How much play in your loader control?

TigerfaninAR · Sep 8, 2011

Couple weeks ago I thought I felt a slight slip in the loader control (joystick) while moving some topsoil. Stopped everything, looked for anything leaking or out of the ordinary but didn't see anything. Went back to working and now notice some small play in the control, about 1/4 inch in every direction. Can't be sure it wasn't there before because I can't remember if it was snug or not. Mind playing tricks on me possibly as I get a little older.

I've used the loader quite a bit since then and nothing is worse and works just as before as far as speed and power. Losing my mind or possibly something to look into?

Kubota B2320

schoolsout · Sep 8, 2011

We bought a used Massey 1533 and there is a lot of slop in the joystick. People here recommended that a nut or something is loose at the bottom of the control. I have yet to look into it as I don't have the luxury of the tractor being where I live and once I get out to the property, it's "go time."

dfkrug · Sep 8, 2011

There has been an interesting evolution in the way FEL joysticks work.
It used to be that the controls used rods and heim joints that were
exposed to the elements. Now more and more FEL valves use an enclosed
mechanism and push/pull cables to remotely operate the valve from
a comfortable positon next to the right leg.

In the old system, you can keep them from getting sloppy by keeping
the heim joints and pivots lubricated with oil (not WD40!). This
maintenance task is often neglected by the owner since the places
you need to oil are somewhat hidden. Buying new heim joints, rods, and
pivot bushings will renew the controls if they are worn out. I did this for
my last Deere FEL, and the prices for OEM parts were reasonable. If the
JD parts weren't too expensive, other brands should not be too bad either.

The newer style cable-operated remote controlled valves essentially
eliminate the exposure to the elements. I really like how tight the
controls are after years of use and no maintenance.

CHDinCT · Sep 8, 2011

My BX25 FEL valve got sloppy shortly after taking delivery last Jan. Since it was brand new, I called the dealer and they sent a tech out. As soon as he removed the screen under the steering wheel to get at the linkages, a nut fell out. He put it back and snugged it tight and that was that! Felt a little stupid not having checked it first myself. Could be yours just has a loose nut or two on the linkages from the joystick to the valve.

Verticaltrx · Sep 8, 2011

Probably starting to get a little wear on it. You are supposed to lube the joints at the valve every 10hrs of use. I haven't been as diligent on this as I should be and I'm getting a fair bit of slop in the joystick as well. I have about 400hrs of commercial use on mine though, so the loader joystick sees A LOT of use.

KubotainNH · Sep 9, 2011

I have no idea how your newer tractor works but my older one has a pin that goes through a piece of metal and then peened on the other side to hold it on. On mine the pin got loose so I welded it. Made a world of difference. You can see the weld on the lower plate at this link. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...4650d1201548588-b6100-picture-loader-002a.jpg Sorry if this is nothing like your tractor.