08-10-2025, 08:31 AM
The John Deere 350G LC is a powerful and versatile large excavator used across a variety of industries, from construction to landscaping. One feature that can greatly enhance its utility is the addition of auxiliary hydraulics to the stick. These hydraulics allow the operator to power a range of attachments, such as hydraulic breakers, augers, or grapples, directly from the excavator’s hydraulic system. If your machine already has joystick buttons for auxiliary hydraulics, the process of adding or upgrading the system can be relatively straightforward, but it does require an understanding of the equipment and hydraulic systems.
In this article, we will walk through the process of adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick of a John Deere 350G LC. We will also discuss the importance of having auxiliary hydraulic controls and how they integrate into the existing joystick controls.
Understanding Auxiliary Hydraulics on Excavators
Auxiliary hydraulics are a set of hydraulic lines that provide power to attachments on an excavator. These systems are powered by the excavator's main hydraulic pump but have separate control valves and connections. By adding auxiliary hydraulics, an excavator becomes much more versatile, as it can use various specialized attachments without requiring additional power sources.
The Importance of Joystick Buttons for Auxiliary Hydraulics
Many modern excavators, including the John Deere 350G LC, come with joystick buttons designed to control auxiliary hydraulic functions. These buttons are an excellent feature for operators, as they allow for more seamless operation and provide better control over attachments.
If your John Deere 350G LC has joystick buttons for auxiliary hydraulics, but the hydraulic lines to the stick aren't installed, adding this functionality involves a few essential steps. Below is a detailed guide to adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick:
Step 1: Assess Existing Hydraulic System
Before proceeding, ensure that your John Deere 350G LC is equipped with the necessary base hydraulic system to support auxiliary hydraulics. The excavator needs a functioning hydraulic pump and control valve that can provide the required flow and pressure for auxiliary attachments. If your machine doesn’t have these components, you will need to upgrade the hydraulic system.
If your machine has the necessary ports and hydraulic capacity, the next step is to run hydraulic lines from the main hydraulic system to the stick. These lines will carry the hydraulic fluid to the stick for operating attachments.
Once the hydraulic lines are installed, the next step is to integrate the auxiliary control valve. This valve directs hydraulic fluid to the proper attachment. If your machine already has joystick buttons for controlling auxiliaries, the control valve will need to be connected to these buttons.
Once everything is installed, it’s time to test the system. Start the excavator and check that the auxiliary hydraulics are functioning correctly by operating the joystick button.
If everything is working correctly, fine-tune the system. This might include adjusting the hydraulic flow to match the attachment’s requirements or calibrating the joystick buttons for smoother operation.
Why Add Aux Hydraulics to the Stick?
The addition of auxiliary hydraulics to the stick is a common upgrade for operators looking to increase their machine’s versatility. Some key reasons why you might want to add aux hydraulics include:
A construction company working on a commercial building project had a John Deere 350G LC that was regularly used with various hydraulic attachments. However, their machine was not equipped with auxiliary hydraulics on the stick, which led to delays when switching between attachments. The company decided to retrofit the excavator with auxiliary lines and control valves, allowing the operator to switch attachments more easily and streamline the work process. After the upgrade, the crew saw an increase in overall efficiency and reduced downtime.
Conclusion
Adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick of a John Deere 350G LC can significantly enhance the machine’s versatility and productivity. By following the proper steps, including assessing the hydraulic system, installing the lines, and connecting the control valve to the joystick, operators can gain full control over a wide range of attachments. This upgrade is essential for operators who require flexibility and precision in their daily work, and it ensures that the John Deere 350G LC remains a powerful and adaptable tool for any construction, landscaping, or excavation task.
In this article, we will walk through the process of adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick of a John Deere 350G LC. We will also discuss the importance of having auxiliary hydraulic controls and how they integrate into the existing joystick controls.
Understanding Auxiliary Hydraulics on Excavators
Auxiliary hydraulics are a set of hydraulic lines that provide power to attachments on an excavator. These systems are powered by the excavator's main hydraulic pump but have separate control valves and connections. By adding auxiliary hydraulics, an excavator becomes much more versatile, as it can use various specialized attachments without requiring additional power sources.
- Hydraulic Lines: These lines carry pressurized hydraulic fluid to attachments.
- Auxiliary Control Valve: This is a valve that diverts hydraulic fluid to the auxiliary lines, and it can be operated via a joystick or a separate control lever.
- Joystick Buttons: On modern excavators, joystick buttons are used to operate various functions, including auxiliary hydraulics, without requiring a secondary control lever.
