excavator display panel controller replacing

[Roughryder]

I believe the display panel controller is bad on my 335 excavator. I have located a used panel at another Bobcat dealer and am considering it for the replacement. Once installed will a used panel properly work without having a tech come out and program the panel. I can live with the hours not being correct and perhaps the stored serial number being incorrect, but will the machine function as intended without paying $450 "programming and travel fee"? If not, is there any work-around to avoid the tech's visit ?

 

[Jabonee]

I believe the display panel controller is bad on my 335 excavator. I have located a used panel at another Bobcat dealer and am considering it for the replacement. Once installed will a used panel properly work without having a tech come out and program the panel. I can live with the hours not being correct and perhaps the stored serial number being incorrect, but will the machine function as intended without paying $450 "programming and travel fee"? If not, is there any work-around to avoid the tech's visit ?

Possibly. You may lose some functions depending on how its programed. Hours are locked and cannot be changed. You need to confirm SN# and model from panel to see how close it is to your unit. Remember this panel fits a lot of machines. Control and function are slightly different on the models. $450 seems a bit steep. is that including the panel?

 

[Roughryder]

No, the panel price is almost $1200 and then add the $450 for the "programming fee", I will be charged for 1 hour work and 2 hours driving ! So total is close to $1650..... really seems too pricey

 

[kthompson]

I have a mini Volvo and just replaced my control panel after having my machine for maybe 8 years bought used and Volvo had just replaced the control panel then. I needed to replace mine maybe 4 years ago and at that time it is near $3,000 dollars for the control panel only. Volvo dealership about 2 hours away was I think over $500 to come test the control panel and the only way they had to test it was bring new panel with them and install it. If it worked then the other panel was bad and I had to be prepared to buy the new panel then. Worked with it till this spring and was surprised to learn the price was now about $2,000 so ordered it. Installed it and the control side looked just like the old one but on the bottom side the wires plugged into there was some kind of short wiring that was different. Cranked the machine and it ran fine, solve the issue I was having of the hyd not going to work when machine started and could start in 5 minutes, 5 hours or not at all. THEN I noticed the fuel indicator, hour meter and maybe rpm were the only displays working. (my display on for rpm, hours, temp, hyd pressure and such use a single line display you select which is displayed but alarm sounds if something is not in proper range) Turns out the NOW current replacement does not offer all those functions on the display but still has alarm for them. I did not have to have it programmed.

What am I saying? To me the price of the control panel is good. I would be hesitant about buying used control panel unless guaranteed it is working. Still might not but Volvo at least on my size machines are know to have short life with the control panels. I would think if you call and talked with the shop manager he could tell you if it must be reprogrammed. If not try another dealer. The dealer I work with is great for helping over the phone.

 

[Jabonee]

No, the panel price is almost $1200 and then add the $450 for the "programming fee", I will be charged for 1 hour work and 2 hours driving ! So total is close to $1650..... really seems too pricey

WOW!!! An hour of labor for something that only takes 60 seconds to program,

 

[SSdoxie]

The risks involved with installing a used controller;
Controllers are costly so why this used one removed?
Did panel come out of same model machine. If panel came from a model that had 4 cylinder and and installed in 3 cylinder engine the speed sensor signal would be misinterpreted by the panel/controller thus errors could occur.
There were 4 different part numbers for the 335 excavator panel/controller. The 335H (hydrostatic drive) Fastrack has hydraulic cooling fan so there is one extra pin in the controller to control fan speed. Each panel version comes in keyed or keyless. Note the panel from a 335H can be made to work in conventional drive machine when programed to ignore fan connection, but panel from a conventional drive unit will not work in a hydrostatic drive unit.