No shame here - Waldon 7000. Heck, I am saving this heap from the scrap pile and making it serviceable and useful. The only thing OEM left on the hydraulics is the pump and cooler. The OEM joystic controlled valve was replaced long ago with a 3 section generic monoblock valve that had already outlived it's lifespan when I got the loader. That's why it wasn't mentioned. Simple as that. The fork lift valve in it now is not working out. So I wanted to keep the discussion as generic as possible. I did mention in my 2nd post the 25 gpm as a ballpark for the discussion of the system.
And you are correct about my desire to get it close to a skid steer in operation. Most skid steers have a similarly rated pump. Why would that be a bad thing for maximizing the utility of this loader?
My situation is somewhat like this example. Say I have 67 nova that needs an engine. OEM was a little inline 6, but I am exploring other/higher horsepower V8 options. But you seem to be brow beating me for not going back to the OEM V6. I am just trying to explore options with others that have relevant experience. Also, doing things "off the book" can help hone troubleshooting skills. Lots of people can troubleshoot using a book line by line. But throw away the book and let's have some fun.
If I wanted to dump lots of $$$ into it, it would also be more simple perhaps to return it to OEM. But that would be $2k or more to replace what has already been changed. I am attempting to use the resources at hand, and/or the cheapest ones that would accomplish my needs. Sure, I know I could get a 3 section valve like you describe, but I have more time than $$$ presently. Looking at my options when I created this thread, it looked like I could get a 2 section and 1 section monoblock valves for around 1/2 of what a complete 3 section that fit my description. That is why I wanted to explore the possibility of the two seperate valves. Purely to potentially save $$
I only mention an excavator as an illustration of the universality of my desire for a 3rd valve section, after it was implied that I was trying to do something strange and way out in left field. Furthermore, some of the responses provided didn't make sense with existing equipment I am familiar with or have access to. If we limit our excavator discussion to compact models, I don't think the valves are not all that different from a skid steer. That is the reason for my further questions. I suppose the line between back and forth discussion and being argumentative is a fine one. I don't mean to be the latter.
You are probably correct about the float. But after looking through the parts and service manuals, I think on this model, the float is accomplished with a separate solenoid valve that also keeps the bucket level when lifting, I think. Not part of the valve I have.