Hydraulic Woes

If there is a "wacko" problem lurking about, it is going to happen to me. Every darned time.

Fought this goofy thing 'til I was 'bout at the end of my rope. Checked and re-checked, routed and re-routed. Changed ends and couplers until the dogs started howling, oil strung all over everything including me and I still couldn't make 'er work.

Finally went back to the electrical end of things and started testing.

Turns out that the micro switch that runs that splitter was southbound. Darned thing worked fine until I mounted it to the stick, but I guess the torsion and/or stress on the little switch when cinched down made it loose contact on the one side.

Anyhoo, my friend George has a new one on the way and then maybe we can get back to cow duty. :>(

Allan

• Cole Hersee

On the tractor with a bigger switch (switch contacts opening wider, and higher current rating?) it was ok but on that smaller switch I had to have the diodes or after a few operations the thing acted like you are describing, and when I tore it apart the contacts were arced.

But these solenoids only pull .4amp, wiring is only something like 22ga. and the switch is what the company recommends.

However, if I have further troubles, I'm just gonna rig up a positive mechanical toggle switch. Just something I can flick one way or the other with my finger on that stick.

Allan

I know the switch in my Bobcat won't last for 2 dozen operations without the diodes but with the diodes added it has been on the same switch for 4 or 5 years, just my experience. :)

You'd think that the manufacture of the switch would have taken that into account and incorporated the diodes into the factory switch?

Allan

I think I used 1N5404 diodes, anything with a rating around 400 Volts PIV and 3 Amps should work.

Radio Shack diodes would be fine or a couple of diodes from AC clutches if you already have them around would work.

Yah- you would think the manufacture would cover all bases, since mine was home brewed I just overlooked it that first time, but as soon as I tore the switch apart and seen the evidence of Arcing it dawned on me that I had screwed up.

(grin)-mike

Really don't think we can use the term "new" here. This goofy thing is just like everything else I own. Really, really old and right on the edge of being all completely used up. :>(

All I wanna do is feed the calves without ending up being on the end of a pitchfork. Had to use the little H to feed with yesterday. That little jasper still can get 'er done in a pinch. :>)

Allan

Thats why a guy can never have to many tractors.

Gots to have a backup.Somtimes a job has to get done and you can't wait for a repair part.

Thats what I tell my wife you know.(:~})

Gary

That's my favorite loader; just cost too darned much to fix, so guess I'll take 'er off and park it in the weeds. :>(

Allan

If you need a specific part that's not too big and heavy I have one available for parts and will be in ND in a week and a half...

Needs the three new-style, cast-steel grapple teeth. The yellow ones. Priced those new lately? It'll rock your world. :>)

Allan

We have had luck taking our broken teeth to a good welding shop. Bent teeth never seem to keep from bending again.

I see a couple different solutions... Buy another loader with a decent grapple, or retrofit/build a grapple for what you have. Of course it's nearly impossible to match the strength of the factory grapple in the shop, but making another one with parts available fit your loader.

I'm just rambling on, so I'll go now...

i hear they got some other stuff to laod tires with besides salt so it ain't so caustic on yer rims. couldn't tell ya what it is tho.

-mike

hope you get that thing workin'. looks to me like a pretty nice set up. you ain't put her on her nose yet liftin' bales have ya?

-mike

I really ought to get the tire boys out here and fill those back tires with some salt before I take it to the country, 'cause it's a heck of a long ways out there and they charge by the mile. :>(

'Sposed to be close to 70 here today and no wind. Maybe I can get that darned 966 out of my hair too. If it keeps this up, we'll be in the field in a week. :>)

Allan