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Here is a Possible ThumbWheel Switch *SOLUTION*

quiksilvr

quiksilvr

Well-Known Member
Hello everyone, I have a possible solution to very popular "THUMBWHEEL SWITCH" problem that seems to plague these CAT skid-steers. I have managed to REPAIR the one in my 226b. I have also repaired 2 other switches for a couple members of this forum. One member had a 229d and the other had a 257b. I can not promise that i will be able to fix it, only that i will try my best to do so. The repair is only for when the magnet inside the switch has deteriorated or broken off. Basically, what i do is replace the magnet, which is easier said than done. I have been improving my technique and procedure and im at the point that ive got a reliable solution now. So anyone who is interested and willing to send me their switch, PM me and we will go from there.
To the Moderators of this forum, i hope im not violating any of the forums rules or policies, as it is not my intention to do so.
 
Nige

Nige

Senior Member
Please post photos….!!
I think I mentioned this before but can replacement magnets be sourced from anywhere.?
 
willie59

willie59

Administrator
quiksilvr said:
To the Moderators of this forum, i hope im not violating any of the forums rules or policies, as it is not my intention to do so.
Click to expand...

Well, let's start with what the forum rules say. Forum rules dictate that HEF is not to be used by a vendor to promote (advertise) goods or services. However, rules allow for a vendor of goods or services to make one introductory post or thread explaining their product or service and can answer questions about that product or service within that thread, additional threads or posts outside the original introductory post about said product or service on the HEF forum is permitted. So, so far it seems you're following the rules with this thread.
 
quiksilvr

quiksilvr

Well-Known Member
willie59 said:
Well, let's start with what the forum rules say. Forum rules dictate that HEF is not to be used by a vendor to promote (advertise) goods or services. However, rules allow for a vendor of goods or services to make one introductory post or thread explaining their product or service and can answer questions about that product or service within that thread, additional threads or posts outside the original introductory post about said product or service on the HEF forum is permitted. So, so far it seems you're following the rules with this thread.
Click to expand...

thank you :)
 
D

David Campbell 1461

Member
Is there an aftermarket switch available?
seems easy to just replace the whole switch. Otto controls has a Hall effect, proportional thumb wheel For under $20. Not sure which output option would work though.
 
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Nige

Nige

Senior Member
David Campbell 1461 said:
Is there an aftermarket switch available?
Click to expand...
Not as far as we know.

The main reason is that the Cat switch has a specific power input requirement of 8v. AFAIK nobody builds a switch of this specification.

It’s not just the physical size of the switch but the electrical parameters under which it’s designed to work.

There are aftermarket switches but they all seem to be designed for a 5v power supply and will not function on the 8v Cat system as @quiksilvr discovered when he bought one and attempted to install it. It fits fine but won’t give the required output voltage range.
 
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D

David Campbell 1461

Member
Hmm. Thanks for the info. Seems as though Cat has us by the short hairs by not offering the switch as a separate part.
My 257b requires that you maintain a bit of pressure on the thumb wheel to get it to center. Otherwise, the grapple wont stay open or bogs the engine when closed. Quite annoying.
 
quiksilvr

quiksilvr

Well-Known Member
David Campbell 1461 said:
Hmm. Thanks for the info. Seems as though Cat has us by the short hairs by not offering the switch as a separate part.
My 257b requires that you maintain a bit of pressure on the thumb wheel to get it to center. Otherwise, the grapple wont stay open or bogs the engine when closed. Quite annoying.
Click to expand...
Yea i looked online and tried to make contact with otto but they never responded. i even purchased one of their switches, $100, in hopes that it would work. but to no avail. if i find out anything new, i will make sure i post it here for everyone.
 
Nige

Nige

Senior Member
David Campbell 1461 said:
My 257b requires that you maintain a bit of pressure on the thumb wheel to get it to center. Otherwise, the grapple wont stay open or bogs the engine when closed.
Click to expand...
Maybe you could get into the thumbwheel switch now before the magnet falls apart completely and repair it.?
 
quiksilvr

quiksilvr

Well-Known Member
not as far as im aware of. they do have a calibration wire in the pigtail but its not connected to the switch
 
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