5303 loader joystick

[Tony S]

I just purchased a 2008 5303 with 860 hrs. on it. When I went to check the tractor out at the dealer it was cold 15 degrees F. We started the tractor that was outside over night and when we lifted the 522 loader the joystick was so thight that I was afraid it would break. After moving it around some we got the loader high enough that I could test drive the machine. The joystick got better after using it but still very stiff. Put the tractor inside to look it over better and after a hour or so the joystick was still thight but better than before. Well I went with salesman and made a deal I would purchace but he needed to replace the cables because as we were talking he said that they replaced the boot over the joystick that was ripped we traded in. Findly I get to my questions First the joystick is still pretty tight very tiring after a hour of using loader. Also I not sure the cables are adjusted correctly. Up and down is OK but loading and unloading the bucket is very slow and the joystick does not seem to be centered. I looked in owners manual but there is nothing about how to adjust the cables. For a comparison I ran my brothers 5000 Kubota and his is night and day easyer to run and alot faster. Any help or ideas would be great.

 

[Verticaltrx]

First let me say it sounds like you got a good tractor, I really like my 5203 and my fathers 5045e. That said, the joystick setup on these leaves much to be desired. It shouldn't be as stiff as what you are describing, but even when new they are not as nice to operate as those found on the Kubotas. As for the speed, it's going to be slow no matter what. That's the price you pay for such a big loader on a small tractor (low gpm flow for the loader size,) but the 3000lb lift capacity more than makes up for it. You could try lubing the cables and pivot mechanisms on the joystick, but my guess is replacing the cables is what will be needed to really make it work like new.

 

[Tony S]

I'm going to lub the cables today but they are new, replaced by dealership before I bought the tractor. I will look for pivot points to get some lub into. Thanks for the info.

 

[Kessler Farms]

Is the joystick unlocked? There is a tab on the right side that slides in to lock and out to unlock. Just checking. Mine works smooth and easy on the 5403.

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[Tx Jim]

The adjustable link ends that screw on the cables is how one centers the JS handle.

 

[Tx Jim]

The adjustable link ends that screw on the cables is how one centers the JS handle. It's possible the spools on the control valve are dirty/rusty and need lubrication.

 

[Tony S]

Thanks It worked better on sunday but temps were about 30 degrees so maybe warmer will help. At sometime I will take it apart and clean and lub the moving parts.

 

[bennelli25]

Tony how is it working this year after a clean and lube? I have a 5055D with a 512 loader. It is pretty stiff in the cold this year. I don't remember it being so stiff in the snow but I it has been a lot colder this year.

 

[Tony S]

I have been using it quite a bit of late. I would say it is a lot better than it was last year before I took the shroud off and lubed the the heck out anything that moved. A lot of dirt was hidden in the nooks and crannys. The loader is still slower than my brothers kabota but the joy stick works more easily compared to when I bought the tractor. I think in my case the pivot points were just very gummed up.