BX hydraulic thumb

[sqidget]

I will be posting how I did the project soon, but first here is a teaser.
It is a modified Wallenstein thumb which had annoyed me with getting on and off the tractor to set it.

 

[newbury]

Darn, and I just got a Woods thumb!

 

[sqidget]

here are the base parts I used. I got the valve and cylinder from surplus center, the hoses were made locally, and a shot of the unmodified Wallenstein thumb.

 

[Just2quickz28]

Thats great. I have been wanting to get a Wallenstein thumb for some time. Want to modify mine when I get it I would love to see the parts list (model numbers and what not) and some detailed shots of the mod.

 

[sqidget]

First step was to remove the backhoe from the tractor, lift it up high enough to work, and set it on stands.
Then figure out just how I was going to do this. I started by removing the linkage cover for the joysticks.

 

[sqidget]

Next was figuring out where to put the valve etc. I found that it all fits very nicely under the platform with just enough room for hoses and linkage.
I am sorry for the gaps in photos but I was into the project and had to remind myself to take pics. I will make a list of parts etc and post it after the pics of the project.
Photo 2 shows the mounting holes for the valve tapped out, the linkage hole marked. The backhoe control valve has been unbolted and pushed back to prevent drilling/tapping interference.
Photo 3 shows one of the photo gaps I was mentioning. the linkage hole has been drilled and the fittings are on the valve. This pic was taken a lot farther into the project than it is posted.
This is all for tonight.
More will come soon.

 

[BX2230Dude]

Beautiful work. Very clever.

 

[sqidget]

After finding out where the valve was going I removed the control tower, marked the spot for drilling and drilled the hole for the control rod.

The end of the spool needed to be tapped for the ball joint used for the control rod end

 

[sqidget]

here is the valve mounted with the control rod in position through the platform and into the tower .

The second pic shows the control rod positioning within the tower

The third pic shows the brackets made to support the pivot. these were made from tubing welded to angle iron, then pressing bronze bushings into the tubing. These were made in a long piece and cut to desired length.

 

[sqidget]

This is the rod bent to follow the towers shape.

The second pic shows the complete pivot assembly


The third pic is the tower again removed to mark and install the pivot.