Sticky FEL control

[RHughes]

The joystick control for my FEL valves has gotten a bit sticky. By "sticky" I mean that it doesn't pop back to center easily.
I'm a little leary of applying too much lube to the control cable links or under the dust boot of the joystick for fear of it picking up dust and dirt.

Have any of you had a similar problem and if so, how did you fix it?

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BadDog]

1) Make sure the handle is screwed in tight. They can come loose with use.

2) Make sure the linkage mechanism (under the black cover) is nice and clean. Use compressed air to blow the muck out of there, followed by some Simple Green and more compressed air. You don't want to use grease in there, just use a bit of dry powder lube. Wet lube just attracts the muck and you'll be cleaning it out often if you work in dusty conditions (and what tractor doesn't?).

3) If this doesn't fix the problem, you have worn parts in the control linkage. Wiggle it around with the cover off to see where the play is; replace worn parts as necessary. It's not expensive or difficult to replace this stuff.

4) When you get it back to normal, teach yourself not to be a gorilla on the controls. You should be running the FEL with finger/wrist control, not bicep/shoulder control. At least try to be a graceful gorilla. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[erosol]

Mine did the same thing. I just put a few drops of 30W oil on the linkage under the boot. Works great again!

Gook luck! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif