rubber for steering control hand grips

[philztoy]

The steering control handgirps are worn off of my 450C. I have looked through the partns manual and cannot find a part number for them. Does anyone know where to get replacements? alternatively is there a coating to apply or a tape that accomplishes teh same thing. They still work just look a little ratty.

Thank you

Phil

[KenP]

deleted

[philztoy]

Thanks Ken I thought about trying that I will have to go look at them.

[digitup2]

Years ago I had some heat shrink tubing that just went over the largest part of the handle.It worked great but only heat so tight and when it shrinks to a fit heat only the area you need to shrink in diameter also heat slowly and never make it too tight the stuff will split and you don't want that .I tried to get some for my 550 leavers and the new JD parts man didn't have a clue what I was talking about ,That old parts man is now my JCB parts man and he is finding some sets for me It's only 12-15 bucks and the leavers feel nice I will see what Rick can do .He started behind the parts counter the year I bought my first machines [1973]so we have known each others parts secrets for years and he never says no.If you have a parts man that says I will find it if it is out there be his best friend they are the only ones that get your business some place in life .I would hate to count the times I broke down at 3;30 on a Friday afternoon and he saved the day .See if you can find some heavy 1 inch heat shrink tube at an electrical specialty shop.We took a hot glue gun and installed 3 or 4 spiral lines of fine glue then a heat gun and take your time and shrunk the handles on and away you go .good as new .Digitup.

[philztoy]

Thanks digit up. Heat shrink might work. Was also thinking about that plastic dip stuff for tool handles. Ideally I would like some of that nice soft foam. Although that may not last as long. I hear what you say about the parts guy. That is why I buy deere's they really support you on the parts. The cost is another thing but you can almost always get what you need pretty quick.

Thanks again.

Phil

[CatD8RII]

The plastic dip works great. Its alot easier if you have the levers off the machine though, that way you can dip them into the can. The stuff I used had a primer you had to dip on first.

[digitup2]

But you would have to hang the crawler upside down to dip the leavers proper ?.Digitup.

[CatD8RII]

Haha, well if its easier than removing the levers , I remember seeing a pic at the JD factory when they actually dip entire track assemblies to paint them.

[digitup2]

Ya I have a book around with assembly line photos and paint both photos .I have a VHS tape here with testing grounds video as well some place also .Digitup.

[philztoy]

Hopefully it won't end up upside down but if it does I will be sure to dip those suckers first.

Actually, that stuff comes in spray cans so I might try and spray them.

I bought some heat shrink just a little bit small. So I am still plotting.

I haven't looked hard at taking the controls off. It does look like a bigger than desireable for dipping end of levers project.


thanks for the thoughts.

Phil

[bonker81]

try McMaster-Carr

[Jack-the-Ripper]

I really love the soft "Charmin" feel of foam motorcycle grips on my 450s B&C and get them at the local motorcycle shop. They last several years of consistent use through the extremes of hot and cold in North Idaho. They slip on slightly tight and after a little coaxing, don't require any cement or other treatment. I suppose you could lube them with soap and at worst it would wash away eventually in the rain.

If you prefer shrink tubing, try buying the pieces designated for car battery cables that are sold at the local auto parts store. They're about the right length and have exceptionally heavy walls.

But for winter snow plowing work, its still hard to imagine anything better than the foam motorcycle grips and I think they're probably less than $10 a pair.

Get a grip on, mateys!