lumberjack1986
Silver Member
[QUOTE="Greg9504;3856557"...lumberjack1986, FWIW every install document that I've read from manufacturers of hydraulic thumbs recommend that the bucket over powers the thumb. I think probably in most cases this keeps the pressure below the max rating of the cylinder used for the thumb. Also regardless of what the relief on the side used to extend the thumb is set to, you need to set the relief on the side used to retract the thumb as well. Otherwise you could be over the max rating of the cylinder when you retract the thumb. <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/construction-equipment/385334-relief-valve-takeuchi_tb135_valve_marked-jpg"/>[/QUOTE]
The bucket cylinder overpowering the thumb cylinder is a lazy, simpleton method of accomplishing what we understand. Assuming the system is limited by pressure and not structural strength, all that matters is the pressures in the cylinders can't exceed their design factor.
You're right, thumbs need work reliefs on both sides of the circuit. I use my thumb occasionally to pull, and the work relief protects it for that. All fluid in a system needs to be controlled by a pressure relief. Thumbs and the bucket cylinder need work reliefs as well.
The bucket cylinder overpowering the thumb cylinder is a lazy, simpleton method of accomplishing what we understand. Assuming the system is limited by pressure and not structural strength, all that matters is the pressures in the cylinders can't exceed their design factor.
You're right, thumbs need work reliefs on both sides of the circuit. I use my thumb occasionally to pull, and the work relief protects it for that. All fluid in a system needs to be controlled by a pressure relief. Thumbs and the bucket cylinder need work reliefs as well.