I have to wonder why?

   / I have to wonder why? #1  

4shorts

Elite Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2008
Messages
3,263
Location
Bay Roberts, Newfoundland
Tractor
Kubota 5740,BX25D
I have to wonder why do some items get put into production some times. I bought a Land Pride grapple for the BX a few weeks ago along with the third function valve kit. Included in the kit was the FEL 3rd function control switch. When I took it out of the bag I figured it was for a Kenworth because it was so big. It also looked as if it fell out of a 100' ugly tree and struck every branch on the way down.

Well I went ahead and installed it anyway so the other day I was out around the door playing with the BX and that darn knob was annoying the heck out of me. Every time I'd go to dump the bucket I'd hit the 3rd function switches plus it was just to uncomfortable too use.

This isn't a cheap switch either. My dealer told me the replacement cost would be over $450. plus tax and shipping.

Well this weekend I had enough. I had some 3" aluminum round stock and some 2" aluminum square stock and machined a new knob and milled a switch housing. I buffed the knob and the $14.00 momentary on off on switch is even waterproof.

Today I used the BX again and just love the way it feels now. Why couldn't the engineers design it so you didn't have to be some kind of a mutant freak to use their switch assembly.

Here's a few photos. I got a video uploading as well.

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   / I have to wonder why? #2  
I don't think those turning out parts know what they will actually be needed for, and where!

Great job on a needed project!
 
   / I have to wonder why? #4  
Wow Paul, the last picture really shows how big the original knob was, that's crazy. Nice job on making the new one, really looks good. Stanley
 
   / I have to wonder why? #5  
As usual, amazing work & detail.:drink:
I'm glad that my 3rd function factory controls (Kubota) are not of that design and actually well designed even while wearing heavy gloves. Your kit must be a "new & improved design". I have to wonder why also.
 
   / I have to wonder why? #7  
Where did you get the switch and is the tip of the loader control arm threaded or smooth?
 
   / I have to wonder why? #8  
Engineers design these things and a head engineer approves them. These people never have to use them and if you ever suggest that an item could be improved they will tell you they know better. Nice work.
 
   / I have to wonder why?
  • Thread Starter
#9  
Where did you get the switch and is the tip of the loader control arm threaded or smooth?


Thanks Everyone. A few weeks back I changed from a mechanical thumb to a hydraulic thumb and I milled a switch housing for the back hoe control so I wanted the front grapple switch housing to look similar.

As for the switch. It's waterproof. 30 amp and I purchased up here at Princess Auto. I could have went with a smaller switch but I couldn't find one locally that was waterproof. The thing I like about the larger switch is that I can use it with gloves on. The FEL control shaft was not threaded. The OEM plastic knob is simply glued on. My aluminum one has two Alan set screws on the bottom keeping it on the shaft.

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