SANY 26U Joystick Activation and Hydraulic Line Integration

[MikePhua]

The Rise of SANY and the 26U’s Market Position
SANY Group, founded in 1989 in Changsha, China, has grown into one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers. By 2023, SANY ranked among the top five global excavator producers, with over 100,000 units sold annually across its compact and mid-size ranges. The SANY 26U mini excavator was introduced as part of its strategy to penetrate Western markets with affordable, feature-rich machines tailored for urban utility work, landscaping, and light demolition.
The 26U is a zero-tail swing compact excavator weighing approximately 2.8 metric tons. It features a Yanmar 3TNV80F engine, delivering around 19.6 horsepower, and is equipped with auxiliary hydraulic lines for attachments like hammers and rotating grapples. Its compact footprint and robust lifting capacity make it a popular choice for contractors working in tight spaces.
Joystick Button Malfunction and Diagnostic Challenges
A recurring issue reported by operators involves the left button on the left joystick failing to activate auxiliary hydraulic functions, despite the presence of hammer and rotation lines. In one case, voltage readings confirmed that the switch itself was functioning, and the valve responded correctly when manually triggered. Wiring continuity checks revealed no faults, yet the button remained inactive.
This points to a deeper issue: software-level configuration. Many modern excavators, including the SANY 26U, use programmable control modules that require factory-level access to enable or disable joystick functions. If a button is not activated during initial setup, it may remain dormant until unlocked via diagnostic software.
Understanding CAN Bus and Joystick Mapping
The SANY 26U uses a Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system to manage communication between electronic components. Joystick inputs are mapped to specific functions via the machine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). If a button is not assigned a function or is disabled in the ECU, it will not trigger any response—even if the hardware is intact.
Key terms:

• CAN bus: A robust vehicle bus standard that allows microcontrollers and devices to communicate without a host computer.
  
• ECU (Electronic Control Unit): The brain of the machine that interprets signals and manages functions.
  
• Joystick mapping: The process of assigning specific hydraulic or electrical functions to joystick buttons.
  

In this case, the left joystick button likely requires activation through the ECU’s configuration menu, which is password-protected.
Factory Passwords and Dealer Access
Accessing the deeper configuration layers of the ECU typically requires a factory password. These passwords are not publicly disclosed and are intended for authorized dealer technicians. While some operators attempt to bypass this restriction using third-party diagnostic tools, doing so risks voiding warranties or corrupting the machine’s software.
The recommended approach is to contact a certified SANY dealer who can:

• Authenticate the machine’s serial number
  
• Access the ECU using proprietary software
  
• Enable or remap joystick functions
  
• Update firmware if necessary
  

In one anecdote, a contractor in Ireland spent days troubleshooting a similar issue before discovering that the joystick button had never been activated during pre-delivery inspection. A dealer technician resolved the problem in under 30 minutes using factory credentials.
Flow Rate Configuration and Attachment Compatibility
Another layer of complexity involves the flow rate settings for auxiliary hydraulics. Even if the joystick button is activated, improper flow rate configuration can prevent attachments from functioning correctly. The SANY 26U allows operators to adjust flow rates via the onboard monitor, but these settings must match the requirements of the attachment.
For example:

• Hydraulic hammers typically require 25–40 L/min
  
• Rotating grapples may need 15–25 L/min with pressure relief valves
  
• Augers demand consistent flow and pressure regulation
  

Operators should consult the attachment manufacturer’s specifications and adjust the flow rate accordingly. Failure to do so can result in sluggish performance or damage to the attachment.
Recommendations for Troubleshooting and Setup
To ensure full functionality of joystick controls and hydraulic attachments:

• Verify voltage at the joystick switch and valve solenoid
  
• Check wiring continuity and connector integrity
  
• Confirm flow rate settings via the monitor
  
• Contact a dealer to access ECU configuration and enable joystick functions
  
• Document all changes for future reference and warranty compliance
  

For contractors managing multiple machines, it’s advisable to standardize joystick configurations across the fleet to reduce operator confusion and training time.
Conclusion
The SANY 26U mini excavator offers impressive capabilities for its size, but its reliance on software-based configuration introduces challenges for independent operators. Joystick button activation, flow rate tuning, and ECU access are critical to unlocking the full potential of its hydraulic system. With proper setup and dealer support, the 26U can deliver reliable performance across a wide range of applications—from trenching and grading to demolition and material handling. As SANY continues to expand its global footprint, understanding the nuances of its control systems will be key to maximizing uptime and operator satisfaction.