Pilot Control Spring Mod

[Jay Flay]

OK, James, I installed the springs into my friend's Diggit EM15, and we both like the improved feel. Adding more resistance to the the joystick motions is a plus. Worth trying, IMO.

Here are some pix. The install is very easy, but there are issues with how this joystick is made. The inner boot has is too thick to fit in its upper groove, so it was loose. You can see damage where the installer tried to force it in. The outer boot really needs a plate to secure it, and keep the mounting bolts tight. There aren't even washers there.

The spools should be greased, and the inner U-joint needs some thick oil. That was done here (photo).

@dfkrug Awesome download form your GEN2 install on the Diggit EM15...thank you!!! I am seeing what you saw as far as install and boot configurations. My AGT has the main outer boot with plate PLUS an inner boot that pops on/off. My inner boot requires some extra attention where the wire crowds up tight to the lip...but it will slip on eventually. Curious what grease/oil do you like for the install? I ran with Super Lube O-Ring Silicone Grease. I steer people away from petroleum based. Thanks again! Your thorough and objective view of the mod means alot.

 

[MattB4]

Yes, my T-17 is not due until mid July so it will be a while before I can test out the spring kit.

 

[Jay Flay]

Here is another pilot control that needs help: an AGT Industrial KRW232 skidsteer. This joystick is slightly different than the above, with only one boot, and a different way of retaining it.

You can see the rubber lips and the plate that secures the boot, but it was loose. Greasing the spools is a must, IMO, plus keeping dirt out. We will put the GEN1 springs in there.

This skidsteer suffers from the same problem the 1T excavators have: they are so light that they are VERY jerky. This KRW232 is borderline unusable on pavement due to high traction and powerful hydraulics (V-twin gas engine).

It will be interesting to get your comparison feedback after installing the GEN1 into the KRW. I work with a dealer in New York who installs the kits pre-sale into his KRW/TK skid loaders for all the reasons you laid out. The owner likes the difference the kits make. Thanks!

 

[dfkrug]

Curious what grease/oil do you like for the install? I ran with Super Lube O-Ring Silicone Grease. I steer people away from petroleum based.

The grease we used for the spools is the reddish lithium-based stuff in the grease gun. Silicone grease would be fine, too.

The oil for the U-joint is a thick motor oil in a pump oil can. You need something liquid for that.

Thanks for your positive feedback.

 

[John White]

I am late to the party. Just read the article. I purchased a Digmaster 200 in Jan. The boom was really sensitive, I didn't like it all. The rest of the controls I could live with. The Wily Coyote idea hit me soon after. I read about cushion valves. I though for awhile a went to my spring box and dug out a couple of springs used to hold the brake shoes to the backing plate. Helped but not quite right size and too weak Went to Ace hardware and bought a smaller diameter spring, and stiffer. Shortest length they had was 1 1\2" I cut them into 3\4 and bent the little pig tail flat and they work great. What is the price of yours? I still might get a set because I am not satisfied with the wrap where I had to cut it.

 

[Jay Flay]

I am late to the party. Just read the article. I purchased a Digmaster 200 in Jan. The boom was really sensitive, I didn't like it all. The rest of the controls I could live with. The Wily Coyote idea hit me soon after. I read about cushion valves. I though for awhile a went to my spring box and dug out a couple of springs used to hold the brake shoes to the backing plate. Helped but not quite right size and too weak Went to Ace hardware and bought a smaller diameter spring, and stiffer. Shortest length they had was 1 1\2" I cut them into 3\4 and bent the little pig tail flat and they work great. What is the price of yours? I still might get a set because I am not satisfied with the wrap where I had to cut it.

Thanks for commenting in @John White . Yes - the cut springs do make a difference for many. My custom GEN2 kits are 17-7 stainless steel and are made from a wire size that maximizes resistance (stiffness) while still enabling the valve to reach full stroke without interference from the spring bottoming out early. My kit also has piston protection built-in. Both kits are $29.95 each. GEN1 is 20% "softer".