Avant hydraulics issue. Random grapple opening and closing.

[theatertech87]

I've got an avant 528 with knock around grapple that as the title says, will randomly open and close the grapple; which as I'm sure you can imagine is really annoying when carrying brush and logs. It seems to be more frequent once the machine has warmed up a bit, and when you're running multiple other functions (such as curl and lift) though it also happens without touching the controls (See video here, where you can hear the hydraulics loading and unloading).

What do you guys have for trouble shooting and diagnostics? And our local avant dealer is absolutely rubbish. I've done the best I can to check for broken/frayed wires in the control grip and found nothing, and the relays on the hydraulic solenoid, seem to be ok, and I'd rahter not swap parts until it goes away if I can help it.

 

[Mick Dempsey]

It has to be switchgear/electrics.

That joystick has the hydraulic rotator switchgear, yours is a knockabout you say.

 

[Treetopflyer]

I've got an avant 528 with knock around grapple that as the title says, will randomly open and close the grapple; which as I'm sure you can imagine is really annoying when carrying brush and logs. It seems to be more frequent once the machine has warmed up a bit, and when you're running multiple other functions (such as curl and lift) though it also happens without touching the controls (See video here, where you can hear the hydraulics loading and unloading).

What do you guys have for trouble shooting and diagnostics? And our local avant dealer is absolutely rubbish. I've done the best I can to check for broken/frayed wires in the control grip and found nothing, and the relays on the hydraulic solenoid, seem to be ok, and I'd rahter not swap parts until it goes away if I can help it.

Whatever was the result here ?

 

[theatertech87]

One of the blue and red buttons that activates the auxiliary controls was failing. They're relatively easy to replace if you can solder. I found it easiest to remove the pistol grip from the machine then split it apart of the bench and replaced the buttons

 

[Treetopflyer]

I’m no soldering king but I’ve been known to make it work hopefully won’t see this problem myself for many hours of usage.