MF 1540 Joystick fails to auto center when released

[CasperMe]

According to the owner manual "All positions (except float) will return to neutral position when lever is released." Problem is that the bucket frequently (though definitely NOT every time) fails to return to center after rolling forward, or lowering bucket. This results in lifting the tractor and pulling it forward. It's a sneaky move as when loading I frequently don't notice that the bucket is still going down or rolling forward until I feel or see the tractor rising up. I've tried to manually center the lever, but it doesn't seem to matter.

Is anyone familiar with this idiosyncrasy, and is there a fix? Or did the local dealer stick it to me?

Thanks for your assistance.

 

[jeepcj7]

If the issue only occurs in cold weather I would check for moisture inside the cable lining.

 

[CasperMe]

If the issue only occurs in cold weather I would check for moisture inside the cable lining.

Thanks but it's year round issue... no shielded cable involved... joystick is connected direct to porting unit. The joystick assembly on the 1540 is part of the tractor- not the loader as is more common I think.

 

[Mustache]

I have the same problem. I haven't investigated in more detail, but my dealer told me it could be "loose screws". Meaning that the assembly of the loader joystick may have too much play and therefor moving the handle may not move the valves correctly or far enough. That's where I would and will start to investigate this winter.

Let me know what you find out.

ETA: the joystick on my tractor does have some free play when just juggled around with the tractor turned off. If that makes any sense to you.

 

[oldnslo]

Can you carefully remove the rubber cover at the joy stick base and then check for valve movement. It sounds like you have some form of mechanical binding preventing the valve from returning to center. I had to lube the pivot joints on my Joy stick to make it move freely and consistently.

 

[MO MF Dealer]

Could be in the Joystick as mentioned above or could be in the valve sticking. Sometimes a piece of foreign matter can cause valve to stick in housing,