John Deere 690E LC Control Pattern Change

[MikePhua]

Introduction
The John Deere 690E LC is a heavy hydraulic excavator produced in the 1980s–1990s. It belongs to Deere’s mid-sized excavator line, known for its robust 6-cylinder CAT 3306 engine, long undercarriage, and strong reach for its class. Many units of this model are still in use across North America due to their durability and repairability. One question that arises among operators is whether the control pattern — the mapping of joystick functions — can be switched between ISO (“excavator”) and SAE (“backhoe”) style, in order to match what the operator is used to.

Key Terms and Components

• Control Pattern: Determines which joystick moves which implement (boom, stick/arm, bucket, swing). Two common standards are ISO (excavator) and SAE/backhoe.
  
• Pilot Control Lines: Hydraulic or electro-hydraulic lines that carry low-pressure control signals (pilot pressure) from the operator’s controls (joysticks/pedals) to the valve body or control valve block.
  
• Hoses G2, K2, H2, L2: Labels used to identify specific pilot control lines in the 690E LC under the cab or access panels.
  
• Hydraulic Valve Block / Control Valve: The central hardware that converts pilot pressure inputs into hydraulic actuation of boom, stick, swing, bucket, etc.
  
• ISO Standard: The excavator-style control scheme — typically, right joystick controls bucket and stick; left joystick controls boom and swing.
  
• SAE / Backhoe Standard: The backhoe-style control scheme — often the opposite mapping, making certain movements more intuitive for operators coming from backhoe machines.
  

Can the Control Pattern Be Switched on the 690E LC
Yes. On many units of John Deere 690E LC, switching control pattern is possible by rerouting the pilot control lines. This is a mechanical/manual modification rather than an electronic reprogramming (common on much newer machines). Key facts:

• Pilot hoses labelled G2 and K2 can be swapped.
  
• Likewise hoses H2 and L2 can be swapped. Swapping these pairs effectively changes which joystick sends which pilot signal to the valve block, altering the control pattern.
  
• The location of these hoses is typically in the access panel beneath the operator’s seat.
  

Steps for Changing Pattern
Here’s a suggested procedure:

1. Safely park machine on level ground, lower attachments, shut down engine, relieve hydraulic pressure where required.
   
2. Remove the access panel under the cab to reach pilot control hoses (look for hoses labelled G2, K2, H2, L2).
   
3. Loosen clamps or fittings securing these hoses.
   
4. Swap G2 ↔ K2, and H2 ↔ L2. Ensure fittings are properly sealed; use correct torque/load spec.
   
5. Reinstall hoses with clamps/fittings tightened.
   
6. Replace access panel.
   
7. Test controls in both directions (boom up/down, stick in/out, bucket curl/dump, swing left/right) to verify correct mapping. Make small adjustments as needed.
   

Limitations and Considerations

• Hydraulic vs Electronic: Some 690ELC units may have later modifications or control blocks with electronic or pilot-valve configurations that complicate or prevent simple hose switching. If controls are electro-hydraulic, pattern change may require re-wiring or module changes.
  
• Tube/hose wear: Frequent swapping or working with old, brittle hoses can lead to leaks if fittings aren’t handled carefully.
  
• Safety and familiarity: Changing patterns can cause operator confusion. New drivers should verify mapping before full-use, ideally with a test without load.
  
• Documentation: Operating manuals, exploded diagrams of pilot line routing, and Deere parts literature are very helpful. Having the correct OEM manual ensures hose labels are understood correctly.
  

Small Story
An operator in Nova Scotia recently purchased a 690E LC and was frustrated having used “backhoe” controls all his working life. After getting used to Deere’s standard excavator mapping (ISO), he discovered that with a few hose swaps (G2 with K2, H2 with L2), the joysticks behaved like his old backhoe. It took about an hour — removing panels, swapping lines, testing — but once the change was made, his fatigue dropped, and productivity improved. It also avoided frustration when working multiple machines with differing patterns.

Data and Spec Context

• The 690E LC series manuals (repair / operation & tests) list hydraulic specifications, torque values, hose routing, and pilot control line identification.
  
• Fuel tank, hydraulic capacities, track shoe sizes, boom and stick dimensions differ among serials, but control pattern lines (G2, K2, etc.) are consistently labelled in OEM literature.
  

Recommendations

• Before swapping hoses, trace each pilot line and mark them; take photos to avoid confusion.
  
• Use replacement hoses or adapters that meet pressure ratings indicated in the technical manual.
  
• After swap, perform full control check in a safe area, with minimal load, to verify correct mapping of boom, stick, bucket, and swing.
  
• Consider keeping a sticker or label in the cab indicating which pattern is active to avoid confusion among multiple operators.
  
• If unit shows electronic elements or servo valves for controls, consult a dealer or OEM parts manual to confirm whether hose-swap pattern change is safe or whether significant modifications are needed.
  

Conclusion
The John Deere 690E LC typically allows for manual change of control pattern between ISO and SAE/backhoe styles by swapping specific pilot control hoses (notably G2 with K2, H2 with L2). This mechanical method is relatively straightforward if you have proper access, labels, manual, and take care. While some later or modified units may complicate this, many operators find that making the change improves comfort, reduces operator error, and can increase productivity.