I started my backhoe Root Ripper.

[Gofast]

I added a double valve in the hydraulic circuit, in between the loader valve and the backhoe. One valve controls the thumb, the other controls the grapple.

I would like more info also. Do you know how much just the hydraulic part cost?

 

[downsizingnow48]

It was a while back, can't recall the costs and probably more now anyway. I used a Prince stack valve from Surplus Center. I have since used a Bucher stack valve from Trausch for another application, it is a nicer and more compact valve. It would be easier to fit into limited space.

In addition to the valve, the hoses and fittings add considerably to the cost.

I did a write up on the thumb at the time, it includes pics and details on mounting the valve and running hoses.

I've used this setup a lot for years now, no issues of any kind.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/323442-b21-backhoe-thumb.html

 

[Gofast]

It was a while back, can't recall the costs and probably more now anyway. I used a Prince stack valve from Surplus Center. I have since used a Bucher stack valve from Trausch for another application, it is a nicer and more compact valve. It would be easier to fit into limited space.

In addition to the valve, the hoses and fittings add considerably to the cost.

I did a write up on the thumb at the time, it includes pics and details on mounting the valve and running hoses.

I've used this setup a lot for years now, no issues of any kind.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/323442-b21-backhoe-thumb.html

Thanks. Nice job on the thumb the post it great.

 

[GLyford]

16" for digging bigger holes and backfilling where FEL can not get.
I probably have most what I would need to make another bucket but I would have to but bucket teeth and those are not cheap.

If you are thinking of using it for backfill rather than digging, how about making a smooth edge grading bucket? Then you don't need teeth, either.

 

[Gofast]

I want it for digging. I have an older horse at some point I will need to dig a very big hole for.

A while back I dug a hole for our other horse with an old woods 650 that had a 16” bucket. It still took me a while to dig it.
I could not imagine doing that job with a 10” bucket. You never know when I will need to do that job. I will have the bigger bucket ready.

I saw someone on here that made a 24” ditch and back fill bucket with no teeth that was pretty sweet.

My big debate was if I needed a third bucket one between 10" and 16". Today I am thinking that 10" and 16" is enough to do what I need.
I will wait until I see how well my 16" bucket digs and decide form there.

 

[BukitCase]

My 580B came with a 24" bucket; I built a 6" "ditching bucket" using 6" channel for a spine, made it long enough so I could get 3' deep without the dipper tryin' to widen the ditch to 12" (sorry, no pics ATM) -

Tthen I lucked out on CL, found a 4' wide loader bucket - it's sitting there til I find that round "tuit", at which time I'll trace out the ends and plasma cut a couple more ends, then cut the 4' into a 1' and 3', or (more likely) a 16" and a 32", both of which will have smooth mouths;

the 16" will be mainly for digging footer trench, but I might make a pin-on tooth bar for it (clay soil, yuk) - The 32" will be mainly a grading bucket.
Your QA helped keep those projects in my mind ... Steve