Loader control stick became loose

[Tractor Jacques]

I was using the loader on my MX5400 today and suddenly the loader control stick became "floppy", it still worked but had a lot more slop than usual. After some quick investigation I found that the screw that holds the stick to the valve mechanism had become lose to the point of almost falling out (and soon fell out entirely). A quick Google search didn't point me to an obvious solution so I'm posting this in case it helps someone else. It's an easy 5-minute fix (even for someone with my limited mechanical skills) as long as you know where to look.

Tractor: Kubota MX5400
Loader control valve: MX2131

1. If you remove the rubber boot (img01) you should be able to see the screw that attaches the control stick to the valve mechanism with a ball joint.
2. The plastic cover is attached with 3 screws (img02) on the underside, as marked (img03), you will need a 10mm socket.
3. With the 3 bolts removed (img04) you can pop the plastic cover over the small locking lever (it's tight, but enough flex in the plastic) to have a good view inside (img05)
4. It's just a matter of tightening down the loose screw, 11mm open-end wrench required. In my case it was a snug fit, both the bolt head in the wrench but more so the bolt in the threaded hole, presumably it's a tight fit to discourage it loosening on its own, although clearly that didn't work in my case.
5. Once the bolt is tightened (img06) you can reattach the plastic cover and you're done.

If the screw is just loose but hasn't yet worked its way completely free you should be able to just reach under the plastic cover with your wrench to tighten it without removing the plastic cover, in my case it had come completely out and it was hard to get it started without removing the cover.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I was using the loader on my MX5400 today and suddenly the loader control stick became "floppy", it still worked but had a lot more slop than usual. After some quick investigation I found that the screw that holds the stick to the valve mechanism had become lose to the point of almost falling out (and soon fell out entirely). A quick Google search didn't point me to an obvious solution so I'm posting this in case it helps someone else. It's an easy 5-minute fix (even for someone with my limited mechanical skills) as long as you know where to look.

Tractor: Kubota MX5400
Loader control valve: MX2131

1. If you remove the rubber boot (img01) you should be able to see the screw that attaches the control stick to the valve mechanism with a ball joint.
2. The plastic cover is attached with 3 screws (img02) on the underside, as marked (img03), you will need a 10mm socket.
3. With the 3 bolts removed (img04) you can pop the plastic cover over the small locking lever (it's tight, but enough flex in the plastic) to have a good view inside (img05)
4. It's just a matter of tightening down the loose screw, 11mm open-end wrench required. In my case it was a snug fit, both the bolt head in the wrench but more so the bolt in the threaded hole, presumably it's a tight fit to discourage it loosening on its own, although clearly that didn't work in my case.
5. Once the bolt is tightened (img06) you can reattach the plastic cover and you're done.

If the screw is just loose but hasn't yet worked its way completely free you should be able to just reach under the plastic cover with your wrench to tighten it without removing the plastic cover, in my case it had come completely out and it was hard to get it started without removing the cover.

Unfortunately its a very common failure and a bit more costly in both time and money when the ball stud breaks off after backing part way out.

Removing the cover is actually quite easy - just a couple small HHCS.

Dan