joystick freezing up in cold weather

[jayhawk238]

I have been doing snow removal since 1982 and I have never had the problem of the joystick freezing up overnight. For the past few nights it has been cold, -3 to +5. When the temp got up to about 12 to 18 I started the tractor to warm everything up before going out to blow snow. My problem is after having the tractor running for 20 minutes the joystick won't move. After pushing hard on the stick it will finally start to work except for the right turn on the chute. I've taken a heat gun to the QD's that control the chute and also used it on the hyd connections on the chute. After awhile the chute will also turn to the right. Does anyone have an idea whats going on? It's almost like there might be some water in the QD's but how would water get in them?

 

[Navasot]

How long has it been since a hyd. oil change? Not uncommon for systems to collect water after an amount of time.

 

[jayhawk238]

How long has it been since a hyd. oil change? Not uncommon for systems to collect water after an amount of time.

I just changed it about a week ago and replaced the two filters .

 

[Wolfy]

I had the problem when my Kubota was new. The dealer rebuilt the joystick valve under warranty. I never did fully understand the problem.

 

[Kanook]

Does the Joy Stick refuse to move....or does it move normally but the cylinder doesn't react. I had a problem on a B1700 I used to own where the joystick could not be moved to the right when it was really cold until the unit warmed up (about 15 minutes). A friends BX did the same...again only when very cold. Problem was in the joystick valve itself.

 

[PILOON]

My standard solution to those types of problems is copious flushing with WD40.
WD=water displacement formula 40
Naturally best when not frozen but then I always used it on my plow hydraulic quick connects.
I as well carried a plumber's torch for the plow QCs that were iced up.

 

[Tx Jim]

If hyd valve is controlled by joystick with cables then a cable is freezing up from moisture inside the cable housing.

 

[Wolfy]

Nice tip PILOON. I have used a propane torch to thaw frozen air tanks on my Mack.

 

[jayhawk238]

Does the Joy Stick refuse to move....or does it move normally but the cylinder doesn't react. I had a problem on a B1700 I used to own where the joystick could not be moved to the right when it was really cold until the unit warmed up (about 15 minutes). A friends BX did the same...again only when very cold. Problem was in the joystick valve itself.

It's about 50/50. The joystick moves but not with full motion until I keep working it. I can get up and down after a minute or so and the chute turning to the left shortly after but getting the chute to turn right takes longer. I use the hot air gun on the QD's but I don't know if the hot air fix's the problem or if just moving the stick finally gets the hyd oil moving.

 

[sandyc]

Don't force it too much as the assembly will/maybe bend or break. My 2200 had that problem and I just let it warm up while I had another coffee. Also, when I finished I let the unit warm up again and melt off ice and snow for about 5-10 minutes