Hydraulic Thumb

[Avenger]

Has anyone replaced a mechanical thumb with a hydraulic cylinder on a back hoe?

I have a Woods BH90-X with a mechanical thumb. Looking at it, I dont think it would be too difficult to replace the mechanical adjustable link with a hydraulic cylinder. Has anyone done this?

I was thinking of a foot controlled valve tied into the back hoes hydraulics some how.

Just a thought. Thanks so much!

 

[ericm979]

There's a bunch of threads here on that. The search function will locate them or look below my post in the "Similar Threads" box.
(I found them when doing research on the same subject. It is now on my project list because the mechanical thumb is such a pain).

 

[Avenger]

Yeah, unfortunately the search didnt result in anything useful for what I am looking to do. Everyone either argues the mechanical vs hydraulic or are not trying to do what I am looking at doing. I was hoping to find someone who already has a mechanical thumb and converted it to a hydraulic one without an expensive kit or something that looks like it's out of mad max, on the same machine as I have.

I'll continue to do some research, thank you for the response.

 

[RickB]

Yeah, unfortunately the search didnt result in anything useful for what I am looking to do. Everyone either argues the mechanical vs hydraulic or are not trying to do what I am looking at doing. I was hoping to find someone who already has a mechanical thumb and converted it to a hydraulic one without an expensive kit or something that looks like it's out of mad max, on the same machine as I have.

I'll continue to do some research, thank you for the response.

You could go to the Woods website and look at the parts and operators manuals for that accessory. Buy generic components and use their layout.