joystick handle

Hombre · Mar 26, 2019

I have a Branson 4020R. This model has the joystick on the fender. I'm installing a 3rd function kit and need to replace current "knob" on the joystick with the one that comes with the kit that has the controls on it. I see no set screw or "cover cap" to remove to get to a bolt to remove this thing. I don't want to just start "reefing" on the knob to unscrew it (unless that's what it takes) in fear of screwing something up. Any one with experience doing this?? Thanks for any help.

ericm979 · Mar 26, 2019

I asked my dealer about that a while back as I'm planning on a home made 3rd function some day. Their answer was that the plastic handle is molded on and needs to be cut off. The Branson diverter kit has a similarly shaped knob with a switch in it, only it looks like hard plastic with screws. Unfortunately it's not available separately.

Double check with your dealer in case things have changed.

LouNY · Mar 26, 2019

One time when my joystick messed up I went down to my dealer and we went in the back room and he had a box of joysticks that he had removed to add new ones with the switch for diverter valve installations.
He told me they did not come off the lever.

Hombre · Mar 26, 2019

Thanks guys, I think you've hit it. I just removed the complete joystick and pretty sure that handle ain't coming off. Think I'll just make a new joystick. Pretty simple actually.

SirMaxwell · Mar 26, 2019

Hombre said:
Thanks guys, I think you've hit it. I just removed the complete joystick and pretty sure that handle ain't coming off. Think I'll just make a new joystick. Pretty simple actually.

2 mins with a cutoff wheel had mine sorted.

oosik · Mar 26, 2019

I had the dealer instal my third function - WR Long. The instal included a new joy stick. Never thought about it but I will bet the dealer has MANY spare joy sticks.

Hombre · Mar 26, 2019

SirMaxwell said:
2 mins with a cutoff wheel had mine sorted.

That would be one way. I'd still have to thread one end and use a bigger coupler. It would work as the new handle is a couple inches longer than the original so very little loss of height, if any. I'll have to think about it a bit more. Thanks.

oosik · Mar 26, 2019

The new joy stick that came with the WR Long system was a couple two or three inches taller than the OEM. Doesn't create any problems.

Hombre · Apr 2, 2019

If there are any interested parties out there I'll give a bit more info on my "joystick" fabrication. The guy's were right, the handle is molded on.:laughing: I made a couple quick measurements with the new handle and like SirMaxwell did I just cut the handle off where I thought it was "close enough". It's just a loader handle. The new handle is 1/2 pipe thread and the joystick itself is 3/8" so I used a 1/2" by 3/8" reducer to fit the new handle grip to the old "rod". The 3/8's part was still a bit "loose" (the part under the old grip "looks" like threads but are not) so took a couple wraps with some thin copper sleeve material, stuck the 3/8's part of the coupler onto the rod and welded it with my wire feed. Installed the new handle on the 1/2" side of the coupler TIGHT. Screwed the now "new joystick" (after cooling) back into the control, set the angle where I wanted it and tightened the jam nut. Put it all back together and it works just like it's supposed to. Took a couple hours as the plastic housing that covers the whole thing is a bear to get back on with the cable from the new handle running down through it. Ended up using a dremel and making a very small area on that piece a bit bigger to accommodate the cable. If others are interested I will write up a review on the complete install of the 3rd function kit I used. Honestly, right now I'm thinking if I could back up and start over I think I'd just buy the "already made up" kit from Everything Attachment for about 900 bucks. The "kit" I purchased was 450.00 without hoses, (thought this was a better idea than running about and putting one together, just the valve is 250.00, the handle with controls is a bit over 100.00) but I've spent around 50-60 bucks on some couplers (I didn't like a couple that came with the kit) and by the time I buy the hoses in town here (2 short ones and 2 long ones) I'm going to be in this around 700 I figure. I'm sure there are other ways to do it but for a "real" third function setup I don't see how you could do much better than 5 to 6 hundred. However I know as much about hydraulics as I do quantum physics.

I've decided where to mount the valve and have made a bracket to fit at no cost as I have the material and welder so just a couple hrs time involved. So, as I mentioned, if anyone is interested I'll do a follow up when I get this thing together. (just need to get the hoses and hook them up) I haven't been in any rush as there are other things going on around here and I haven't needed the tractor, or at least that function.