Third Function Switch for FEL Joy Stick

Tractor Seabee · Feb 12, 2014

There has been a lot on interest here lately on setting up a 3rd function on FEls to operate a grapple, including me. I cannot afford to buy a manufactured grapple unit so am designing one I can fabricate in my shop. Question for all you experts: Who makes those fancy switch units that fit over the joy stick? If I go with the solenoid option that is the only puzzling part of the puzzle. I am also considering a hydraulic manual valve set up. I would pick up the P, PB, and T connections at the FEL joy stick valve connection points.

Ron

k0ua · Feb 12, 2014

Tractor Seabee said:
There has been a lot on interest here lately on setting up a 3rd function on FEls to operate a grapple, including me. I cannot afford to buy a manufactured grapple unit so am designing one I can fabricate in my shop. Question for all you experts: Who makes those fancy switch units that fit over the joy stick? If I go with the solenoid option that is the only puzzling part of the puzzle. I am also considering a hydraulic manual valve set up. I would pick up the P, PB, and T connections at the FEL joy stick valve connection points.

Ron

Brian at fit rite can fix you up

valves

J_J · Feb 12, 2014

Tractor Seabee said:
There has been a lot on interest here lately on setting up a 3rd function on FEls to operate a grapple, including me. I cannot afford to buy a manufactured grapple unit so am designing one I can fabricate in my shop. Question for all you experts: Who makes those fancy switch units that fit over the joy stick? If I go with the solenoid option that is the only puzzling part of the puzzle. I am also considering a hydraulic manual valve set up. I would pick up the P, PB, and T connections at the FEL joy stick valve connection points.

Ron

Those ready made handles are nice, but expensive.

If you have a wooden or plastic or even metal knob/handle, cue ball etc,, then machine or cut out a hole for a waterproof switch and save a bunch.

paulwestski · Feb 13, 2014

This is what I ordered for my L4240.

I did have to machine a bushing to adapt the JD control handle to the Kubota 13mm loader shaft.
The JD handle is nice ergonomic design.
You will need to use relays since the handle switches don't have a high amperage capacity.

There is another part number for the wiring harness that allows use of the third button on the control handle, but is quite a bit more expensive.

J_J · Feb 13, 2014

https://www.google.com/search?q=joy...unction-joysticks-13783-1027391.html;1024;878

Take your pick or modify just about anything.

Tractor Seabee · Feb 13, 2014

paulwestski said:
This is what I ordered for my L4240.
View attachment 360512

View attachment 360511

I did have to machine a bushing to adapt the JD control handle to the Kubota 13mm loader shaft.
The JD handle is nice ergonomic design.
You will need to use relays since the handle switches don't have a high amperage capacity.

There is another part number for the wiring harness that allows use of the third button on the control handle, but is quite a bit more expensive.

Paul,

Is there a brand name other than JD on that switch? JD buys them from somebody and marks them up from 50-100%. I hate to buy this type item on line as it is so hard to be sure it will work. There is a lot of stuff on line but hard to decipher what is made to fit a hydraulic valve handle and what is just a switch. Joy stick switches are used all over industry. A lot of the companies are foreign and it is difficult to find their US distributor. I really want to see one at the counter and determine its feasibility.

Ron

k0ua · Feb 13, 2014

Tractor Seabee said:
Paul,

Is there a brand name other than JD on that switch? JD buys them from somebody and marks them up from 50-100%. I hate to buy this type item on line as it is so hard to be sure it will work. There is a lot of stuff on line but hard to decipher what is made to fit a hydraulic valve handle and what is just a switch. Joy stick switches are used all over industry. A lot of the companies are foreign and it is difficult to find their US distributor. I really want to see one at the counter and determine its feasibility.

Ron

Go to Fasse websight and pick the one you want... search for dealers on their site.

paulwestski · Feb 13, 2014

Tractor Seabee said:
Paul,

Is there a brand name other than JD on that switch? JD buys them from somebody and marks them up from 50-100%. I hate to buy this type item on line as it is so hard to be sure it will work. There is a lot of stuff on line but hard to decipher what is made to fit a hydraulic valve handle and what is just a switch. Joy stick switches are used all over industry. A lot of the companies are foreign and it is difficult to find their US distributor. I really want to see one at the counter and determine its feasibility.

Ron

No other brand name on the switch.
For the price I thought it was a good deal.
Most all of the other control handles with switches are over $100.00
And the grip is a really good design.

Tractor Seabee · Feb 13, 2014

J_J said:
https://www.google.com/search?q=joy...unction-joysticks-13783-1027391.html;1024;878

Take your pick or modify just about anything.

JJ,

Have you used or seen used any of those. I have perused that list before with poor results. See my last post to Paul on my rational. I know folks like JD, Fit-Rite, Everything Attachments, and LP buy those from some US supplier probably. It is easier to either see one over the counter or discuss with someone you can communicate with before you buy something that won't work. I am now really thinking an all hydraulic solution and leave the switch/solenoid system alone. Space for hoses seems the same either way, just have to continue the PB circuit back to the 3 PT as it is next in line on my BX. A valve block is equal in price to a solenoid just mounts in a different place.

Ron

Ron