Conversion to joysticks controls

[Mikezippster20]

Is it possible to convert the 2 manual hydraulic levers controls for a Kubota backhoe to joystick electric/hydraulic controls? I知 new to the backhoe but have run excavators with electric/hydraulic joystick set up for Cat. If possible is it feasible to do so. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[dirtworksequip]

Joysticks control the hyd. flow thru electric valves. Levers control hyd. flow thru a mechanical linkage to the valves. Its probably possible to change it over, but not simple or cheap. In other words, it would envole way more work and money than what the gains would be and probably very complicated at the least.

I'm not sure what pattern Kubota hoe's have, but if its not SAE you could change that by changing around some hoses to different ports.

What are you hoping to gain?
Sincerely, Dirt

 

[Mikezippster20]

I was hoping to keep the learning curve simple since I know Cat. I thought it might be a major deal but figured I would inquire. I will at least try to swap hoses to convert the levers from Deer to Cat. I was told by a dealer that the hoses would be to short to do this. They did say it was possible but would require new longer hoses. I guess I will look at this avenue first. Thanks

 

[J_J]

I was hoping to keep the learning curve simple since I know Cat. I thought it might be a major deal but figured I would inquire. I will at least try to swap hoses to convert the levers from Deer to Cat. I was told by a dealer that the hoses would be to short to do this. They did say it was possible but would require new longer hoses. I guess I will look at this avenue first. Thanks

Why not just add short hose extensions. There are joystick kits to add to certain mechanical valves.

 

[Kfbeal]

Why not just add short hose extensions. There are joystick kits to add to certain mechanical valves.

I would second that. Depending on the length of the hoses, you may come out a great deal cheaper with extending the hose with fittings, etc. The price of hydraulic hoses aren't very cheap.

 

[dirtworksequip]

Believe it or not it will probably just be easier to learn the pattern on the hoe than to change it over to SAE pattern. You will be supprised at how your brain will quickly cope with the pattern difference and eventually change over automatically when you get on a different machine. There are at least 6 different patterns out there now. SAE-TLB-KOB-ISO and a couple of others I don't remember.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[J_J]

Say Dirt, Where can one find a breakdown on the all these configurations, and are you talking about lever controls, or joystick operations?

 

[dirtworksequip]

jj, I have looked online and can't find any info. I had a 2004 CAT 308CCR excavator and it had the pattern changer and had a diagram with all the patterns in the manual. That was the first time and last time I ever saw something printed on all the different patterns. I kick myself everytime I think about why I didn't make a copy of all those patterns. The pattern changer looked like a siamese twin octopus with all those hyd lines. If I find anything I'll post it back. It wouldn't matter whether it was joystick or levers the pattern would work the same.

I guess I'll have to track down a Cat 308 at a dealer somewhere and hope it has the operators manual behind the seat, so I can get some pics of the different patterns.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[jgrreed]

Hi All,

I'm thinking of setting up a electrohydraulic system to add further ports to my machine. I've learned a fair bit so far but I'm missing a few key points. The biggest one I have is if there is a 'circuit board/controller module' between the joystick and the proportional control valves, or if it is a direct electric connection between the joystick and valves???

The other big question is cost. Am I dreaming to think that this will be reasonable at all?? I realize that this set up will not be cheap, but neither is the diverter valve option. If I could get it up and going for 2-3 grand, I'd be in the same ballpark as the JD diverter kit + WR long thumb switch, plus I'd have featherable circuits that are always available rather than have to fumble with switches.

Otto engineering sells a huge selection of joysticks and Hall Effect switches that allow for proportional control of hydraulic circuits. In an ideal world I'd like to add a new grip to my existing FEL lever that has a 'top hat' button to control my top n' tilt, a sliding thumb switch for a grapple, an on-off push button that'd control a PTO driven high flow circuit to the FEL for a snowblower or broom, and a momentary button for a horn (and a trigger for missile lock.....).

I'm going to try and get a hold of Otto in the new year to see what they have to say. Their website says they work with everyone from single unit users to companies that'll buy 1000's at a time.

-Jer.