Repair Parts Sources

[dpauly]

I have a 2011 vintage Branson 3120R and need a cable for my FEL. Branson (now TYM, I guess) doesn't see fit to provide just the cables; we "valued" customers must buy the whole enchilada (joystick ass'y) at almost $750.00!!! although they are currently unavailable (I'd part out this tractor before paying that kinda money to fix a cable problem and buy a different brand altogether. Parts availability and scarcity of Repair Manuals has always been a problem with Branson, in my experience.)

Seems I've seen reference to some kind of 'Surplus' company in various posts that might carry such parts. Anyone know specifically what company(ies) might deal in used or new/old stock parts for various tractors?

How about a company that can make cables and would be familiar with the particular end pieces on a Branson FEL cable?

Thanks, all.

 

[joeyd]

I think you might be referring to Surplus Center which is a sponsor of this site. www.surpluscenter.com I did a quick search and they do not carry FEL cables.

Have you pulled the cable and tried matching it up at various tractor repair shops? Many times you can interchange parts between manufacturers.

 

[Sportsman762]

Have you pulled the cable and tried matching it up at various tractor repair shops? Many times you can interchange parts between manufacturers.

Cables are often made to a standard. I know I had good luck with the local Caterpillar dealer making up control cables for equipment for me. Your going to most likely have problems with a used cable. If the machine was bad enough to end up in a salvage yard I would be suspect of the cable.

 

[ptsg]

Find the brand of the valve and try searching using that instead. Chances are the valve will be a Besko and on Ebay there are parts for it, even though it's listed for Kioti. Do your homework to make sure it fits.

 

[D&D]

my local hydraulic guy can get them made up. Push/pull or control cable Is what I know them as. Take the old one with you.

 

[Tinhack]

What's the problem with your cable? Did the end just pull off or did the cable break? I'd be making my own before paying $750 for an assembly. You can buy cable stock and a handy farmer can make threaded ends from a grade-8 bolt.

 

[dpauly]

What's the problem with your cable? Did the end just pull off or did the cable break? I'd be making my own before paying $750 for an assembly. You can buy cable stock and a handy farmer can make threaded ends from a grade-8 bolt.

The plastic 'jacket' that enfolds the metal ball on the end that fits into the joystick disintegrated when trying to get the bucket out of the 'float' mode. (Seems the shuttle in the Loader Valve had hung up for some reason and wouldn't retract.)

 

[dpauly]

Thanks all for the suggestions. Though I was going to try a little 'Carolina rigging' and weld a Grade 8 bolt in place of the flimsy pot metal piece that held the 'ball' onto the cable end (would also need to fashion a ball since without the disintegrated plastic jacket the existing metal end is too small to stay in the joystick detent) I located a company - Bunker Hill Engine & Cable in Ohio - who had one (or made one; not sure which) after I provided photos and dimensions. Kevin was the guy I dealt with. Nice folks. They were referred by Shore Line (Short Line?) who has several vids on youtube about tractor Loader valves, cables, joysticks, etc. Should get new cable tomorrow. Had to gently tap shuttle back out of 'Float' position, btw. Didn't find hardly any dirt, rust, etc., when I took the cap off the loader valve (NIMCO brand.) Will remove the shuttle and check for burrs in the bore when I reassemble the cable.

I think you might be referring to Surplus Center which is a sponsor of this site. www.surpluscenter.com I did a quick search and they do not carry FEL cables.

Have you pulled the cable and tried matching it up at various tractor repair shops? Many times you can interchange parts between manufacturers.

joeyd: Thanks for that. I did carry the broken cable to my Branson dealer. He had a couple that went to a larger tractor with a cab. Unfortunately, not any businesses within a 60 mile radius that makes cables.

 

[D&D]

The plastic 'jacket' that enfolds the metal ball on the end that fits into the joystick disintegrated when trying to get the bucket out of the 'float' mode. (Seems the shuttle in the Loader Valve had hung up for some reason and wouldn't retract.)

Like these?
https://www.grainger.com/category/power-transmission/bearings/spherical-rod-ends-spherical-bearings

 

[dpauly]

Like these?
https://www.grainger.com/category/power-transmission/bearings/spherical-rod-ends-spherical-bearings

No. Mine looks more like the end of a portable radio antenna with knurling around the periphery (guess to grip the plastic jacket/ball better.) It's not a 'ball' per se, but the plastic jacket/case made it round like a ball (approx 1/2" diameter.) I've seen it on other loader brands and appears as a white colored ball at the joystick end. Got a new cable coming tomorrow (~ $130. Wife convinced me to go that route as she's anxious to get back on. How lucky am I? I just have to keep 'em running and she mows/bush hogs.) Thanks for your interest.