Here is a Possible ThumbWheel Switch *SOLUTION*

[quiksilvr]

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]

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

 

[quiksilvr]

i have to custom cut the magnets to fit inside the switch.

 

[skyking1]

Well done!

 

[Nige]

i have to custom cut the magnets to fit inside the switch.

OK, so there isn't an off-the-shelf magnet available to fit right in there.? That's a shame.

 

[quiksilvr]

OK, so there isn't an off-the-shelf magnet available to fit right in there.? That's a shame.

none that i have found....

 

[willie59]

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.

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]

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.

thank you

 

[skyking1]

we need more mad scientists with grinders and ingenuity.

 

[Tones]

we need more mad scientists with grinders and ingenuity.

No more mad scientists, they created this mess. Some more ingenious critical thinkers would be suffice.

 

[David Campbell 1461]

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.

 

[Nige]

Is there an aftermarket switch available?

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.

 

[David Campbell 1461]

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.

 

[Nige]

Otto controls has a Hall effect, proportional thumb wheel

And all the options they offer are designed to work on a nominal 5+/-0.5v DC input voltage.

 

[quiksilvr]

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.

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]

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.

Maybe you could get into the thumbwheel switch now before the magnet falls apart completely and repair it.?

 

[heymccall]

Maybe you could get into the thumbwheel switch now before the magnet falls apart completely and repair it.?

Ain't neutral able to be calibrated on them rockers?

 

[quiksilvr]

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

 

[David Campbell 1461]

My switch has the calibration wire, the violet one, attached to the switch. No idea how to calibrate?

 

[quiksilvr]

yea i meant to say that the switch has the wire but at the pictail it doesnt connect to anything