Joystick float adjustment

   / Joystick float adjustment #31  
SwampmanLA said:
Just to clear things up. The valve works fine and I do not believe it needs repair. It just pops out of float on rough ground. So looking at these pictures gave me the idea that all I have to do is apply spring tension to the joystick handle to help it stay in float. Using a bell crank, spring, and adjustment screw I should be able to build a device that applies spring pressure to the bottom rear of the joystick and have it adjustable as well. Well the week is near and maybe I can build it then.

Swamp

My opinion, I doubt if the specifications on this float stated that it was supposed to drop out of float on rough ground. Therefore, it is not working properly. PT did offer to sell me a repair kit for $70 (or around that). Why a repair kit if it is working properly? It seems to me the kit should be free. So I used the bungee cord. It works good, but is ugly.
 
   / Joystick float adjustment
  • Thread Starter
#32  
BobRip said:
My opinion, I doubt if the specifications on this float stated that it was supposed to drop out of float on rough ground. Therefore, it is not working properly. PT did offer to sell me a repair kit for $70 (or around that). Why a repair kit if it is working properly? It seems to me the kit should be free. So I used the bungee cord. It works good, but is ugly.

I agree with you that PT did not properly design this system. But that is what I bought and what I have to work with. I think the valve is doing what it was designed to do, another valve would likely do it better. Anyway, all I am trying to do is make what I have work better. You use a bungee and I use a spring, we are both doing the same thing. Thanks to everyone on this board for all the great into about PTs.
 
   / Joystick float adjustment
  • Thread Starter
#34  
Well we finally had a dry day when I could cut a bit of grass. I am happy to say that the added tension of the spring worked just as I had hoped. I never popped out of float while cutting. I must say, this looks like a best practice!


SwampmanLA said:
Here is my attempt to add a bit of pressure to the joystick assembly to hold it in float mode. Pictures save me thousands of words so please have a look at what I attached.

In short, my joystick has a block at the base and a piece of round bar stabilizing the movement of the joystick. Leveraging those two features I cobbled together a die to cut 7/16 x 14 threads into the rod as far up as I could go, cheap HF tools made it easy to sacrifice a socket and die to the welder. Then I played around with springs till I found something that pushed the joystick forward while in float mode but also allowed full travel of the joystick. The joystick is a bit tighter but so far no other unintended consequences have emerged. It's raining here so I don't think I'll get to test it out this weekend but once I do the report will be posted here.
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #35  
SwampmanLA said:
Here is my attempt to add a bit of pressure to the joystick assembly to hold it in float mode. Pictures save me thousands of words so please have a look at what I attached.

In short, my joystick has a block at the base and a piece of round bar stabilizing the movement of the joystick. Leveraging those two features I cobbled together a die to cut 7/16 x 14 threads into the rod as far up as I could go, cheap HF tools made it easy to sacrifice a socket and die to the welder. Then I played around with springs till I found something that pushed the joystick forward while in float mode but also allowed full travel of the joystick. The joystick is a bit tighter but so far no other unintended consequences have emerged. It's raining here so I don't think I'll get to test it out this weekend but once I do the report will be posted here.

OK, this looks real good, but I can't quite understand the pictures. Could you take a few more. I want to add this to my machine and get rid of the bungee. Nice job.
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #36  
Hey swampman, I also did your mod and second the notion that it works.
Thanks!!
Although, instead of threading the post i used a 3/8" set screw locking collar.

Kris
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #37  
kmaz said:
Hey swampman, I also did your mod and second the notion that it works.
Thanks!!
Although, instead of threading the post i used a 3/8" set screw locking collar.

Kris
That's a good idea too. Another idea may be to drill a small hole putting a cotter pin through it, holding the washer and spring against the block. Threading a nut onto the post, or using a set screw collar would be slightly more "adjustable" though.
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #38  
I haven't heard any of you guys saying that you had tried to fix the problem.

Let's do a mod.

What is going on?
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #39  
J_J said:
I haven't heard any of you guys saying that you had tried to fix the problem.

Let's do a mod.

What is going on?

Hey JJ, Im not convinced the problem is with the valve, it seems to locks into float fine. the linkages may be a bit crude to where when in float theirs about 2" of play at the top of the joystick. Compound that by rough terrain and it bounces out(the spring takes that slack out). Ive toyed with the linkages but feel ive got it the best its gonna get.
You still may be right though
Kris
 
   / Joystick float adjustment #40  
Nice mod.
Gets the job done and that is what you are after.;)

But I still think the valve is faulty. Why? Because mine works fine :p
 

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