BX hydraulic thumb

[sqidget]

I will be posting how I did the project soon, but first here is a teaser.
It is a modified Wallenstein thumb which had annoyed me with getting on and off the tractor to set it.

 

[newbury]

Darn, and I just got a Woods thumb!

 

[sqidget]

here are the base parts I used. I got the valve and cylinder from surplus center, the hoses were made locally, and a shot of the unmodified Wallenstein thumb.

 

[Just2quickz28]

Thats great. I have been wanting to get a Wallenstein thumb for some time. Want to modify mine when I get it I would love to see the parts list (model numbers and what not) and some detailed shots of the mod.

 

[sqidget]

First step was to remove the backhoe from the tractor, lift it up high enough to work, and set it on stands.
Then figure out just how I was going to do this. I started by removing the linkage cover for the joysticks.

 

[sqidget]

Next was figuring out where to put the valve etc. I found that it all fits very nicely under the platform with just enough room for hoses and linkage.
I am sorry for the gaps in photos but I was into the project and had to remind myself to take pics. I will make a list of parts etc and post it after the pics of the project.
Photo 2 shows the mounting holes for the valve tapped out, the linkage hole marked. The backhoe control valve has been unbolted and pushed back to prevent drilling/tapping interference.
Photo 3 shows one of the photo gaps I was mentioning. the linkage hole has been drilled and the fittings are on the valve. This pic was taken a lot farther into the project than it is posted.
This is all for tonight.
More will come soon.

 

[BX2230Dude]

Beautiful work. Very clever.

 

[sqidget]

After finding out where the valve was going I removed the control tower, marked the spot for drilling and drilled the hole for the control rod.

The end of the spool needed to be tapped for the ball joint used for the control rod end

 

[sqidget]

here is the valve mounted with the control rod in position through the platform and into the tower .

The second pic shows the control rod positioning within the tower

The third pic shows the brackets made to support the pivot. these were made from tubing welded to angle iron, then pressing bronze bushings into the tubing. These were made in a long piece and cut to desired length.

 

[sqidget]

This is the rod bent to follow the towers shape.

The second pic shows the complete pivot assembly


The third pic is the tower again removed to mark and install the pivot.

 

[sqidget]

Here is the pivot installed into the tower.

The 2nd pic is positioning the control handle in the tower.

3rd pic is the collar welded to a old handle to fit it to a shaft

 

[sqidget]

The first pic is the completed handle linkage, unfortunately this step was another photo gap. The pivot for the handle shaft was made the same way as the lower pivots. They were then connected by linkage. The handle is connected to the shaft by a roll pin.

The handle is shown bent toward the operator. This did not work and has been straightened to avoid my knee.

 

[sqidget]

After knowing the valve is mounted and can be controlled, it is time for plumbing!
1st pic is the new hoses connected to the new spool valve and plumbed into the tractor's hydraulic circuit.

2nd pic shows the lines out to the thumb hooked up and routed out to the boom

3rd pic is the new hoses routed into the boom

 

[sqidget]

here are the hoses where they exit the boom

 

[sqidget]

now to connect the hoses to the boom.
1st is a cut piece of angle iron drilled to recieve 2 steel nipples and then welded into position.

2nd pic shows the nipples welded in place.

3rd pic is the cleaned, painted and assembled hose and quick coupler assy

 

[sqidget]

Now for the fun part!
1st is removing the link.

2nd is the cyl rod end with bushings to properly center the 3/4" pins in the 1" holes in the thumb

3rd is the 1 1/4"x 3/4" id tubing lathe turned to fit the 1" hole

 

[sqidget]

1st The cyl and bushings being test fit.

2nd the bushing and pin from outside of thumb.

3rd is the bushings welded into the thumb pin holes.

 

[sqidget]

1st is the two sides of the upper cylinder mount before assy. The tubing was welded in place, the two halves clamped together and reamed as one piece. then welded together.

2nd here is the assembled cyl mount on the thumb framework.

3rd is the cyl being test fit

 

[sqidget]

After cleaning and painting, here is the finished results.

2nd is another view of the hoses etc for the completed project.

3rd is in action.



I still have a few things to button up like the pins still have handles, they are retained with hitch pins etc. Also these pics did not show drilling and tapping for grease fittings etc but giva a good over view.
I will try to assemble a list of materials and post it soon.

 

[ultrarunner]

Wow! is all that I can say... are you sure you don't design/build for a living?