and I think turn the screw out. Just play with it, until you get it kicking out at idle.

With respect to the original post, I would definitely suggest getting an OEM valve with the detent mechanism. I find that that system is fairly clean and compact without having a lot of hose looping around. The lever is not in the most convienent location either, but I hate the extra hose and brackets, if I can get away without them. However, it probably will cost a little more. HTH.

Rod

A given spool will be either single-acting (one work port), or double acting (2 work ports).

So what you want is a single spool, double-acting valve.

Whether or not the pressure detent is "worth it" would depend upon you preferences and intended use.