I just have to wonder why?

[Wildfire]

I have to wonder why do some items get put into production some times. I bought a Land Pride grapple for the BX a few weeks ago along with the third function valve kit. Included in the kit was the FEL 3rd function control switch. When I took it out of the bag I figured it was for a Kenworth because it was so big. It also looked as if it fell out of a 100' ugly tree and struck every branch on the way down.

Well I went ahead and installed it anyway so the other day I was out around the door playing with the BX and that darn knob was annoying the heck out of me. Every time I'd go to dump the bucket I'd hit the 3rd function switches plus it was just to uncomfortable too use.

This isn't a cheap switch either. My dealer told me the replacement cost would be over $450. plus tax and shipping.

Well this weekend I had enough. I had some 3" aluminum round stock and some 2" aluminum square stock and machined a new knob and milled a switch housing. I buffed the knob and the $14.00 momentary on off on switch is even waterproof.

Today I used the BX again and just love the way it feels now. Why couldn't the engineers design it so you didn't have to be some kind of a mutant freak to use their switch assembly.

Here's a few photos. I got a video uploading as well.

 

[DonDC]

Nice job Wildfire. You wont be catching the switches by mistake now. Great design also. Cheers, Don.........

 

[Wildfire]

Nice job Wildfire. You wont be catching the switches by mistake now. Great design also. Cheers, Don.........

Thanks Don. A few weeks back I changed from a mechanical thumb to a hydraulic thumb and I milled a switch housing for it so I wanted the front grapple switch housing to look similar.

 

[Dan_R_42]

Very nice... That is truly a custom switch housing now. It looks to be a lot more ergonomic design than the factory provided.

Once again - a better mouse trap by Wildfire !!!

 

[The_Al]

Thanks Don. A few weeks back I changed from a mechanical thumb to a hydraulic thumb and I milled a switch housing for it so I wanted the front grapple switch housing to look similar.

That is so professional. It is pretty amazing what you can do.

 

[Wildfire]

Very nice... That is truly a custom switch housing now. It looks to be a lot more ergonomic design than the factory provided.

Once again - a better mouse trap by Wildfire !!!

Thanks Dan. I looked all over the net for the right switch. The problem is the position of the FEL control shaft. It comes straight back and not turned up as the usual position so that was the deciding factor in the design. It is very comfortable to use so I am happy with it.

That is so professional. It is pretty amazing what you can do.

Thanks Al. Happy to hear you enjoyed seeing it

 

[Kubota_Man]

Once again. I just have to say WOW!!!!

 

[DanDan]

Brilliant!

 

[Wildfire]

Thanks guys. IF you get terribly bored and you want to watch some of it plus other stuff the video is up.

Video: http://youtu.be/CT3EoxltQkc

 

[Gundoctor]

If you want something better just make it your self. Paul you are the best. Looks great.

David Pidgeon

 

[Wildfire]

If you want something better just make it your self. Paul you are the best. Looks great.

David Pidgeon

Thanks David. I think companies are putting product out to fast before doing the proper testing but I'm happy with my results. I bet Land Pride will eventually change the design of that switch/knob.

 

[skeets]

Now that do bring back some memories,,,, it reminds me of the shifter knob I made for my 57 Ford, and the switch house too, but I had a brake loc switch in that,, Ya done good

 

[Wildfire]

Now that do bring back some memories,,,, it reminds me of the shifter knob I made for my 57 Ford, and the switch house too, but I had a brake loc switch in that,, Ya done good

Cool. Now I got to head over to FleeBay to look for fuzzy dice

 

[ItBmine]

Hahaha....you never fail to amaze me!! I haven't checked out your web site and you-tube channel yet.....but I have to. I love the thumb symbol on your switch too, lol.

Nice work.

 

[Wildfire]

Hahaha....you never fail to amaze me!! I haven't checked out your web site and you-tube channel yet.....but I have to. I love the thumb symbol on your switch too, lol.

Nice work.

Thanks. Glad you liked the thumb decal. Even wifey laughed when I asked her to make one. When I sell the BX at least they'll know what that switch is for

 

[ItBmine]

Yes, it's those little touches that really make your work stand out.
I'm almost ready to make the drive to Newfoundland when you sell the 5740, lol.

 

[Wildfire]

Yes, it's those little touches that really make your work stand out.
I'm almost ready to make the drive to Newfoundland when you sell the 5740, lol.

Thanks. What part of this great country are you located in?

 

[bandaidmd]

I removed the link, don't want my "shortcut" cluttering up your thread.

 

[Wildfire]

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8220&d=1376958200

I just used a momentary toggle and a simple bracket for the control valve switch.

You using a diverter valve? I'm using a 3rd function. The switch needs to be on off on momentary.
I'm not one to take short cuts. No fun in that

 

[ItBmine]

Thanks. What part of this great country are you located in?

I'm in Northern Ontario Widfire. Closest I've trucked out your way is N.B. and N.S. though. I love the ride once you get out of the Montreal traffic.