Bro-Tek Thumb

[Beechwood]

Do you know for sure that the 3 spool valve has a power beyond circuit?

Yes JJ the OEM 3 spool valve is a Sauer Danfoss model 1637 -tag#156B2294-code# 1637-TSTSFA14NS. The 3 spool valve has a power beyond port machined and plugged (use whenever a downstream valve is required ). The 422,425 2425, ( and I think the larger PT's) use the same valve.

 

[MossRoad]

Awsome numbers. Thanks!

 

[KentT]

Those part numbers are some very useful info...

I can picture all kinds of things I'd like to be able to control on a separate circuit like that...

I'm also considerin plumbing in a set of rear Quick-Connects for things like a dump trailer, or winch, or log-splitter, where the attachment would have it's own control valve and only needed supply and return lines...

 

[Beechwood]

Awsome numbers. Thanks!

I'm always willing to help my fellow PT'ers with TOP SECRET insider information

 

[farm23]

WOW!! The things I learn here are very useful. I just need the time to do some of the mods. It would be great to have another circuit then I could really spend money on more toys.

 

[Beechwood]

I'm always willing to help my fellow PT'ers with TOP SECRET insider information

For tech. info on the valves go to Sauer-Danfoss - What really matters is inside™ -then click on Literature- Click search- keyword (control valves)- Then click on the 2nd. title down (directional control valves tech. etc.). Pages 15-26 has the info on the 1617, 1627, and 1637 valves. Hope this helps.

The 1627 is the OEM 180 2 spool valve that I replaced with the 1637 model when I built my backhoe.

 

[farm23]

RegL last month you asked about using the mini hoe with the Bro-Tek still mounted. The other day I had to bury my old bird dog. It was 13 outside and the ground was well frozen and I had no trouble in digging a large hole in rocky soil. While I was working I cleaned up a 200' drainage ditch. Based on this experience I doubt I will take the thumb off.

 

[RegL]

farm23, sorry about your old friend passing. I've had to bury a few myself. It's never easy. On a brighter note, that thumb looks better all the time. I think I'm going to look into one for my 1430.

 

[SELKIRK]

I'm starting my yearly toy wish list and a thumb is on it. Here's a couple of questions on the Bro-Tek thumb

Farm23-After owning this for a couple of months would you purchase it again?
Could you also share any Pro vs Cons on it?

RegL-Did you ever purchase one? If so what are your thoughts on it?


Thanks

Selkirk

 

[RegL]

I'm starting my yearly toy wish list and a thumb is on it. Here's a couple of questions on the Bro-Tek thumb

Farm23-After owning this for a couple of months would you purchase it again?
Could you also share any Pro vs Cons on it?

RegL-Did you ever purchase one? If so what are your thoughts on it?


Thanks

Selkirk

Not yet. I decided to do my taxes first to see if I had any money. Looks like I can purchase one or two more toys this year and the bro-tek may be one. I will definitely post if I get it.

 

[KentT]

FYI,

Though not a removable Bro-Tek, here's some pics of the weld-on thumb I put on mine. I paid about $230 (including shipping) on eBay. It's for a skidsteer, and was a bit long, so we eventually cut about 4" -5" off it. I leave it on all the time, and pinned up out of the way. It comes in handy to grip things against, even when it is pinned up. Once you adjust to it being on there (i.e. hold the dipper stick up a bit higher at times), it doesn't really get in the way at all.

Thumbing It - a photoset on Flickr

Here's an eBay listing for them:

eBay: THUMB / SKID STEER / EXCAVATOR / BOBCAT / 16-05 (item 200096390290 end time Apr-10-07 07:25:00 PDT)

 

[Tollster]

I've been using the thumb to set stones on the retaining wall, it really help from dislodging the previous course and a must have when working by yourself!

 

[Clumber]

Have you considered the utility grapple as an alternative. Note, I am not referring to the grapple bucket. I purchased both the thumb for the mini-hoe and the utility grapple. I have never used the thumb since the UG handles all the jobs mentioned in the thread much better than the thumb-hoe combination. It is the most useful tool I own when I am not mowing. See both in action photos from the PT web site:
NEW

 

[farm23]

I like my Bro-Tek but was considering a utility grapple. Thanks for the review.