microswitch help

I don't see why not. In a rather more pedestrian domestic hedge trimmer I took apart, both switches are just regular microswitches and they take the full mains load (~2.5A).

The main thing will be to get something to fit mechanically.

Probably, although I might be tempted to look up what CPC have to offer. At least there you know you're getting decent quality, and not subject to spec-sheet inflation.

Theo

I can't quite visualise the machine - any chence of some pictures.

I'm not sure whether you mean a hand-held reciprocating device wheich may be battery, mains or petrol driven, or a tractor attachment with a large circular saw type blade or a reciprocating cutter or something which looks like a lawnmower on the end of an arm.

McConnel HY REACH SUPER.E should find one.

I take it this isn't a cordless hand held :-)

Why microswitches?

Almost anything will do that

Almost anything will do 12v DC

Do you want momentary or latching?

Push, toggle or rocker?

The first question is does the switch latch or re-open when the operator returns to the mid position.

My other concern is some form of R/C snubbing to protect the contacts from the inductive kickback.

Ah..from the manual...

"This control box mounted in the tractor cab contains six micro switches in three switch blocks with spring centred operating levers, also a two position toggle switch"

There are also some diodes...they will need checking.

BUT it seems like there is no reason anything other than bog standard microswitches would be employed.

e.g.

Googling for that brought up an Operation and Spare Parts Manual. I assume that it's the microswitches in the Switchbox shown on Page 60 (Page 58 in the thumbnails) to which you are referring. They have a part number 84 02 021. I don't know whether they're available from McConnel if the firm still exists? But in ane case, they don't appear to be anything fancy - so there will be lots of generic replacements.

The cutter head movement is in view from the tractor cab (so long as the Sun isn't shining on the grubby window) and needs to stop when the switch is returned to the centre position.

I have found a CPC 600H series switch

Right page, wrong switch:-) You must remember that farm machinery manufacturers have had hundreds of years practice in making the job look harder than necessary! The 3 shrouded levers (18) each slot into a spring centred plastic slider. At either end of the slider is a pair of contacts each mounted on a leaf spring. My problem is that one of the leaf springs has snapped. Might be repairable after much further disassembly but an indication of age. There are 5 more potential failures waiting. Fortunately Saturday is the last permitted hedging day until next September so I can manually operate the hydraulic valves to get the m/c off the tractor and put it back in the barn.

That's 10 amps AC. It will be a lot less for DC but may still be adequate.