Here's something for anyone who has a 3700 Ditch Witch. I was working on one that the hyd control valve was leaky leaky, had to replace valve spool o-rings. Also, the seal boots for control levers were bad, the joystick lever boot was gone. I called Ditch Witch, they have the joystick boot in stock. The lever operated valve boots...not available...have to replace the valve end cap which comes with new boot...$52.00 each! You've got to be kidding! It's a wear item, it's rubber, the end cap is metal! That's like taking your car/truck to get new tires and they say you have to buy tire AND wheel! :Banghead Then I remembered working on a tow behind boom lift several years ago that had a veerrrryyy similar valve, the Ameriquip Eagle lift. I contacted Ameriquip in Calvert City Kentucky,'splained to Bob Rolens what I was doing, he said "yeah, I have the boots (for Eagle lift) in stock...$5.70 each. I was convinced in my head they would work, send me two. They arrived today...perfect fit! I wish everything worked this good...for near 1/10th the cost. :drinkup Here's the link to ADI-Ameriquip for anyone who needs to replace these boots. Talk to Bob Rolens, part #2168BT http://www.ameriquipeagle.com/ old boot new boot perfect!
And Ditch Witch probably has it figured that even if 8 out of 10 guys are as smart as you and buy the cheaper alternative, they're still ahead of the game...
LoL, they may be ahead of the game...except with folks who visit Heavy Equipment Forums!