Brand Hydraulic Loader Directional Control Valve LV22RFSTKAB Joystick

It's a day and night difference from the old one. It operates the loader smooth as silk. Now it compares to a new tractor. Love it!

I bought this to replace the Nimco that came with my tractor. Once I figured out the plumbing and installed it, it worked fine for several years.After about 5 years, the joystick began to bind a little, and as time passed it got worse. Mind you, it didn't take a ton of effort to operate, but it didn't always return to center the way it should. What's worse, this past year, the casting that the joystick is mounted on BROKE. Come to find out, it's cast ALUMINUM, not iron, so it certainly can't take much torqueing. I ordered the replacement parts from Brand and reassembled.But I still needed to investigate the binding, so I downloaded the exploded diagram and learned from online sources that the return spring and related parts were prone to rust. I carefully attempted to take one of the spools apart (with a parts catching bucket underneath) and was surprised to see that the spring and surrounding hardware were pretty rusted- no wonder the spools were binding. There was no evidence of lubrication from time of manufacture. Even the four little steel ball bearings that keep things centered appeared to be rusted.In the course of attempting to clean this up I finally decided it was nuts to order parts again since it was straightforward to get an acceptable replacement for under $100 (without the float function).Tractors are used outdoors. I think the fact that these spool return springs were not lubricated or designed to be moisture proof is a compelling argument for buying a cheapo import to save money even though it may or may not have the same problem. It certainly appears they are made from the same valve body castings.Overall, I am disappointed in Brand Hydraulics because the joystick mount should be a strong material for obvious reasons, and at the prices they charge, the valve should be usable for more than 5 years and 300 hours of tractor use. I would not buy again because of reliability. When it worked, function was fine.

Took a little bit of grinding and drilling to get this controller attached to the existing mounting bracket, but it works perfect for my Koyker 160 loader, and at a better price than original equipment! Just keep track of your hoses and attach in the same positions. All is well that ends well...

Great replacement for the valve on my old Ford 1500 with 770 loader. Works well and delivery was great! Plenty of install support from the manufacturer online as well. Very happy...will use this brand again.

Worked perfect on my kabota b2150

Loader valve leaked the 3rd time I used it. Found out it was 20yrs old and not covered under warranty