BX25 3PT Modifications?

Tractor Seabee · May 10, 2012

CHDinCT said:
Seems this thread got a little far afield, but just to finish up my comments on adding a hydraulic top link, I pulled the trigger today on a Prince dual-spool valve with, hopefully, all the fittings and adapters I'll need to add dual rear remotes to my BX25. I plan to plum it into the BH power-beyond loop to run the hydraulic top link I made up when I had the old BX1860 with the dual rear remote kit (which is not available for BX25). I will start a thread probably in the Hydraulics forum once the project begins. I will need to make up a mounting bracket that will attach to the ROPS and then measure and order hoses, so it will be a while before it's functional. Chow.

Oh, mostly for Artisan, my long run plans are to add the Thumb grapple to my FEL bucket and power it from the rear remotes with loooong hoses. Not the ideal solution, but this approach will let me use my old hydraulic top link to start.

Chris,

My Bota dealer has a kit (there own design) for the BX 25 FEL which a solenoid valve that switches from the bucket curl circuit to a grapple. There is a switch on the joy stick that you push and hold to run the grapple and when you release the curl is back. Greatly reduces a bunch of hoses running around. I will do the rear remotes same as you when I get around to building my logging winch.

I am building a set of trash forks that will fit where the bucket fits and then I plan to add that type grapple circuit. Just starting the project. Using a piece of 6" channel for the bottom pins and just settled on how to weld on the pin brackets. Will then make a series of attachments that will hook onto the channel and its structure. Trying to decide how long to make the forks. Maybe I will make a set of long ones and a set of short ones. The forks are 1 1/2 square tube !/4" wall. My goal is to have a set up that can be changed from bucket to ?? w/o using any tools. Will update as I go along. Probably start a new thread once I have something to report.

I plan the winch to mount on the BH mount so I have a solid connection to the frame instead of the weak link 3PT (another project) in the planning stage.

Ron

CHDinCT · May 11, 2012

Tractor Seabee said:
Chris,

My Bota dealer has a kit (there own design) for the BX 25 FEL which a solenoid valve that switches from the bucket curl circuit to a grapple. There is a switch on the joy stick that you push and hold to run the grapple and when you release the curl is back. Greatly reduces a bunch of hoses running around. I will do the rear remotes same as you when I get around to building my logging winch.

Ron, that sounds cool and rather plug and play. I tried to get info and prices from my dealer on a 3rd function solution including a Fasse valve but they weren't much help for us BX owners. Artisan's aftermarket solution is very OEM too. I'm committed now to my rear remote solution for running the eventual thumb - first delivery of quick connects and some fittings came today from Discount Hydraulic Hose; the rest of it including the valve itself is coming from Surplus Center but hasn't shipped yet.

Artisan · May 11, 2012

Ron be sure to read my GrapplOmatic thread....It shows teh whole shootin match re that FASSE VALVE. If you want prices PM me and I will give you the guys tele number.

Tractor Seabee · May 12, 2012

Artisan said:
Ron be sure to read my GrapplOmatic thread....It shows teh whole shootin match re that FASSE VALVE. If you want prices PM me and I will give you the guys tele number.

The set up by my dealer is the same as your Fasse valve, not sure they use that brand valve though. Also my grapple will attach the my new fork system. That system will attach on nthe FEL arms in place of the bucket. Brings everything closer to the tractor so I shouild see a weight capacity increase. I will also build a 2 fork attachment to go on the basic frame for lifting pallets, also a big weight lifting increaser. Let your imagination go wild on what all I could hang on this new frame. This is the poor man's solution to the one BXExpander has. I am trying to make my BX25 into a 30 HP tractor for FEL stuff. I am still trying to find the bushing stock for the three pins.

Ron

radioman · May 13, 2012

seabee, are you referring the the collar that you put clips in for pin? or just pins itself?

Tractor Seabee · May 13, 2012

radioman said:
seabee, are you referring the the collar that you put clips in for pin? or just pins itself?

No the bushings are the permanent piece (welded in place) the pins slide into the attach the item to the arms/cylinders. They are the lubicated joint.

Ron

radioman · May 13, 2012

why not just get a pipe and cut off what you need and weld in?

Tractor Seabee · May 13, 2012

radioman said:
why not just get a pipe and cut off what you need and weld in?

Pipe ID is too loose a fit for a lubricated shaft assembly, it would create too much play up and down on the pin.

Ron

Artisan · May 13, 2012

Whats' the OD of the pins?

Tractor Seabee · May 13, 2012

Artisan said:
Whats' the OD of the pins?

3/4" schd 40 is too large and schd 80 would have to be bored out. As I am weldoing them in I prefer at least 1/4" wall to p[revent distortion as they are 1" long and less. I have a speciality steel supplier looking for the right sizes of regular bushing stock whih also is harder than iron pipe and close to the same as the standard cold rolled tractor pins.

Ron