How to Select Switches for Your Hydraulics

If you've added a hydraulics kit to your car, you can accessorize with switch controls to enjoy precision control over the kit's various flow settings. Car modification enthusiasts can select from a range of different switches that vary in the degree of control offered. Brush up on the different types of switches available before heading to your local automotive accessories retailer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Select a proportional joystick to access your hydraulics switches. Good joysticks offer precise control over your kit's preset flow limits and allow you to change flow settings via an in-car switch, which is mounted on a hand control. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of several hundred dollars for a reliable model.
2. Use a thumb/tilt combo to amalgamate the kit's tilt combination and thumb combination into a single electrical circuit, which you can control from an in-car attachment. This is very useful if you have a 4x4 and want to protect against side loading.
3. Use thumb locks to close off your hydraulics system's thumb cylinder when you're using other chambers of your kit. Since the thumb cylinder is prone to drifting when you activate alternate attachments that run off the same electrical circuit, it's a good idea to isolate it when it's not being run. Thumb locks are among the least expensive switches you can buy and are ideal for use in simple, but multi-accessory, systems.
4. Add a two-pump merge to your hydraulics system. This accessory unites the oil flow of a two-pump system to generate higher pressure and more horsepower. Use a two-pump merge if you're looking to maximize the power and performance of your hydraulics kit.
5. Shop online to access a wide range of hydraulics switches from hundreds of different manufacturers. GlobalSpec.com offers detailed listings of hydraulics accessories for sale, in dozens of categories (see Resources below. You'll find hydraulics switches, regulators, clutches and more available for sale direct from the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Accessories like quick disconnects that facilitate the easy and quick removal and changing of hydraulics attachments and components are a good option for complex systems.
• Check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with both the existing hydraulics system and the make and model of your vehicle.