Thumb Hydraulic thumb for BX23 BH

[nasdaqsam]

Dave,

Thanks for the links. IT sounds like the selector valve would be a very viable option. I am going to see how the adding to what I have option works out today if that does not work then the selector valve is going to be the route I will take. I'm thinking the stabilizor arm would work best. I probably would not use the boom and the thumb at the same time but you never know and I am fairly confident I will never have the need to operate the stabilizors and the thumb.

Thanks to everyone for all the great advise and help. I will keep posting as we make progress.

 

[tawilson]

One thing I like about Bushhog is the amount of material they have available online. What they suggest in their backhoe owners manual is, if you want to add another valve, is to get one with power beyond, then supply it first, use the power beyond to supply the backhoe controls, then tee the returns together. Sounds easier than trying to find the power beyond sleeve for your control valve.

 

[nasdaqsam]

The saga continues...............

So my Kubota rep calls and says he just got off the phone with his contact. Kubota is well aware of the problem we all face in attempting to put extra hydraulics on the BH so they have a fix in the works...........however, they will not say what it is or how long before it is ready. I guess he made mention that it may be a power beyond unit that may be able to be added to the existing unit or possibly a whole new valve.

So the problem, do I get the selector now or wait for the fix?
The problem is I really need the thumb soon but hate to waste the money.

It's nice to know that they are attempting to address some of our problems.

 

[jim_wilson]

If you hear anything more about this please update this thread. It is interesting to know that Kubota is actually looking at a way to add extra hydraulics onto the BX23.

 

[nasdaqsam]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If you hear anything more about this please update this thread. It is interesting to know that Kubota is actually looking at a way to add extra hydraulics onto the BX23. )</font>Jim, I will do that.

I have decided I need the thumb now so I am going to go with the selector valve so hopefully the fix is not to expensive. If it is just a PB then I will just keep the selector. If it is the ability to add a valve to the existing bank of valves I may look into that.

 

[AntrimMan]

I recently had the opportunity to get up close and personal with my BH valves. It is a stack made by Nabco (maybe nusco). They are the stackable type and additional sections can be added with the appropriate hardware. The problem faced is there is no additional room in the control pendant to increase the stack length/width. The system is basic series with fluid alway passing through. When you move a control lever you interupt the flow and redirect to the chosen port. When the flow meets sufficient resistance the pressure relief opens to avoid deadheading on those sections so equipped. The bucket curl and stabilizers rely on the pump relief valve because the sections controlling those features have no relief.
The 12v diverter is the simplest option.
All the best,
Martin

 

[nasdaqsam]

Thank you for the advise.

Looking in the area the valve body is located in there appears to be enough room to add another to the existing bank, although tight. With the lack of information available I am not confident enough to actually try it. So I am going the selector route but using the manual one instead of the electric just due to the KISS theory. I do not see any reason to add electric connection if it is not needed. One more failure point.

Now I just need to figure out which selector I need to get.

Thanks again

 

[nasdaqsam]

Update, Update, Update.

I just got off the phone with a rep from Surplus center (highly recommended company by the way) I explained what I wanted to do and he said even at the lose of a sale the best/cleanest route to go would be to just get a replacement valve section from Kubota (the same one used to run the bucket and/or arms) and add it the bank of valves if there is room.

 

[MadReferee]

Don't forget that there is more needed than just an extra spool section. You will need longer bolts, o-ring kits and maybe some other stuff depending on the valve itself.

Good Luck.

 

[nasdaqsam]

Hopefully this all works out. I think it would be a real slick operation and as close to factory as we can get it.

We did order the valve w/relief, we thought this to be best as to not bend the stick. He said the pump relief is fine most of the time but on the occasion the extra second it takes for the pressure to build up and release it may be possible to bend something so better safe than sorry. We also ordered the o-rings and the lever like the stabilizers use, being this is a short lever we have a better chance of placing it in the limited space available.

My rep said if the valve does not work he would take it back except the shipping. Not a bad deal.

As this is not a "factory" option there is no bolt kit but the guy from the Surplus Center said they use threaded rod from any hardware store and cut to length.

Thanks for the advise to call those guys.