BX hydraulic thumb

[sqidget]

Here is the pivot installed into the tower.

The 2nd pic is positioning the control handle in the tower.

3rd pic is the collar welded to a old handle to fit it to a shaft

 

[sqidget]

The first pic is the completed handle linkage, unfortunately this step was another photo gap. The pivot for the handle shaft was made the same way as the lower pivots. They were then connected by linkage. The handle is connected to the shaft by a roll pin.

The handle is shown bent toward the operator. This did not work and has been straightened to avoid my knee.

 

[sqidget]

After knowing the valve is mounted and can be controlled, it is time for plumbing!
1st pic is the new hoses connected to the new spool valve and plumbed into the tractor's hydraulic circuit.

2nd pic shows the lines out to the thumb hooked up and routed out to the boom

3rd pic is the new hoses routed into the boom

 

[sqidget]

here are the hoses where they exit the boom

 

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now to connect the hoses to the boom.
1st is a cut piece of angle iron drilled to recieve 2 steel nipples and then welded into position.

2nd pic shows the nipples welded in place.

3rd pic is the cleaned, painted and assembled hose and quick coupler assy

 

[sqidget]

Now for the fun part!
1st is removing the link.

2nd is the cyl rod end with bushings to properly center the 3/4" pins in the 1" holes in the thumb

3rd is the 1 1/4"x 3/4" id tubing lathe turned to fit the 1" hole

 

[sqidget]

1st The cyl and bushings being test fit.

2nd the bushing and pin from outside of thumb.

3rd is the bushings welded into the thumb pin holes.

 

[sqidget]

1st is the two sides of the upper cylinder mount before assy. The tubing was welded in place, the two halves clamped together and reamed as one piece. then welded together.

2nd here is the assembled cyl mount on the thumb framework.

3rd is the cyl being test fit

 

[sqidget]

After cleaning and painting, here is the finished results.

2nd is another view of the hoses etc for the completed project.

3rd is in action.



I still have a few things to button up like the pins still have handles, they are retained with hitch pins etc. Also these pics did not show drilling and tapping for grease fittings etc but giva a good over view.
I will try to assemble a list of materials and post it soon.

 

[ultrarunner]

Wow! is all that I can say... are you sure you don't design/build for a living?