Backhoe B26 backhoe thumb leaking?

[lhansman]

Well I finally bit the bullet and purchased the hydraulic thumb for my B26 a couple of weeks ago. I asked about the usefullness of this accessory last year and everyone urged me on and I must say I am very pleased with it. In the rocky country where I am it saves a lot of time when trying to get a rock out of a hole.

That said, I have a little problem. There seems to be an internal "leak" after I fully retract the thumb. While using the backhoe over a period of 15 - 20 minutes I have noticed that the cylinder starts to extend about an inch in that time. This despite the fact that I have the foot pedal folded up against the valve pedestal so I know I did not accidently step on the pedal. Has anyone else experienced this or is there perhaps a leak internally that is allowing oil to extend the cylinder over time? I had it installed by the dealer so I can return it and have it fixed but just wanted to know if this was "normal".

 

[powerstroke444e]

Mine has done that from day one on the thumb, Its just one of those things it guess that bug me but not enought to look at having fixed. One thing is to keep the pin greased well as I found if you don't the thumb moves more. Had mine about 2 1/2 yrs and use it for commercial work. I have broke a few things but all were my fault or covered under warranty.
After having the hydraulic thumb its hard to use one with out it.

 

[Carl Bert]

Well I finally bit the bullet and purchased the hydraulic thumb for my B26 a couple of weeks ago. I asked about the usefullness of this accessory last year and everyone urged me on and I must say I am very pleased with it. In the rocky country where I am it saves a lot of time when trying to get a rock out of a hole.

That said, I have a little problem. There seems to be an internal "leak" after I fully retract the thumb. While using the backhoe over a period of 15 - 20 minutes I have noticed that the cylinder starts to extend about an inch in that time. This despite the fact that I have the foot pedal folded up against the valve pedestal so I know I did not accidently step on the pedal. Has anyone else experienced this or is there perhaps a leak internally that is allowing oil to extend the cylinder over time? I had it installed by the dealer so I can return it and have it fixed but just wanted to know if this was "normal".

I believe mine does the same, just not in that short of time. Its kind of hard to say exactly, due to the fact that I always seem to be using it. I live in ROCKland county, NY, and you can't dig a hole out here without hitting rock. So like I said, the thumb is pretty much always in use, but I will try and keep an eye on it tomorrow and let you know what happens. I guess, if you know your not going to be using it, you can always put a bungy cord around it and the arm, but why should you have to if its not working properly and can be corrected. Ok like I said I will let you know tomorrow.

 

[Wolfy]

I can tell you from experience, when you open the thumb and lay it back along the boom, it would be wise to not completely open it, leave like one inch of chrome piston showing, it lessens the stress on the cylinder.

 

[lhansman]

Well at least I know I am not alone. I'm going to call the dealer and get there take on it and let you know what they say.

Thanks

 

[missingstexas]

Let us know what you hear please... I haven't noticed mine doing this, but I certainly could have just missed it. Mostly because when I'm using the hoe the thumb is being operated as well...

 

[Carl Bert]

Ok I used it today and from what I can tell it does not retract at all. There were definitely 15 and 20 min periods where I didn't use the thumb, but not much longer then that. I would be interested to hear what the dealer has to say. Good luck.

 

[lhansman]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to yo but it was a few days before I got an answer from the dealer. According to the serivce manager the thumb should not move when not being used so he will have a look at it the next time the machine is in.

I have found a good deal on a used Grattex extendable snow blade for my B26 and so have ordered the front auxiliary hydraulic kit from the dealer. When that arrives I will take the B26 in to have it installed and check out the thumb issue and post the results.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[Carl Bert]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to yo but it was a few days before I got an answer from the dealer. According to the serivce manager the thumb should not move when not being used so he will have a look at it the next time the machine is in.

I have found a good deal on a used Grattex extendable snow blade for my B26 and so have ordered the front auxiliary hydraulic kit from the dealer. When that arrives I will take the B26 in to have it installed and check out the thumb issue and post the results.

Thanks for your responses.

How much for the front aux. Hyd ? Labor and material.