Ignition switch - XJ2025H

[CMV]

Has anyone relocated/re-engineered the ignition switch? The placement on mine is absolutely AWFUL for me. Even though I'm aware of it and try to be careful, I'm nonstop bumping the key with my knee and bending the key. Just a matter of time until I actually break it off in the switch.

I really don't care about having a key - I keep the tractor locked in a shipping container, inside a fenced and locked property - anyone going thru that to make off with my little tractor isn't going to be deterred by lack of a key... So an alternate style switch or two (like momentary push buttons) would be acceptable.

Before taking a dremel to the dash figured I'd solicit others and not reinvent the wheel if someone else already has a good fix and alternate location or type of switch.

 

[Doofy]

Cut the key down, leaving just enough to be able to turn. Round the edges and remove any burrs. You could also modify the key and add some sort of smooth round knob.

 

[jdom84]

Has anyone relocated/re-engineered the ignition switch? The placement on mine is absolutely AWFUL for me. Even though I'm aware of it and try to be careful, I'm nonstop bumping the key with my knee and bending the key. Just a matter of time until I actually break it off in the switch.

I really don't care about having a key - I keep the tractor locked in a shipping container, inside a fenced and locked property - anyone going thru that to make off with my little tractor isn't going to be deterred by lack of a key... So an alternate style switch or two (like momentary push buttons) would be acceptable.

Before taking a dremel to the dash figured I'd solicit others and not reinvent the wheel if someone else already has a good fix and alternate location or type of switch.

I dont like the key location on the XJ either... My key is bent pretty bad. I seen a picture on the forum where someone made a low profile rubber knob. I was thinking of pulling the dash to see if it can be relocated

 

[CMV]

I'm not unusually large - 5'10", 31" inseam for pants (makes shopping fun ). But even if it were just the bare switch with no key, I think I'd still be bumping it frequently?

But I will try that as it is the simplest fix. Cut it down to bare min length and add a small knurled knob. Maybe even taper that to an almost dome shape to maybe "brush over it" vs just knocking it laterally.

Overall, I really like the controls layout on the machine. Seems like a decent amount of thought went into what to put where. Everything except that one little switch....

 

[PILOON]

For some reason all keys seem to be located above the right knee.
And then most get broken in compacts. (CUTs)
Mine broke with all the 'toothed' portion remaining inside the switch.
Luckily I could insert a stubby flat screwdriver and use it as my 'key'.

On the plus side crooks don't know that they only need a screwdriver so I'm good.
Also since I never lose screwdrivers I'm never stuck as there is always one in the tractor tool box.

Now as to thieves, did U know that about 7 or 8 keys will start about 98% of all equipment?
SO, a key broken in a switch is not all that big a deal.

Best to find another way to disable your CUT. (like hidden switches or modifying a safety switch)

 

[tomplum]

Relocating the switch isn't really doable. We bent the key the first day. I bought a red water valve handle, nipped the key and Jb'd it in place. So it is really low profile, looks kind of trendy too!

 

[CMV]

I made a real small, thin knurled knob out of aluminum and then milled a tiny slot for key to go into. That's in the vise letting JB Weld cure. Will see how that works.

Only after finishing did I realize I made it backwards though. No big deal, but the tapered side it toward the tractor, not my knee. oops Still much smaller target than original key so maybe that will be enough.