I have a pending purchase on a '94 JCB 217S, which I believe is also called a "4CX" if I'm not mistaken. I'm already looking into adding a hydraulic thumb to it, not surprisingly. My question is, how can I tell if the hydraulic system is open center or closed center? I need to know this in order to figure out how I'll add the hydraulics. In the past I've just googled the machine hydraulic specs, but I can't seem to find hardly anything on these earlier year JCB's online.
pretty sure it is open center
Assuming it's open center, you'd search for the power beyond parts to add to the valve. That will show whether it's open center or not.
Okay I see what your saying, so to confirm it, if it was closed center then the valves would NOT have a power beyond port right?
Ritchie Specs shows the hydraulic system for a 217S has two gear pumps which would mean the system is open center hydraulics.
PM me your email address if you need the service manual.