Kubota Thumb operation

[PAfarmer]

I have a few 2000 Kubota KX61-2 mini excavators. I purchased the weld on style thumbs for them but can't figure out how to operate them. The machine is plumbed for Aux. hydro on the stick but there is no switch/button in the operator station to activate the thumb. My local Kubota said they couldn't help me after an hour of phone calls to other dealers that were supposely in he know. USA Attachments has a picture of one on their site with a thumb on it, probably one of their customers.....Can anyone help. I seem to be getting nowhere fast on this thumb install . Thanks in advance.

 

[PAfarmer]

Nevermind..........I figured it out this morning. The Aux. control is located under the boom swing control.......Happy Thanksgiving to all...........

 

[drivadesl]

Maybe you wouldn't mind posting a photo of the thumb when you get it installed? I've got a U-35 that I really need to get a thumb for, and debating on making my own. I've got the aux hydraulics set up also that came pre-plumbed. Would love to see how yours works out. Good luck.

 

[PAfarmer]

I'd be happy to post a few photo's for you. I'd be happy to help you with the install too if you need help. I have a couple of these mini excavators. The kubota is the smoothest operating mini excavator out there. Really nice machine. I have the opportunity to run just about every brand out in the field today and they either feel jerky or lack power. The Kubota's are simply awesome machines. I'll post a few pictures soon. I need to get it into the shop to weld the thumb mounts on the stick and a real good cleaning then alittle touchup paint for good measure. She has to look good for her pictures you know............ha ha...........

 

[drivadesl]

Well almost three years later I finally installed a weld on hydraulic thumb to my mini ex. It's not clear whether the auxiliary circuit is set up with a pressure relief valve so was wondering if you had to install one on your machine. If you can clarify what hydraulic components you needed to add to make this workable, it would help me out a lot.

 

[lumberjack1986]

If it came set up for a thumb with the cylinder mount on the dipper, it should have work reliefs on the aux circuit.

 

[drivadesl]

If it came set up for a thumb with the cylinder mount on the dipper, it should have work reliefs on the aux circuit.

My U35, set up with the factory auxilliary hydraulic circuit, does not come with a separate pressure relief. I need to install relief valves in the circuit to protect the thumb/bucket. These are mounted to the valve block on the ports designated for this purpose which are plugged on my machine right now.

I ordered the relief valves from Messicks and waiting on these. Otherwise I have the thumb installed and it works fine, just need to be careful how I operate it.