Joystick acting a little funny

7mmrum · Nov 13, 2006

I have a CK25 and with in the last 10 hours of use the loader stick control is acting really weird. The stick twists and turns, when you want to curl the bucket on the joystick; it twist in your hand as opposed to moving left or right. If you hold on to it you can keep it from twisting and get it to go left or right to curl. I did a search on the forum and I found a few threads were individuals have had something catch the loader stick when getting off the tractor and snap it off. From those threads it looked like there was a rebuild kit for the joystick?

Any thoughts from the CK25-30 crowd?

Also I've been curious since I bought the tractor, when you put the bucket in the float position; and you push the joystick forward, do you hear a snap or pop to get it into the float position?

Thanks,

Highbeam · Nov 13, 2006

I have discovered two failure mechanisms for the joystick.

There is the failure of the little balls which results in the stick just laying over to one side, you will know this failure since the actual function of the stick is lost in the one direction be it the curl or the lift direction. You need new balls and this failure can be caused by brisk use of the stick and not necessarily falling on it.

The other failure is the jamb nut that holds the stick in position about its vertical axis. In this failure the stick actually spins and rolls up the rubber boot at the bottom. Two hands will allow you to bypass the failure and I think this is what you've got. You only need to tighten the nut and all will be well. I was able to just twist the stick clockwise from the seat to tighten it but I know it should be tighter.

On the float position. I really need to push it pretty hard (but no pop) to get into float, then the release is very sudden and feels like a significant pop but no sound. Given the fragility of the joystick system and the roughness required to engage and disengage float, I choose to not use the float feature.

7mmrum · Nov 13, 2006

Highbeam,

In scenario #2 you refer to, is this jamb nut you speak of fairly noticable once you take the rubber boot off the bottom of the stick? Trying to isolate where it may be located so I know what I'm looking for.

Thanks for the quick response.

pheesh · Nov 14, 2006

"There is the failure of the little balls which results in the stick just laying over to one side, you will know this failure since the actual function of the stick is lost in the one direction be it the curl or the lift direction. You need new balls and this failure can be caused by brisk use of the stick and not necessarily falling on it."

I think I have this problem. Any advice on how to get at this? I spent some time yesterday trying to figure out how to get the boot off to take a look, and getting the joystick assembly out looks troublesome. The bolts that hold the assembly to the tractor are too long to come out without taking off the 3pt hitch control, and you can't pull it down through the hole because of the loader lock. Not quite 30 hours on my tractor, and I'm pretty sure I didn't catch the joystick on anything, but have been running the loader pretty hard.

This something I should contact the dealer to fix or can he just ship me parts?

Highbeam · Nov 14, 2006

Sorry guys, On the "limpstick failure" I had the dealer replace one of my balls with the relatively cheap but of course backordered ball kit. On the joystick spinny failure I was able to retighten the joystick from above so it is at least temporarily fixed.

I have not had the pleasure of taking the joystick apart yet myself. I recommend you use your warranty while you have it.

BTI · Nov 14, 2006

Take it from me it's a P.I.T.A.
BUT if you do it yourself you'll be careful from then on LOL.

BTI

coasterez · Nov 14, 2006

If you need the float, don't be afraid to use it. I use mine all the time and have no problems with it. No pop. Just a feel in the stick as it gives way to the float position. A bit harder to pull back out of float though. Probably can be improved with lubrication. But, it's good advise to use your warranty and have it checked out. Balls might be failing, causing the pop you hear.

There are instructions in a thread on here on how to tighten the jam nut.

mrutkaus · Nov 15, 2006

Uh, I've had my ck30hst for a year and a half.

What is "float" and how do you get it?

Thanks,

Mike

Highbeam · Nov 15, 2006

The float function is a position of the joystick which allows the loader arms to raise and lower freely under gravity so that the bucket can rise and follow the surface independently of the tractor. A typical use would be backdragging to smooth the surface of a gravel or dirt area. I understand it is handy while snow collecting.

To get to float you push the joystick forward as to lower the arms but then you keep pushing until it pops into a detent. I have often found the float position on accident while trying to rapidly drop the loader when I feel the rear end of the tractor coming off the ground. When you pull the joystick back towards center it again pops and hydraulic control is restored. I am not certain whether you have bucket curl control while the joystick is in the float position.

I almost wish I could lock out the float function.