Stupid Hydraulic ?

[racerboy832]

I'm making a thumb for my backhoe. It's gunna be a Pin on. The cheapest part for me is the fabrication. I want to make it Hydraulic but that's where the cost seem to get pricey. My stupid question is , How come when I use my portapower I can jack out the cylinder and when I release the pressure it returns. I was thinking maybe for a quick temp Idea. I could use a porta-power to control the thumb, Pump it out and let it retract. I know if i use a regular thumb cylinder I have to run 2 lines since it is dual acting. Just kicking thoughts around in my head.

 

[beenthere]

What is stupid about the question?

I'd imagine that there is a spring to return the "portapower" (whatever that is ) and if the spring is heavy enough, it might return the "thumb" on the hoe.

Maybe that is a stupid answer.

 

[leonz]

Have you thought about buying a stationary thumb welded to the inner boom which will close over the bucket when it is fully retracted (curled in) under the dipper boom?

 

[J_J]

There are also thumbs that will close as the bucket is closing. It is hinged to the bucket and the dipper arm.

If you have the hydraulics for a double acting, then why not use it. You can get new or used cylinders at a decent price. You can build it stationary for now and add hyd later.

 

[wdchyd]

I'm making a thumb for my backhoe. It's gunna be a Pin on. The cheapest part for me is the fabrication. I want to make it Hydraulic but that's where the cost seem to get pricey. My stupid question is , How come when I use my portapower I can jack out the cylinder and when I release the pressure it returns. I was thinking maybe for a quick temp Idea. I could use a porta-power to control the thumb, Pump it out and let it retract. I know if i use a regular thumb cylinder I have to run 2 lines since it is dual acting. Just kicking thoughts around in my head.

The return spings in these are very weak......if you use this you'll need a couple external springs for pull back that will hold the thumb w/o flopping around:2cents: