DIY - 3rd function joy stick - kind of

[Couple of Achers]

After pricing a 3rd function joystick feature for my Kubota L4740, and after actually seeing it installed on one, I did not care for either the installation or the price. So I took a different path. This is not anything new here. I'm sure many of you have done a similar thing. I just thought you might be interested is seeing a picture of mine. Cause I know we all like pictures! It is much cleaner than the real thing. It maybe won't be quite as handy. But the price was right. I had most of the hoses and connectors form other projects. I just had to come up with the mounting bracket and a buy a couple quick disconnects. They are the top two connector in the picture that are mounted vertical instead of horizontal. (It was just easier that way) I plan to use this for a hyd. chute deflector on my front snowblower and I am adding a grapple to my rock bucket. Of course I still have the plumbing to run down the loader arms for the grapple, but one step at a time.

[kennyd]

That looks fine, JD even offers a "kit" to do the very same thing. Nothing wrong with using the rear remotes since you already have them!

[srs]

Originally Posted by Couple of Achers

I just had to come up with the mounting bracket and a buy a couple quick disconnects. Of course I still have the plumbing to run down the loader arms for the grapple, but one step at a time.

Couple of Achers, Good job! I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. Where did you get the mounting bracket shown in the first pic? Can you please take a side photo of the mounting bracket? And finally, do you plan on running a solid or rubber line to the front of the tractor? I thank you in advance.

[Couple of Achers]

Originally Posted by srs

Couple of Achers, Good job! I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. Where did you get the mounting bracket shown in the first pic? Can you please take a side photo of the mounting bracket? And finally, do you plan on running a solid or rubber line to the front of the tractor? I thank you in advance.

I made the bracket out of some 3/16x2 flat stock. I first made a cardboard template until I got it just the way I wanted it. I had to cut some half moon shaped pieces out of the sides of the bracket to fit around the existing couplers. The two 5/16" bolts holes that hold the bracket on were already in the existing bracket, so I drilled corresponding holes in the new bracket. I used 3/8" rubber hoses. The whole size of 11/16" allows for the threads to go through the bracket. You can tighten the the joint as tight as you can and it still let's the hose turn, so it works as a pivot joint.
I cannot get any side pictures because the loader mounting bracket is in the way. I went out and took a couple of pictures of the back side of the bracket looking through the cab window. I think you can get a pretty good look at it. The sketch (no comments please) is what the bracket looks like. I think the key to it was making it out of cardboard first. Then start cutting the metal. Hope that helps.

[srs]

Sir, thank you for the quick reply. Photos are perfect. Again great job! Will you run a solid or rubber line to the front?

[Couple of Achers]

Originally Posted by srs

Sir, thank you for the quick reply. Photos are perfect. Again great job! Will you run a solid or rubber line to the front?

You're welcome. I enjoy telling others about this. My wife is tired of hearing about it! I plan on running 3/8 rubber hose to the front of the loader arms. Probably won't have that factory finish look to it, but I have never messed around with the steel lines. I will have to manufacture another type of terminating bracket for up front. At that point I will be switching to 1/4" pioneer couplers and then from that point run 1/4" hoses to the grapple. All this will have to wait a bit. My first goal is to finish putting a hyd. cyl. on my snow blower chute. As much as I hate to think about it, snow is just around the corner here.

[srs]

please keep everyone informed on your projects.

[gumshu]

Nice work! Clean machine.

[Couple of Achers]

Originally Posted by gumshu

Nice work! Clean machine.

Thanks. It should be clean. I just drove it off the lot today. Yes, I drove it home. I have the distinct advantage of being only 4 miles from the Kubota dealer. I guess that is an advatage. Depending on who you are talking to. Me or the wife.

[CowwFace]

Originally Posted by Couple of Achers

Thanks. It should be clean. I just drove it off the lot today. Yes, I drove it home. I have the distinct advantage of being only 4 miles from the Kubota dealer. I guess that is an advatage. Depending on who you are talking to. Me or the wife.

Hey Couple of Achers,

Yeowzers that is one beatiful mochine! Did you have to add on the 3 rear remotes? My Kioti came with one set stock, and I can add a 2nd ... but off the lot with 3... that's like tractor porn!

We just had 41" of snow here in Colorado and I'm wishing for more already!

Phill