Joystick vs. pedal controls for aux attachments..?

[John in AR]

First post here and an admitted complete newbie to the subject matter, but am considering skid steer for property use (40 acres).

On the versions of bobcats that use foot pedals & control arms, I understand the pedal controls - one to raise/lower the arms, and one to tilt the bucket or forks up & down. But how are aux hydraulics controlled for things that use them; attachments more complex than the bucket or forks?

Again, an admitted noob question and I apologize for my staggering ignorance.


Thanks

 

[diesel lover]

No reason not to ask. I have operated one tracked loader with joy stick controls. I really just loved it!! It was a high horse power caterpillar model.

I would like to learn a lot more about skid-steers/ tracked loaders and their attachments.

When compared to CUTs, skid-steers have their own advantages as well as disadvantages.

Welcome to TBN

 

[Xfaxman]

:welcome: to TractorByNet! :thumbsup:

Check out this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../274285-single-tractor-vs-skidsteer-mini.html

 

[JJZ 109]

My S185 has switches and triggers on the joysticks for operating auxiliary equipment. For example, I just cam in from snow blowing. Controls on the right joy stick activate the auger/fan hydraulics and adjust the chute's top to determine how far you throw the snow.
Controls on the left stick swing the chute side to side. One of the books that came with my machine explains the function of those controls. The books aren't near me now so I can't remember if it's the owner's manual or another book that the previous owner gave me.

 

[John in AR]

...Controls on the right joy stick activate the auger/fan hydraulics and adjust the chute's top to determine how far you throw the snow.
Controls on the left stick swing the chute side to side...

That's at the core of my question - on a machine that only has pedals for control of the arms & attachments, how does (or maybe "can") a person control all of those different things, while still controlling the arms of the skidsteer itself? IE, can you even use a snowblower or other multi-action attachment on a skidsteer that only has pedal controls..? I'm just starting to consider a skidsteer, but don't want to be too limited in the type of attachments it can use.

:welcome: to TractorByNet! :thumbsup:

Check out this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/.../274285-single-tractor-vs-skidsteer-mini.html

Thanks. Interesting, as I'm such a noob to the topic.

 

[JJZ 109]

I guess I'm a little baffled John. Do you mean that there are no other controls on the machine? Does it have the ports for auxiliary hydraulics and a 7 or 14 pin electrical connector? Is there a switch in the cab to activate auxiliary hydraulics or high flow hydraulics? My machine has all of the above. 2 flat faced hydraulic couplers and both 7 and 14 pin electric connections.

 

[SSdoxie]

Dating back to mid-90's production (x53 series) machines the auxiliary controls on Bobcats are electric over hydraulic controlled. Switches and buttons on the steering lever handles. To have multiple function on the attachment as JJZ explains requires a control harness at the attachment couplers, this harness operates diverter valve(s) on the attachment for various functions. Depending on model of machine, some may or may not have all the switches for multiple functions but do have the basic on/off and the handles can be upgraded to multiple switches. Starting in 1999 all Bobcat Skid & Track Loaders came equipped with multiple switches on both left and right handles. The attachment control harness was/is optional on some models but is easily added.

 

[Xfaxman]

------------------ I'm just starting to consider a skidsteer, but don't want to be too limited in the type of attachments it can use.

Originally Posted by Xfaxman
:welcome: to TractorByNet! :thumbsup:

Check out this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/b...teer-mini.html



Thanks. Interesting, as I'm such a noob to the topic.

I was trying to show you what a compact telehandler can do, compared to a skid steer. Here is another link: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/bobcat-construction-equipment/160568-compact-telehandler.html

The V417 has a SSQA (Skid Steer Quick Attach) plate and Aux Hydraulic connectors on the boom.


More hydraulic attachments.



Standard attachments.


The V417 is 6' wide, 6.5' high and 13' long. Tire size is 14x17.5. Top speed is 15.5 mph, drawbar pull is 7,000 pounds and it will lift over 5,000 pounds!

Controls are a steering wheel and a joystick for the boom and attachments.

 

[John in AR]

...Do you mean that there are no other controls on the machine? Does it have the ports for auxiliary hydraulics and a 7 or 14 pin electrical connector? Is there a switch in the cab to activate auxiliary hydraulics or high flow hydraulics?...

I don't have one yet; just starting to look into them. There's no dealers in my county (rural Arkansas), and the only one I've laid eyes on was a used bobcat 743. Only controls I noticed were the levers and the foot pedals, but it's entirely possible that I missed other controls - I don't know what to look for at this point.

 

[JJZ 109]

John - SSdoxie explains it very well, as usual on Bobcat subjects. If you decide to go with a Bobcat, post here and if he sees it, he'll steer you in the right direction. Where I can only give you info from the limited amount I know from my own machine, his knowledge is very comprehensive on the entire line.