Adding a "Thumb" to my JD 3520 FEL

[mark02tj]

I know that this question, or a variation of it has been asked about 12 million times! But searching gives me too many non-specific results and I know NOTHING about hydraulics so I need a little hand holding on this. I'm just amazed at guys like J_J that can answer this stuff in their sleep!! :thumbsup:

Anyway, here's the story - I have a 2005 Deere 3520. As far as I know, I do not have the Power Beyond kit on it, but I do have the rear remotes. They are currently being used to raise/lower my MMM. I am buying a Green's Machine "Thumb" to mount on my FEL bucket. It has a single cylinder.

I want to do this as inexpensively as possible, but if I can do it "right" for another $1-200, I will do it right. My initial thought is to just buy to loooong hoses to go from the rear remotes, along the tractor and up the FEL frame and control the Thumb with the little lever next to my seat. For the most part, I won't have the mower attached while I'm using the Thumb. Of course, I'd like to control everything from the FEL joystick, so I'm open to that as well.

Here are pics of how my tractor is set up... (pay no attention to the junk in the garage! :laughing

Rear Remotes:

FEL hydraulic block:

ViewS of the FEL, hose/line routing, etc.:

I don't know if it's possible to mount an electric diverter valve on the FEL frame or now. Plus, I'm not sure about tapping into those hose connections.

ANY advice and guidance would be appreciated!!

THANKS!

 

[kennyd]

Mark, Artillian sells a ready made diverter kit that will fit your loader-installation is VERY easy.

Hydraulic Products

 

[mark02tj]

Thanks for that, Kenny! I know that the Artillian stuff is top-notch, but I'm hoping to do something for just a bit less than $559. That may be what it takes though. Plus it's plug-n-play (and hopefully idiot-proof for me!!).

 

[kennyd]

If you want cheaper/easier, than long 1/4" hoses will be in future.

Sure you can get a diverter valve for less, but by the time you add in the hoses, fittings, QD's, switch, other misc hardware, and shipping from multiple places you won't save much over buying this kit.

 

[J_J]

Yes you can save quite a bit.

Here is a 10.5 GPM setup you can put together and work your thumb if you want solenoid control and a thumb switch.

12 VDC 10 GPM OC DA SOLENOID VALVE

1 STATION DO3 SUBPLATE OPEN CENTER

Just add thumb switch, wire,and hoses and you are set.

You might need a relief valve on the thumb cyl if the bucket cyl is stronger.

You would add this valve in series with your loader valve.

 

[mark02tj]

J_J - THANKS for the reply! I think this is something that I'm going to try and tackle myself (with a LOT of help) rather than buy a "kit" for it. As I said above, I know next to nothing about hydraulics so I'm going to need a lot of hand-holding on this. That being said, I have a lot of questions right off the bat....

I can see how the solenoid valve mounts to the subplate. One thing I'm confused about though is that there are only 4 ports on the subplate. In my mind I have 2 hydraulic circuits to split (1 for up, 1 for down) which means that I need 2 inputs and 4 outputs on the plate. Are the 4 ports on the subplate for output? If so, I'm guessing that there are 2 inputs are on the backside of the valve which are not shown on the picture in the catalog?

I am also going to have questions about hoses, fittings, etc. I will check the hose sizes on the tractor before I post them though. One question that I have now has to do with fittings - I noticed when I was at Tractor Supply the other day that they had a couple of different types of quick disconnects. One was labeled "Old JD Style". Does/Did John Deere use their own style of quick disconnect? Do they still do it? Would my 2005 tractor be affected by this.

J_J - if you're rolling your eyes at my newbie questions, I understand!! I do really appreciate any help and guidance you can give me though.

THANKS!!!

 

[kennyd]

I can see how the solenoid valve mounts to the subplate. One thing I'm confused about though is that there are only 4 ports on the subplate. In my mind I have 2 hydraulic circuits to split (1 for up, 1 for down) which means that I need 2 inputs and 4 outputs on the plate. Are the 4 ports on the subplate for output? If so, I'm guessing that there are 2 inputs are on the backside of the valve which are not shown on the picture in the catalog?

Only diverters have 6 ports, that's not what he linked.

 

[J_J]

To operate a thumb cyl, you need two ports for the cyl and one for the IN, and one for OUT.

The PB from the FEL valve will connect to the IN port on the subplate.

The OUT on the subplate will connect to the next downstream valve.

The two work ports will connect to the cyl.

As far as the QD's, take one of the QD from your tractor and match it up.

Quick Disconnects > Discount Hydraulic Hose.com

http://www.surpluscenter.com/_MoreSpecs/dr9-5883-1.pdf

Do you have a port for PB on the FEL. If so, add the PB adapter.

If not, then the subplate can be added in series with the hyd flow before the remotes, as the subplate ports are all high pressure.

Then run the wires to the switch on the joystick handle.