can it be done? any kit or whole valve conversion? thanks.
Most joystick controls are just linkage, it's the same 2 spool valve. I don't know if they made a w20 with a joystick or not. If they did, you might find a used setup. If they didn't, you will probably have to fabricate something, or maybe modify linkage off of something like a backhoe. I doubt new kits are available now, if they ever were. The dealers think w20s are getting a little long in the tooth.
They made them with or without the joy sticks, more without it seems. I would check the parts book online, parts should not be a issue to get to change over. The equipment bone yards may have a set if you check around. Do you have a 4x1 bucket 3 spool valve or 2 spool valve ? It would not be a big issue once you had the parts.
wonder why most were 2 lever ? Seems to me the joystick is so much easier to operate
It was a upgrade, machines came from the plant as standard unless ordered that way. They were on a floor plan at the dealers yards. Sales had a full line of whole goods that were used to custom a machine to a customers needs if they could not find one in the system to bring in. If it was a bid machine they did not want to give $$$$ away if the specs did not call for it. Some owners buy off the yard and did not spec it at all and some deals were made by just changing the levers, seat, lighting, bucket, cutting edge, tire size. If the machine is loaded you have to give it away with the sale or not sell it and wait for a machine to come off the line. Today most machines standard equipment is more than what was offered back then. That machine was a mid 80's build, replaced by the 621 series loader.