Bandit 15xp throttle control problem

[chiselbit]

I have a 2018 bandit 15xp and the buttons that control engine speed are getting harder and harder to operate. As in they don’t work just pushing them anymore, I had to use my knuckle for awhile, now a smooth rock or stick and that’s not working well. Is there something in the control panel that can be cleaned or replaced? Or does the whole panel need to be replaced? Anyone had this happen to them?

 

[Reach]

I have not experienced that, but if I am correct about the type of button those are, the back of the button is made of conductive material and has to touch a couple little printed contacts when you push it. Some dust buildup in there could prevent proper contact from being made. I would probably try to see if it was possible to take the front panel off of that controller and clean the contacts.

 

[chiselbit]

Thanks. That makes sense, I didn’t want to blindly start dismantling things. I have anger issues that start when I pick up wrenches and similar tools,,,

 

[Reach]

Thanks. That makes sense, I didn’t want to blindly start dismantling things. I have anger issues that start when I pick up wrenches and similar tools,,,

Understood, I get that way sometimes when I’m fighting with cantankerous parts. Just be gentle and take it slow, and you should be fine. If it gets the better of you, just stop and call a mechanic.

 

[Merle Nelson]

Wow, bummer. Reach's fix does sound plausible. Hope that does it for you.

If I remember correctly you have the gas engine in that. If so, how has that played out on a bigger chipper?

 

[kenten]

I'd be interested in knowing how you make out with this. We have a 2019 15XPC with the 4.3L PSI gas and that same style Murphy control panel. Back in January, at 720 hrs, it had a spell or two where it would not repond to any button input. None of the buttons on the control panel worked. It still started and ran, and you could still throttle up by pressing the button back by the infeed, but no way to throttle down unless Fuel Saver kicked in. Our mechanic checked the connectors that plugged into the back of the panel, and after working with those the issue went away and has not come back. However, it sounds to me like your issue is different, more of a physical wear or dirt issue.

FWIW, While we were troubleshooting, I did speak with a service tech at Winchester Equipment and his take was that these control panels are not serviceable, that they are sealed or fused together at the factory and they're near impossible to open up without destroying them. (But some of that may depend how badly you want it to work.)

For this machine, that Bandit part number was 300-8012-67 and between $850 and $900 in price.

 

[chiselbit]

I'd be interested in knowing how you make out with this. We have a 2019 15XPC with the 4.3L PSI gas and that same style Murphy control panel. Back in January, at 720 hrs, it had a spell or two where it would not repond to any button input. None of the buttons on the control panel worked. It still started and ran, and you could still throttle up by pressing the button back by the infeed, but no way to throttle down unless Fuel Saver kicked in. Our mechanic checked the connectors that plugged into the back of the panel, and after working with those the issue went away and has not come back. However, it sounds to me like your issue is different, more of a physical wear or dirt issue.

FWIW, While we were troubleshooting, I did speak with a service tech at Winchester Equipment and his take was that these control panels are not serviceable, that they are sealed or fused together at the factory and they're near impossible to open up without destroying them. (But some of that may depend how badly you want it to work.)

For this machine, that Bandit part number was 300-8012-67 and between $850 and $900 in price.

Ouch. Sounds like I better let a good mechanic fiddle with it, I’ll break it for sure. Thanks

 

[chiselbit]

Wow, bummer. Reach's fix does sound plausible. Hope that does it for you.

If I remember correctly you have the gas engine in that. If so, how has that played out on a bigger chipper?

Hey Merle, the gas engine is fine. Very powerful. I try not to max out the diameter but sometimes with soft wood I’ll chip big logs and it just chews it up. No complaints. I had 9” chippers before this one and I look back now and think what a waste of time that was.

 

[Merle Nelson]

Ahhhh. Nine inches is what I'm at for mostly pruning work load. Right now I can give away wood pretty easily when I do removals.

Thinking of being able to chip more wood when a couple of firewood guys drop off. Might as well go tracked then too. I can shoot alot of chips into fields etc on most work I do.