mechanical articulating backhoe thumb

This is an experimental thumb I made that uses the curl action of the bucket to mechanically open and close a thumb. The backhoe is a Prairie Dog 7.5 mounted on a Kioti tractor.

If commenting on this or other videos, pls note that I usually get "error, try again" when I try posting replies.

This project is posted on tractorbynet.com, but you will have to do a search to find it.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• thumb
• backhoe
• attachment
• Kioti
• tractor

[Widget3591]

I read all your posts up on Tractorbuynet. Simply put, EXCELLENT article and very easily understood. Instead of the restrictor valve system, I am thinking an "auxillary" hyd lever to effect, basically, an ajustable/moveable 'fixed' small rock-rake of sorts, if that makes sense? I only need it for picking up/cleaning up rocks, and placing larger rocks. I fixed thumb would do, but I like the idea of flexability. My NH TC-30 has an auxillary port on the hyd system for this.

[dfk8881]

@Widget3591

You can use your existing AUX valve for a hyd thumb, though you will have some long hoses to deal with. My hyd thumb used one solenoid-activated spool valve connected to one of the 2 ports on the bucket curl cylinder. No restrictors.

[Widget3591]

With something SO inventive and economical, why did you end up going hydraulc after all? I haven't started building mine yet and need input. Also, how did you, or where did you, split off your hydraulic for the thumb? tnx

[dfk8881]

The mechanical thumb was intended only as a proof-of-concept, mostly

because the pivots do not use greaseable bushings. The links are just

3/8" mild steel with 1" pins. They would wear out quickly.

You can see how I did my hydraulic thumb on tractorbynet-com. Search

for "hydraulic thumb".

[c3povomit]

awesome. The world needs more "McGyver" types like you (and me) my friend.

[dfk8881]

Thanks. I have since gone hydraulic, however.

[Widget3591]

Understood, and yes. The long hoses are actually going to be double-purpose with quick-connect ends so I can use the aux hyd for the mini-land leveler I want to build also. That could eventually also mean a dump-bed trl. I'll have to design a cradle of sorts on the backhoe boom to secure the lines and have easy removal at the same time. But both your fixed and hyd bh thumb pics and explanation have given me MUCH food for thought! Thanki you!

[c3povomit]

awesome. The world needs more "McGyver" types like you (and me) my friend.