853H foot to hand controls

[sledesigns]

A friends many years digging buddy has been his 853H. He knows it inside & out and would like to keep it forever. Now though, pivoting his ankles on the foot controls is bothering his joints. Were there any 853's or similar machines with mechanical hand controls? Possibly something attainable at a salvage yard or swappable? I only know of the Case XT series mechanical hand controls and the later Bobcat electronic ones. Has Bobcat ever had a hand control option before they went electronic? Thanks -Scott

 

[mrfixitpaul]

They did have optional mechanical hand controls available on that machine. Used a cable from each handle down to the foot area, to move the linkages where the pedals should be. Maybe find the parts at scrap yard....definitely a swappable retrofit. Controls from 750 or 850 series should be the same.

 

[sledesigns]

They did have optional mechanical hand controls available on that machine. Used a cable from each handle down to the foot area, to move the linkages where the pedals should be. Maybe find the parts at scrap yard....definitely a swappable retrofit. Controls from 750 or 850 series should be the same.

Thanks allot Mrfixitpaul. I relayed your message and he has some good options now. He'll be happy to be back in the saddle for extended periods again.