Lk2554 Instrument Cluster

K5lwq · Sep 3, 2019

A couple of months ago my tachometer started vibrating very aggressively and before I could shut the tractor down, every needle on the gauges broke off. Well, I figured I would order a new panel as I needed some other parts anyway.

Turns out the instrument panel is no longer available. Now I am thinking about finding one that is close and modify it to fit. Any suggestions or ideas would be appreciated.

K5lwq · Jun 27, 2020

Well been very busy and getting new Branson set up has delayed this project for too long! I am starting to focus on a solution and need a little advice.

I have purchased a universal instrument cluster that I plan on making work. I need to build a adapter mount to make it fit the dash. I have a plan for that.

What I haven't figured out is where to source a tachometer cable. The tack on the new cluster appears to be 5/8-18 square end. Tractor side appears to be 10mm slot.

Any ideas on where I might find such a animal?

Here is a picture of the broke gauges.

And here is a picture of hopefully the solution.

Roadworthy · Jun 27, 2020

Look at the engine end of your tach cable, too. In my experience tach and speedo cables are a square wire on both ends. It sounds as though Branson did something to make theirs different. If the engine end is square you may find a standard cable which works.

K5lwq · Jun 27, 2020

Thanks for the reply. I am actually working on the Kioti LK2554. The tractor end is slotted. The tachometer end is square. The new tach takes square as well but is a little bigger hole. Nothing a match book cover won't fix.

My issue is with the nut on the tach side. It needs to be 5/8-18 thread.

Here is some pictures of the Kioti cable. Picture on top is tractor end and the picture on bottom is tach end.

K5lwq · Jun 29, 2020

Just in case anyone needs to know, these folks said they can help by modifying my cable to fit 5/8 standard American end. Very nice and helpful.

Speedometer Cable and Housing,Custom Made Tachometer and Speedometer Cables and Casing parts and Supplies.

K5lwq · Jul 4, 2020

Finally finished the instrument panel install. The only thing left is installing the tach cable. The cable is built and I should receive it early next week.

I ordered the new universal cluster from Complete Tractor. Good folks and shipping was fast.

I had to fabricate a mount to install the unit. I used 1/8 flat bar that was 4" wide. I had to weld two pieces together to be wide enough. I had the flat bar that is why I did it this way. I made a template out of cardboard then transferred it to the steel.

Then I used my old table scroll saw to cut out the center. Used my band saw to cut the outside.

I made my welds on the back so from the front all you see is the seam. Cleaned the part sanded and painted.

I used 1/4" spacers and longer screws to hold the mount to the cover.

I put weather stripping around the new cluster before install to make a seal.

Then I wired and installed it to the Kioti. In order for the warning lights to work you must take the small circuit board out of the old gauges. It is located behind the covers for the gauges. I labeled all the wires before removing them from the old cluster and determined which wires I needed. Then installed it on the tractor.

All lights and gauges work and I will update once the tach is working. This is a good solution to replacing the instrument panel on the 2554 and 3054 tractors. I think it looks fine enough for me as I am more concerned with functionality than looks.

Here are a few more pictures of it installed.

K5lwq · Jul 6, 2020

Tach cable arrived and is installed. Worked no issues. It might be off a few hundred RPM but not a deal breaker.

I hope this helps someone someday. It is not too bad of a fix. There might be a better solution out there but this is what I came up with.

Here is idle and at PTO speed.

RexB · Jul 7, 2020

That's a nice fab onto a working tractor, congrats. It's a booger when parts aren't available anymore, but you fixed it with ingenuity

LouNY · Jul 7, 2020

looks good to me,
that "universal" looks a lot like a Ford panel.

Oaktree · Jul 7, 2020

My first impression was that you installed it upside down until I noticed the fuel and temp writing was OK. Odd that the tach is backwards.

ptsg · Jul 7, 2020

Nice work K5! Very clean install considering that these are usual quite tricky to fit just right.

K5lwq · Jul 7, 2020

Rex, thanks for the kind words. Sometimes you have too just get it done.

Lou, you are correct. The company that makes these also makes one for the old Fords. The only difference is they put a clockwise tach instead of the counterclockwise one like the Fords then called it "universal". Partly why I chose this one. I could not find any that would give me measurements but remembered the Fords having a smaller panel. It was a gamble if I could make it fit. It is tight but just enough room too make it work.

Oaktree, the direction is the same as on the LK 2554 but just starts at the top right instead of lower left. Rotation direction is the most important thing that has to match. There are work arounds for the rest.

Ptsg, thanks and yes Sir, it can only go in one spot and still be able to attach the tach cable. This is why I slotted a few of the mounting holes to allow for fine adjustments. I am not that good of a fabricator so I have to make some provisions. :thumbsup:

K5lwq · Jul 12, 2020

Ran the Kioti this morning and the hour meter seems accurate. I ran the tractor for 48 minutes exactly and it started with 3/10ths and now showing 1.1 hours. I am guessing at this point the ratio for the tach is correct.

One thing I don't know how to fix yet is the amount of moisture collecting inside the panel. I thought it was because I opened it up for using the gasket to make my pattern. I was inside close to the ac with it open while I traced the gasket. But I would think it would eventually dissipate. Makes it difficult to see the hours. Any suggestions?

yanmars · Jul 12, 2020

Looks good.

Gaber255 · Dec 23, 2023

K5lwq said:
Well been very busy and getting new Branson set up has delayed this project for too long! I am starting to focus on a solution and need a little advice.

I have purchased a universal instrument cluster that I plan on making work. I need to build a adapter mount to make it fit the dash. I have a plan for that.

What I haven't figured out is where to source a tachometer cable. The tack on the new cluster appears to be 5/8-18 square end. Tractor side appears to be 10mm slot.

Any ideas on where I might find such a animal?

Here is a picture of the broke gauges.

View attachment 661216

And here is a picture of hopefully the solution.

View attachment 661217

Hello,
How did you wire the new gauge up if you don’t mind me asking? I had to order the same one

K5lwq · Dec 23, 2023

The cable for the tachometer will need to be custom made. The wiring was straight forward. I just used the same wires that were on the old cluster. The fuel gauge is the only thing that is not right as of now but I have the fix that needs to be installed.

Gaber255 · Dec 23, 2023

Can you tell me how you wired the old unit in comparison to the new unit? I have all the wires marked. Thanks.

K5lwq · Dec 23, 2023

I would have to take it back apart to remember everything but it is not difficult. If I get a break in weather and some time during the holidays I will install the fuel gauge match unit and can get some pictures of the wiring for you.

Gaber255 · Dec 23, 2023

Sounds good. I appreciate it. Are there any wires off the top of your head that you remember not using?

K5lwq · Dec 23, 2023

I just used the wires for the fuel gauge and temp gauge. I used the bulb sockets for low water level in the reservoir in one of the holes and oil pressure in the other one. They were a little smaller so I wrapped them in electrical tape to make them fit tighter in the hole. Nothing fancy but it works.