The Importance of Joystick Buttons for Auxiliary Hydraulics
Many modern excavators, including the John Deere 350G LC, come with joystick buttons designed to control auxiliary hydraulic functions. These buttons are an excellent feature for operators, as they allow for more seamless operation and provide better control over attachments.
- Efficiency: With joystick buttons, the operator can control auxiliary functions with just a thumb press, allowing them to focus more on the task at hand rather than manually switching between controls.
- Precision: Joystick-controlled auxiliary hydraulics provide better precision when using delicate attachments like a grapple or auger, ensuring smoother and more controlled operations.
- Safety: Using joystick buttons to control hydraulic functions reduces the need for the operator to take their hands off the joystick, enhancing overall safety by keeping both hands on the controls.
If your John Deere 350G LC has joystick buttons for auxiliary hydraulics, but the hydraulic lines to the stick aren't installed, adding this functionality involves a few essential steps. Below is a detailed guide to adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick:
Step 1: Assess Existing Hydraulic System
Before proceeding, ensure that your John Deere 350G LC is equipped with the necessary base hydraulic system to support auxiliary hydraulics. The excavator needs a functioning hydraulic pump and control valve that can provide the required flow and pressure for auxiliary attachments. If your machine doesn’t have these components, you will need to upgrade the hydraulic system.
- Check for Auxiliary Ports: The 350G LC should have a set of auxiliary hydraulic ports, either on the stick or near the boom. These ports will be used to connect the hydraulic lines for the attachments.
If your machine has the necessary ports and hydraulic capacity, the next step is to run hydraulic lines from the main hydraulic system to the stick. These lines will carry the hydraulic fluid to the stick for operating attachments.
- Routing the Lines: The hydraulic lines should be routed along the boom and stick in a way that prevents them from getting caught in moving parts or damaged by debris.
- Securing the Lines: Use clamps or brackets to secure the hydraulic lines along the boom and stick. Make sure the lines are properly protected from wear and tear.
Once the hydraulic lines are installed, the next step is to integrate the auxiliary control valve. This valve directs hydraulic fluid to the proper attachment. If your machine already has joystick buttons for controlling auxiliaries, the control valve will need to be connected to these buttons.
- Matching Flow Rate: Ensure that the flow rate of the auxiliary control valve matches the requirements of your attachments. For instance, an attachment like a hydraulic breaker will require a higher flow rate than a general-purpose bucket.
- Connecting the Valve to the Joystick: The control valve should be wired to the joystick’s auxiliary button. This allows the operator to control the flow of hydraulic fluid with a simple push of the button.
Once everything is installed, it’s time to test the system. Start the excavator and check that the auxiliary hydraulics are functioning correctly by operating the joystick button.
- Check for Leaks: Ensure there are no hydraulic fluid leaks at the connections, fittings, or valves.
- Test the Attachment: Attach a compatible hydraulic attachment and test the functionality. Ensure that the attachment is receiving adequate hydraulic flow and that the joystick controls are responsive.
If everything is working correctly, fine-tune the system. This might include adjusting the hydraulic flow to match the attachment’s requirements or calibrating the joystick buttons for smoother operation.
Why Add Aux Hydraulics to the Stick?
The addition of auxiliary hydraulics to the stick is a common upgrade for operators looking to increase their machine’s versatility. Some key reasons why you might want to add aux hydraulics include:
- Increased Flexibility: With auxiliary hydraulics available on the stick, you can easily swap between a range of attachments, such as a thumb, breaker, or auger, making your excavator more versatile on the job site.
- Improved Productivity: When you can control auxiliary attachments with the joystick, it reduces the time spent adjusting settings and improves overall productivity.
- Better Control: Having hydraulic controls at your fingertips allows for better precision and more intuitive operation of complex attachments.
A construction company working on a commercial building project had a John Deere 350G LC that was regularly used with various hydraulic attachments. However, their machine was not equipped with auxiliary hydraulics on the stick, which led to delays when switching between attachments. The company decided to retrofit the excavator with auxiliary lines and control valves, allowing the operator to switch attachments more easily and streamline the work process. After the upgrade, the crew saw an increase in overall efficiency and reduced downtime.
Conclusion
Adding auxiliary hydraulics to the stick of a John Deere 350G LC can significantly enhance the machine’s versatility and productivity. By following the proper steps, including assessing the hydraulic system, installing the lines, and connecting the control valve to the joystick, operators can gain full control over a wide range of attachments. This upgrade is essential for operators who require flexibility and precision in their daily work, and it ensures that the John Deere 350G LC remains a powerful and adaptable tool for any construction, landscaping, or excavation task.
