Hydraulic Thumb??

[NHbotanut]

Does anyone know how I would go about converting my mechanical thumb on my Woods BH70-X into a hydraulic one.

I called Woods direct, and the only kit they have is for the BH90-X and it can't be sized down for the smaller backhoes.

 

[mrutkaus]

If you have a minute or two, curious as to limitations of your mechanical thumb, ie why you want a hydraulic one, as I have the mechanical one on order...

Thanks

MIke

 

[Willl]

Having owned a mechanical style for awhile now, I can see 2 reasons a hydraulic one would be advantageous.

1; The ability to 'set it up' without having to climb down outa the seat and 'set it up'.

2; The unlimited 'range' in the thumb angle (mechanicals limited to 1 or 2 angles).

 

[NHbotanut]

My thumb has a number of positions available. It is more of a convience thing. I find that I am constantly climbing off & on the tractor to set the position of the thumb.

Murphy's Law. Whatever position I set the thumb for, I need to change it again sooner than I want to.

 

[3RRL]

If you have a minute or two, curious as to limitations of your mechanical thumb, ie why you want a hydraulic one, as I have the mechanical one on order...

Thanks

MIke

I have to agree with Willl.
Convenience for is a big thing for me. It just depends on how much you will or intend to use the thumb. I can see setting the position can be a drag, getting on and off the tractor all the time to set it. Like on a box blade without top n tilt, it can be done, but pretty soon you get weary of adjusting it and getting on and off all the time.

If you don't do a lot with the thumb, that's a different story. But if you do use it a lot, the added convenience and time saved adjusting is well worth the expenditure. Mine is not hydraulic but mechanical articulating. I have 400 hours in 2 years, so being as productive as possible was a big thing for me. I installed hydraulics for top n tilt, made my box blade hydraulic, and made the thumb myself because I use the heck out of them all. It was worth it to me to spend the time and money doing it rather than spend the time getting on and off the tractor for minor (or major) adjustments.

Here is what my thumb looks like wide open and grabbing a log.