"Houston, we have ignition................"

[Runs With Scissors]

Well fellas, with the "Hydraulic SSQA" project nearly behind me, my mind has moved on, and is considering how/what/when/why to do my "Hydraulic thumb".

I have been searching for ideas, and I really like what @RaleighL35 did with his.

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/2003-tlb-l35-bt900-backhoe-hydraulic-thumb.56902/

I was particualy inpressed with his "hydraulics" and I am/would like to copy much of what he did.

Now I am not a "total dumbass", (but I have my moments....for sure ) but I have some questions that need addressing before dumping "piles of cash" into this thing.

1. I am considering this type of cylinder, mainly cause I don't need the "swivel ends"....but the length needs to be finalized. As per normal, there is no "free lunch". I gotta give up either the "stowed away'ness" or give up "extended length".

I am presuming that these 2 choices are my best options, but I am open to suggestions.



Or this one.





Secondly, and possibly/probably most importantly, since I want to be able to "feather" the thumb instead of just having it "turn on and off" at full pressure..... I think I need the same (or similar) control valve to what @RaleighL35 used?

Since these valves are not "cheap" and there are TONS AND TONS or different part numbers, I want to be 1,000% sure this one will work with my system.....and will it "feather" the hydraulics?

Lastly, are there other/better options for valves?

https://aztechydraulics.com/product...giqMK-1n2PKEZDRPaKQ6o7JexR4U2EWeXjBopjjpzXthg


Let the games BEGIN!!!!!!!!

 

[PoTreeBoy]

What model backhoe do you have? Are you set on the foot pedal? I think I have a Husco 5000 valve section left over from my 3rd function project, but the spool would come out the top instead of the bottom.

From a little experience with my POS manual thumb, you'll want enough travel for the thumb to go nearly vertical, in line with the dipper stick. And you'll want it stowable if you're going to dig with the bucket. You could do a plywood mock-up before you buy.

I followed RaleighL35's thread and was impressed. I have a hydraulic thumb project on the way-back project list. One question I have is will the thumb for a BHxx fit on my BT900? In my mind, I've decided on an electric valve with a switch on one of the joysticks.

Oh, you may want to use 1/4" hoses to get them through the boom joint.

Good luck, at least one of us will be following your progress.

 

[lynnmor]

 

[Chanceywd]

The one I used is Magister too but it has the outlets clocked to the side which I found to be a better plan at least for my way of thinking.
I think I posted info on here.

Pardon Our Interruption...

This the rod end is perfect, the base end is the right pin but you will need to add or shim the width.
I also wanted it to tuck up as tight as possible so I plugged the base and redrilled a fraction of an inch off.
If you buy and mount first you may be happy with that. It may just be a variation in the factory manual thumb mount too.

I run mine off my third function and I have the base end tied to a relief valve so it can't get overpowered by the bucket cylinder and cause bending or blown valve or hoses.
My son made me a couple handles with a 3d printer so i have switches to control.

Edit, I have bought an extra 3d function valve and have thoughts of mounting that on the BH77.
That way Id only need a 12 trailer plug.
I think I should be able to put that on the inlet side on the backhoe valve and my relief teed in on the outlet side as that is going to the 3pt to tank if I understand that right.

With the backhoe off all hydraulics in regards to 3pt would be back to stock.

Bill

 

[Tarmy]

Best implement I have on the tractor cause we have rocks, lots of rocks. I routed the hydraulic hoses on the outside and they have never been a problem snagging. Looks weird but has been great for 17 years now. I used a no name cylinder so no help there.

 

[Chanceywd]

Best implement I have on the tractor cause we have rocks, lots of rocks. I routed the hydraulic hoses on the outside and they have never been a problem snagging. Looks weird but has been great for 17 years now. I used a no name cylinder so no help there. View attachment 179009 View attachment 179010 View attachment 179011 View attachment 179012 View attachment 179013

What do you use to control the thumb circuit?

Bill

 

[Chanceywd]

What model backhoe do you have? Are you set on the foot pedal? I think I have a Husco 5000 valve section left over from my 3rd function project, but the spool would come out the top instead of the bottom.

From a little experience with my POS manual thumb, you'll want enough travel for the thumb to go nearly vertical, in line with the dipper stick. And you'll want it stowable if you're going to dig with the bucket. You could do a plywood mock-up before you buy.

I followed RaleighL35's thread and was impressed. I have a hydraulic thumb project on the way-back project list. One question I have is will the thumb for a BHxx fit on my BT900? In my mind, I've decided on an electric valve with a switch on one of the joysticks.

Oh, you may want to use 1/4" hoses to get them through the boom joint.

Good luck, at least one of us will be following your progress.

I used 1/4" hoses and was able to thread them thru too.

Bill

 

[Chanceywd]

Well fellas, with the "Hydraulic SSQA" project nearly behind me, my mind has moved on, and is considering how/what/when/why to do my "Hydraulic thumb".

I have been searching for ideas, and I really like what @RaleighL35 did with his.

https://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/threads/2003-tlb-l35-bt900-backhoe-hydraulic-thumb.56902/

I was particualy inpressed with his "hydraulics" and I am/would like to copy much of what he did.

Now I am not a "total dumbass", (but I have my moments....for sure ) but I have some questions that need addressing before dumping "piles of cash" into this thing.

1. I am considering this type of cylinder, mainly cause I don't need the "swivel ends"....but the length needs to be finalized. As per normal, there is no "free lunch". I gotta give up either the "stowed away'ness" or give up "extended length".

I am presuming that these 2 choices are my best options, but I am open to suggestions.
View attachment 178985


Or this one.


View attachment 178986


Secondly, and possibly/probably most importantly, since I want to be able to "feather" the thumb instead of just having it "turn on and off" at full pressure..... I think I need the same (or similar) control valve to what @RaleighL35 used?

Since these valves are not "cheap" and there are TONS AND TONS or different part numbers, I want to be 1,000% sure this one will work with my system.....and will it "feather" the hydraulics?

Lastly, are there other/better options for valves?

https://aztechydraulics.com/product...giqMK-1n2PKEZDRPaKQ6o7JexR4U2EWeXjBopjjpzXthg


Let the games BEGIN!!!!!!!!

Those cylinders both have 3/4 pin bore. The one I used has the 1.02 pin bore you will need. It is 2" bore 10" stroke.

This is the one I used

Pardon Our Interruption...

Bill

 

[Tarmy]

What do you use to control the thumb circuit?

Bill


i installed rear remotes and that thumb is controlled by the lever next to the seat…