Need some help with cable controls

[dcyrilc]

Shortly after I bought my tractor, I bought a used JD Model 90 Boom Flail Mower. The previous owner had bought new control cables for it, but never installed them to the mower. The cables were already connected to the control lever assembly. The control levers move freely when not connected to the mower. Also, I can move the valves on the mower by hand though stiffly. When I connected the control cables to the mower today, the control levers will not move with the exception of one and that one only in one direction. I'm guessing that something I did while connecting them was not correct. Anyone have any suggestions or advice for how to connect them properly?

I'll be taking them back loose tomorrow and will test operation of the mower without the cables connected. When I tested it today the mower head ran and could not be shut off as the control cable would not move. I'll also take more pictures tomorrow while it is apart.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[kennyd]

You will probably need to adjust each cable length-one at a time to ensure the valve is centering and you have full flow in each direction. It's gonna be a PITI I bet...

I would love to see pictures of that whole rig when you get time?

 

[dcyrilc]

You will probably need to adjust each cable length-one at a time to ensure the valve is centering and you have full flow in each direction. It's gonna be a PITI I bet...

I would love to see pictures of that whole rig when you get time?

I'll get what pics I can for now, but it's sitting pretty tight in the back of the barn. Once I can get it working so that I can move it I should be able to get some good pics.

The thing I'm happiest about right now is that it ran, so once I get the controls working I should be able to mow with it.

 

[kennyd]

No hurry! I assume it has a AUX hydraulic tank also?

 

[dcyrilc]

No hurry! I assume it has a AUX hydraulic tank also?

It has its own tank and a two stage pump. One stage runs the booms and the other runs the cutter head.

 

[dcyrilc]

OK, got the best pic I could for now for you Kenny.

I have my problem identified now. When I install the cables, the outer piece which connects to the valve and the cable slides in, seams to be too short. Once it is turned down to connect it, it has the valve slightly depressed from neutral and has no ability left to lift on the valve (see pix).

Ideas for a solution? Do these come in different lengths?

Also, when I disconnected the cable from the valve for the drive motor, I found that the spool will simply lift out of the valve. Is this normal?

 

[mjncad]

It sounds like Kenny is giving you better advice than I can.

However other thoughts I have include making sure the cables are not kinked or bound up in some way and that the bends in the cables be as gentle as possible. Although you mention the cables move freely when not connected to the valves, I'm wondering if some sort of cable lube should be shot into the space between the cable and the sleeve. Given that the mower was used and you live in a humid climate, they may need some additional lubrication.

Can you get new cables made? Probably; but I have no idea who makes custom cables and at what cost.

Let us know how it pans out for you, and I agree with Kenny about seeing pics of the unit in the field once you get the 'kinks' worked out of it. I couldn't resist the pun.

 

[mjncad]

I'm wondering if the previous owner bought the right cables. Are there any part numbers on the cables you can check with a Deere dealer and make sure they are the right one for the mower? Let's assume they are the right cables, and you don't have instructions for installing and adjusting them then I suggest making a trip to the Deere dealer's service department and ask them if they have installation and adjustment instructions for the mower's control cables and if so, ask if they'll print them out for you. My dealer did that for me concerning the hydraulic kits I installed. Having the instructions to read beforehand gave me the confidence to tackle the kits' installation myself.

Matt

 

[dcyrilc]

The cables are new and were provided by the previous owner, but never installed. I hate trying to reassemble something I've never seen and someone else took apart. I think the problem lies in the silver collar piece which attaches the cable to the valve. If you look at this pic, the silver colored collar which attaches to the valve is over the brass colored piece which connects to the valve spool. The silver piece necks down inside and stops the upward movement of the brass colored piece at that point. The valve on the right is in the neutral position and the brass colored piece is as high as where the silver collar necks down. To me, it seams like the silver collar is too short.

Other opinions?

 

[kennyd]

The cables are new and were provided by the previous owner, but never installed. I hate trying to reassemble something I've never seen and someone else took apart. I think the problem lies in the silver collar piece which attaches the cable to the valve. If you look at this pic, the silver colored collar which attaches to the valve is over the brass colored piece which connects to the valve spool. The silver piece necks down inside and stops the upward movement of the brass colored piece at that point. The valve on the right is in the neutral position and the brass colored piece is as high as where the silver collar necks down. To me, it seams like the silver collar is too short.

Other opinions?

Cyril,

I see what you are saying, but I can offer no useful advice...

Maybe getting a manual for it will help? I don't see a "technical" manual though. Look HERE.