Quick attach control Handle

[BobRip]

I have seen several ideas for a better quick attach control lever and I have tried to replicate them all here. Since my skills are limited it did not quite turn out that way. Please see attached pictures.
I apologize for not putting this in the thread with other control handles, but I could not easily find one.

The first series is the metal bracket to replace the standard PT handle.
Note on picture 3, I had to make the bracket thinner than the source metal to fit in the control valve slots. I used the band saw to cut off a small amount (about 1/16 inch) of metal. I then used the belt sander to make it a little thinner and fit. The belt sander did all of the finishing, taking it from rusty to very clean. I did not paint this piece, but I will probably regret. I may spray it in it place. I wonder if wax would protect it. It is difficult to install and remove. I had to remove the valve mounting bolts and loosen one hose for access and don't want to do that again.

 

[BobRip]

The next pictures are of the handle itself. I made it of the same deck board that I used on the parking break paw to match the paw. This stuff is mostly plastic and its main disadvantages are it clogs up the belt sander and it's heavy. I smashed my finger grabbing a piece of it as it was cut through and my hand was pulled down to something somewhat sharp. No big deal and it's much better today. I used the band saw (still with the metal blade) to do most of this and finished it with the belt sander. I actually partially rounded the corners (cut the corner at 45 degrees) with the band saw to save some sanding.

The painted version is the first coat of paint. Hopefully it will look better with more. At least the PT is clean

 

[KentT]

Nice job, Bob...

I know what you mean about not wanting to remove that handle again...

I disconnected the joystick and loosened the mounting bolts to get that bent pin out, but I didn't loosen a hose... it is a royal PITA...

 

[BobRip]

The paint finally dried on the control handle. I guess using a metal paint on plastic deck board slows the drying down a lot. It took over a week of sitting on my heating duct outlet to dry it. I have attached a couple of pictures with it installed on the machine. There is more side to side play that I like, but I don't know how to reduce it. It actaully works well, but I have to get use to it since I tend to grab very low where the old handle was.

 

[BobRip]

I noticed another advantage to this modification recently. I can reach the handle very easily when I am changing the hoses. This allows me to release the pressure without going back around to the drivers seat area.

 

[MossRoad]

Yeah, I've had to do that a few times so I know what you are talking about. Fight the hose for 5 seconds, drop it and walk around, lean in and cycle the quick attach a couple times to release pressure and try it again. I tend to make it a habit to cycle the quick attach a couple times after I shut off the engine if I know I am going to change an implement. However, there are just a few times that I somehow forget to do that.