Lube for 3pt speed control knob unit.

[Blue2Orange]

People here at OTT have noted it is a good idea to occasionally rotate your 3pt speed control knob to reduce the chance of it locking up. Assuming due to corrosion? Should you lube the controller? Never did over +2 decades on the old NH. It never seemed to need lube.

1. What type of lubricant are you using?
2. Where and how are you applying the lube?

Thinking about purchasing a spray can of Fluid Film to add to the collection of lubricants. Good or bad choice for lubing this control knob?

 

[Hugo Habicht]

I think Fluid Film and rubber do not go together. And I think it is Fluid Film that wins. Normal grease may be more suitable.

 

[GeoHorn]

WD40 aersosol grease (Gel-Lube)

 

[JasonW]

Kroil. A little goes a long way.

 

[JimDeL]

I think Fluid Film and rubber do not go together. And I think it is Fluid Film that wins. Normal grease may be more suitable.

Never heard that about Fluid Film before. I've been using it for years, with no problems so far.

 

[TheOldHokie]

A squirt of whatever hydraulic oil is in the tractor.

Dan

 

[nbryan]

Never heard that about Fluid Film before. I've been using it for years, with no problems so far.

Same here. Decades, even.

 

[leonard65]

Same here. Decades, even.

Ok what is the easiest way to get to it? Remove the panel below the seat?

 

[Hugo Habicht]

Never heard that about Fluid Film before. I've been using it for years, with no problems so far.

I have not used it (yet) but there are plenty of problems reported on car enthusiasts forums.

A German dealer states that CR (neoprene), SBR, EPDM, IIR, CSM nitril rubber, polyurethane and natural rubber can lead to problems with Fluid Film.

Since the OP is looking for a lubricant there are plenty of choices without the risk of boots disintegrating. That's why I wanted to mention it.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Never heard that about Fluid Film before. I've been using it for years, with no problems so far.

Fluid Film website notes it can cause "swelling" on some rubber components. Also, noted it some form of lanolin based product without off vaporing solvents.

Vaporing solvents can be an issue with some plastics and rubber. Primary component might be safe. Solvents not so safe. Discovered couple times the negative effects. Lock-tite that made plastic brittle and "super glue" that degraded foam/plastic. Both chemicals are available in plastic or foam safe versions.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

I just grabbed a can of Silicone spray that we have kicking around on every second shelf around our place it seems. Didn't put any thought into it until OP mentioned it. It is just the common stuff our farm supply store sells by the case. Very very common everyone seems to have it / use it so also whats cheap at the store. Sprayed on shaft to let it roll down to the valve body. on my L now the knob spins very freely now and can literally spin it with 1 finger.
So I did a Dr. Google search and came up with this. Seems OK for rubber, etc... $6/can.




3-IN-ONE Professional Silicone Spray is a quick-drying, no-mess lubricant that provides high-performance lubrication and corrosion protection. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood, and vinyl, making it ideal for hinges, tools, and marine equipment. It works in extreme temperatures, protects electrical parts, and is water-resistant, preventing rust and sticking.

 

[Dustball]

People here at OTT have noted it is a good idea to occasionally rotate your 3pt speed control knob to reduce the chance of it locking up. Assuming due to corrosion? Should you lube the controller? Never did over +2 decades on the old NH. It never seemed to need lube.

1. What type of lubricant are you using?
2. Where and how are you applying the lube?

Thinking about purchasing a spray can of Fluid Film to add to the collection of lubricants. Good or bad choice for lubing this control knob?

For your BX2380, what may seize up would be the adjuster shaft inside of the o-ring (#30). The o-ring itself is inside the bore behind a retainer plate and internal cir-clip. Hardest part would be getting access to it. You probably want to use a spray that's thin and o-ring compatible- silicone would be good.


For mine- mine was so seized up, I had to use vise grips on the adjuster shaft right at the housing so I wouldn't break any of the linkage parts. They seem to be pretty fragile. I worked at it back and forth, little by little until it finally broke free and was able to move again.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Ok what is the easiest way to get to it? Remove the panel below the seat?

Flipped the seat up. No easy access to the knob shaft. Like your situation and unlike Dustball's image there is a panel covering everything. I guess need to take a look at how the panel is attached. Maybe a very long "straw" like what most cans come with might have enough reach. For now it's just rotate the knob routinely and hope it keeps turning smoothly. Once I drop the snowblower, remove the tire chains and clean up the dirty garage floor I'll scoot underneath the tractor and see if I can access the fitting. Not much space under the BX. Still thin enough to fit. Another incentive not to get chunky. My new roller slide board for the BX is just a chunk of cardboard. Sort of works if the floor is clean.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Flipped the seat up. No easy access to the knob shaft. Like your situation and unlike Dustball's image there is a panel covering everything. I guess need to take a look at how the panel is attached. Maybe a very long "straw" like what most cans come with might have enough reach. For now it's just rotate the knob routinely and hope it keeps turning smoothly. Once I drop the snowblower, remove the tire chains and clean up the dirty garage floor I'll scoot underneath the tractor and see if I can access the fitting. Not much space under the BX. Still thin enough to fit. Another incentive not to get chunky. My new roller slide board for the BX is just a chunk of cardboard. Sort of works if the floor is clean.

I think you are making this overly complicated. Just hose it down

Dan

 

[Blue2Orange]

Never lubed the speed control or hosed it down on the NH and it worked fine for the ~25years of use. Is this controller a known specific issue with BXs requiring routine maintenance?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Never lubed the speed control or hosed it down on the NH and it worked fine for the ~25years of use. Is this controller a known specific issue with BXs requiring routine maintenance?

Seems to be an issue with most new models. I never touched the valve on my old B7200 and it always worked fine.

Dan

 

[Russell King]

I think you are making this overly complicated. Just hose it down

Dan

View attachment 172101

But I think we should debate what the best lubricant is for the intended use until we can get the thread locked or someone kicked off the forum!

Never lubed the speed control or hosed it down on the NH and it worked fine for the ~25years of use. Is this controller a known specific issue with BXs requiring routine maintenance?

It is usually only a problem if the knob is not used frequently or if the tractor is stored in a wet location. My tractor (L185F not a BX) sits outdoors under a tarp shed and the speed control was locked up once after the tractor had sat idle for a couple of months.