Extending loader control arm

LS Tractor Owner · Jun 2, 2019

I was wondering if anyone has extended or replaced the loader control arm (rod w/ knob) and how / where you got the parts / replacement from. I have an XG3025 and find I really have to reach forward to operate the loader. Puts me in an uncomfortable position, plus makes those "fine movements" very difficult to make.

The rod just unscrews from the loader valve, and the knob unscrews from the other end....simple, but I can't find a straightforward longer replacement rod. Has anyone used a threaded coupling and "added" to the length? Anyone know the thread size?

I have adjusted the loader valve support arm up as far as it goes, and tilted the valve as far as it will go. Still places the knob about 6" too far away from my reach.

I suspect that I may have to get a steel rod and tap the threads myself, but I really don't have a good tap and die set, nor want to buy one for just this one purpose /job. Any suggestions, suppliers, or other ideas are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

dieselcrawler · Jun 2, 2019

What diameter is the rod? Can you find a piece of tubing or pipe with the same inside diameter, cut the rod in the middle, and add the pipe in tge middle, sleeving over the rod a couple inches, extending it to the desired position? A quick tack weld or even drill it and small bolt may work to hold it together.

LS Tractor Owner · Jun 3, 2019

dieselcrawler said:
What diameter is the rod? Can you find a piece of tubing or pipe with the same inside diameter, cut the rod in the middle, and add the pipe in tge middle, sleeving over the rod a couple inches, extending it to the desired position? A quick tack weld or even drill it and small bolt may work to hold it together.

Very good idea! I'll measure it today and see if it's a possibility. Probably metric, but that actually might help being just a little smaller. That would definitely be a 'cheap' easy fix. Thanks!

ruffdog · Jun 3, 2019

A coupling nut with a length of threaded rod would be a easy fix to lengthen the existing rod.

LS Tractor Owner · Jun 3, 2019

That's what I was originally thinking, but the existing rod / threads are metric. I haven't figured exactly which threads they are, but there were no metric couplers at TSC when I looked, so was trying to think something else.

jaydee325 · Jun 3, 2019

LS mt125 owner said:
That's what I was originally thinking, but the existing rod / threads are metric. I haven't figured exactly which threads they are, but there were no metric couplers at TSC when I looked, so was trying to think something else.

I'm pretty sure boltdepot.com will have what you need. A while back I did a project and needed some metric fasteners and spacers that I could not source locally. The other thing that is nice about them is you don't have to order a minimum, (e.g. bag of 100 bolts when you only need 5).

Be aware the shipping is on the high side, so I ordered a bunch of other stuff I needed within the shipping tier to help make it more palatable.

ruffdog · Jun 3, 2019

8mm is about the same as 5/16" and 10mm is slightly larger than 3/8". Common thread sizes are 8x1.25 and 10x1.5.....of course they may use a thread that is uncommon. The thread pitch is the distance from one thread to the next.

LS Tractor Owner · Jun 3, 2019

ruffdog said:
8mm is about the same as 5/16" and 10mm is slightly larger than 3/8". Common thread sizes are 8x1.25 and 10x1.5.....of course they may use a thread that is uncommon. The thread pitch is the distance from one thread to the next.

Finally was able to check on the size today. It's 10x1.50. So I have a piece of 3/8 steel rod.... Tried my 10-1.5 cheapie die on it. Barely has any threading ... Not sure if it's because the rod is undersized or if the die is bad. I might try to pick up another tomorrow. I'm also going to try Lowes hardware section to see if they have a coupler.

Doofy · Jun 3, 2019

jaydee325 said:
I'm pretty sure boltdepot.com will have what you need. A while back I did a project and needed some metric fasteners and spacers that I could not source locally. The other thing that is nice about them is you don't have to order a minimum, (e.g. bag of 100 bolts when you only need 5).

Be aware the shipping is on the high side, so I ordered a bunch of other stuff I needed within the shipping tier to help make it more palatable.

Thanks for the boltdepot tip. About 1/3 the cost of Amazon.

ruffdog · Jun 3, 2019

LS mt125 owner said:
Finally was able to check on the size today. It's 10x1.50. So I have a piece of 3/8 steel rod.... Tried my 10-1.5 cheapie die on it. Barely has any threading ... Not sure if it's because the rod is undersized or if the die is bad. I might try to pick up another tomorrow. I'm also going to try Lowes hardware section to see if they have a coupler.

No....10mm = .394" while 3/8= .375" so that is why the threaded rod is small. You should get on line and order the right stuff...you deserve it!