Is it possible to change from valve-mount to tractor-mount joystick?

tberkhouse · Feb 27, 2020

I likely will be purchasing a new MF1526 compact tractor in next month or two. Although it isn't sleek and modern-looking, I like every feature of it compared to competitors EXCEPT it doesn't have a fender-mount joystick. Is there a way to reasonably make this switch if I can find room on the right fender or just in front of it? I read in one place it could be done for over $2,000 worth of parts, while another place said it was only a couple hundred $ project. But, there were no details provided.

Thanks for any insight you can give me.

ovrszd · Feb 27, 2020

1. Build a bracket to hold the joystick in the location you want, cost, minimal if you have the skills.
2. Replace the hoses currently feeding the joystick because they will be too long to reuse, cost, $75.
3. Extend all of the hoses that connect your FEL to the joystick currently, cost, $150.

So, if you are fabricator and have an understanding of hydraulic plumbing you can probably do this for $250-$300.

Before I bought any hydraulics I would try to fit the joystick where it's more convenient than it's current position. If I can't find a spot that fits that need then I'd bolt it all back together and continue to use it.

Peter 315 · Feb 27, 2020

Just leave it you will get use to it . Its not that bad my kubota is like that .. Nice tractor:thumbsup:

DK35vince · Feb 27, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Just leave it you will get use to it . Its not that bad my kubota is like that .. Nice tractor:thumbsup:

+1
That's where mine is mounted and I don't mind it at all. Works fine.

Leejohn · Feb 27, 2020

I would also leave it, maybe make the handle a little longer.

RNeumann · Feb 27, 2020

You can look up prices from here-

http://www.princehyd.com/Portals/0/valves/ValvesLvs.pdf

You will need the new valve, two cables and the joystick.

As far as hoses you will need to either mount the new valve in the same place or the cleaner look would be to mount the valve near the floorboard on that right side. This location is common and then the cables are 4-5’ and run up to that right fender.

The price difference is probably in labor and fabrication. Or someone buying factory parts. I bet the valve, cables and joystick from Prince is ~$400 and hoses is another $100. From there, making the joystick mount will eat up most of your time.

This is probably the easiest way to get the “sleek and modern” look you referenced in your first post. No hoses or valve to look at.