which hi/lo switch

[techinNY]

I'm curious as to which hi/lo switch most of you use. I have a TC40D with a loader so I have the console mounted switch and the buttons on the loader joystick. I almost always use the console switch even doing loader work. How about the rest of you, which do you use the most? Thanks for the replies, I'll clue you in later as to why I want to know. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[jinman]

I use my joystick mounted switch almost exclusively. Sometimes, I glance down at the fender console switch to see the hi/lo light and ensure I'm in the range I want. There are a few times when I'm mowing and don't have the loader attached that I will keep my hand close to the cruise switch and since the hi/lo is right beside it, I'll select the speed on the fender-console switch. I would hate to see either of them go away in future models. If I had to choose, I'd keep the joystick mounted switch over the other one. I wouldn't want to lose the light indication either.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

I also use my joystick mounted switch more then the one on the console. When I am operating the tractor my right hand instinctivly rests on the joystick. Like Jinman, I to glance down on occasion to check the light.

 

[markie61]

When I have the loader on, I use the joystick switches. Most of the other times, I use the console switch. When mowing, etc. my hand is usually on one the grab bars anyway like the guy in this picture. (only I don't wear that kind of hat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)
Mark
BTW It's a good thing I know which way is rabbit and turtle cuz there is no more ink on either switch...
Mark

 

[kensfarm]

I always use the joystick switch.. it's always at hand.. never have to look.. it's even better when doing loader work.

 

[farmacist]

I use the joystick most of the time but I would like to see the console switch moved to the dash in one of those empty spots. It would be easier to see and I would not have to feel around to locate it.

 

[techinNY]

OK, Here's the reason why I asked. I will eventually buy or make the third fuction kit to have the quick couplers on the loader because I'm already in the process of making a brush/grapple bucket. I'm considering using a electric solnoid operated valve to control the hydraulics for the grapple, and using the hi/lo buttons on the joystick. I have tested the switches on the handle and that part will work. Obviously I will be disabling the hi/lo function of those buttons but will still have the switch on the console. I just wanted to know how close I should document my hyd. kit for possible reproduction.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

Sounds like a very interesting project, please keep us posted and include pictures if possible.
I have absolutely no idea how the exhisting Hi / Low switch's are wired, so I don't know if this idea would even be feasable, But. I would think that if a double throw switch were installed on the tractor console, then if the switch were thrown one way, the joystick hi/low would operate as designed. If the switch were thrown the other way, then the joystick buttons could operate the grapple selinoid. This could give you the best of both worlds.

Now that I think about it for a moment, this wiring idea might even require a relay to work properly.

 

[techinNY]

The hi/lo circuit uses two relays, one hi for hi and one for lo. So when you push one of the buttons or flip the switch it activates one relay, so on and so on. In simple terms the buttons and the rocker switch are momentary switches. If my idea works, the longer I hold the button in the further the grapple would open or close.

 

[jinman]

I'm thinking your grapple is "begging" for a joystick with a trigger switch. It would be like many computer game joysticks or the one I had on my missile guidance radar in the navy: 2 switches on top for rabbit/turtle and a trigger for the grapple actuator solenoid. The problem is the grapple will have to have 1) actuate/close and 2)actuat/open 3) hold. I'm not sure a trigger would do that without another switch. Hmm...very interesting project. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif