Adding a Hydraulic Cylinder to My Backhoe Thumb - Part 1 (

[@martyb3783]

Nicely done. I look forward to part two.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Marty! Already working on Part 2.

[@whenworkisplay]

Thanks Martin. I too have grown tired of climbing on and off the backhoe to adjust the thumb on our B2601. I look forward to part 2 , and seeing it in action. Take care, Ben.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to help, Ben! Thanks for stopping by!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

I like what your doing Martin! I can't wait to see how it comes out. It looks like it will work good. Have a great weekend! See ya!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, John! Part 2 drops this weekend.

[@samengler539]

Good job Martin it’s coming along.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Sam!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

Very well done and explained Martin. Full watch. Thank you.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Gary! This has been a fun project!

[@terryk3118]

Always enjoy the way you show details of what you do and why. Watched the entire video - and I don't even have a backhoe on my tractor.

[@DIYMyWay]

I appreciate that, Terry! Thanks for the visit!

[@tractorman4461]

Perfectly explained and detailed very professionally Martin. You got your shop looking good my friend.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Wendell! This has been a complicated but fun project. Part 2 will post this weekend. Thanks for the visit!

[@waynederby4684]

What an excellent presentation Martin. When I upgraded to my 6060 I ordered a hydraulic thumb. However when I had the 3800 an older version of your present model I had often thought about making my thumb hydraulic because like you it was a PITA and very wearisome after awhile never mind the time lost getting on and off the machine.. Superb job Martin and I still like to follow what you do with you creative spirit........ Wayne

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Wayne! Yes, better to get one when you order your backhoe. It costs over $3,000 to buy the kit after the fact, which is obscene! Thanks for the visit!

[@av-il6bf]

The Dreaded and Loved C.D.D. Thank You!!!

[@houndsmanone4563]

Martin, excellent job. That hydraulic thumb will really make using the backhoe much more enjoyable. I too hate getting on and off the tractor to adjust the manual thumb but it's okay since that's all I have for the moment. I've been looking at several YT vids that have a hydraulic thumb for the Massey GC 1710. No such luck. Your vid has reinvigorated my pursuit. Enjoyed a full-watch. Take it easy my friend. Don 👍🏽🤠 11/5/23

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Don! I hope some of my ideas can help you figure out how to hydraulicize your backhoe thumb. I try to show general principles and techniques that can be adapted to other backhoes. Have a most excellent week!

[@FromSteelToWood]

Very well done Martin! I like the tubes and gussets you will add for more strength. I can barely think it held up to now with only that 3/4in bolt! Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Joe! That means a lot coming from you. The original mechanical thumb had a 1/2” thick tube welded as a T on the end of the mechanical adjustment which supported the full length of the bolt. Otherwise, it surely would have broken. The tubes and gussets are my attempt to provide comparable support for the bolt but the stresses are applied differently so we’ll see if it holds up. Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Morning Sir, I'm very sorry to be late on your videos Sir😢I'm doing a cours right now since the last 5 months and it is tougher and tougher as I'm progressing but I like it very much but it is not an easy walk in the park and the one hrs study each nights and 8 hrs on Saturday is tough going on my social You Tube Life 🥴🤣👍When I see Your OUTSTANDING video fill with Caution about ( Chaos, Death and Destruction ) it is making me smile so much Sir 🤣👍OUTSTANDING INFORMATIVE VIDEO SIR ( I like the blue print plans ) 🧐👍I'm happy to see that your Welding repairs are doing very well on your quick bucket disconnects ( I hope that Cie that make these are looking at your video and modification that you have done on it 👍💪🧐Keep Warm Sir and Can't wait to see your next video Sir Cheers 😇😇👌👌🍻🍻

[@DIYMyWay]

Bonjour Dave! No worries. That sounds like a very intense course! Glad you appreciate the Chaos, Death and Destruction caution. Yes, the backhoe bucket quick connect repairs are still rock solid, even after digging up a HUGE rock that broke a tooth on the backhoe. Thanks for stopping by!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay You were doing a Field test on your backhoe bucket quick connect repairs 👌👍😇

[@Stinker337]

Hello Martin, I really enjoy watching all of your videos especially the tractor modifications. I have the same L3901 tractor, LA525 front loader & the BH77 backhoe as you. I followed your 2 videos step by step instructions using a 12V actuator to unlock/lock the SSQA levers. Works awesome especially when being able to operate it from the tractors seat. This is why I can hardly wait for part 2 of the thumb. I've already purchased my 3rd function valve a while back Just need to get the 4 hoses & connectors to tap into the backhoes hydraulic system. If you don't mind would you post a link in part 2 to those parts? Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad the remote SSQA lock/unlock project worked well for you too! If you store your tractor indoors or under cover, the actuator should hold up well. FYI, because of the complexity of this project, it may a 3 part video series, but I will ultimately have a link to a full list of parts used. Thanks for watching!

[@JCWren]

I'm waiting for you to convert the SSQA from linear actuator to hydraulic cylinder :) As far as thumb stroke length, on excavators the typical thumbs has a rotation of 120 degrees, and up to 180 with a progressive linkage. Having only 120 makes it more difficult to pick up smaller diameter items. I thought about converting mine to a progressive linkage, but it's between $2K and $4K to do it. So your thumb might not retract as far as it used to, but I think you'll find the extra bit when it's extended a good thing.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi JC! That won’t happen because (1) the $40 actuator works great (2) Hydraulic system would cost WAY more. Thanks for the tips! Yes, I’d rather trade off some retraction for some extra extension. Thanks for watching!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? Having a hydraulic thumb will be a game changer eh!! This sure looks like a complete kit. Has everything you;'ll should need. This will be a nce mod. Thanks for sharing!! Take care!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! It sure will! I am SOOOO looking forward to just operating the thumb from the backhoe seat. Thanks for stopping by!

[@stepehnakers6839]

Martin I have watching your stuff for a while I bought the thumb also I was thinking about adding a cylinder to mine I bought a diverter valve I was thinking about using the outrigger lever to control a switching diverter valve to control this cylinder what do you think

[@DIYMyWay]

You could certainly do that but it means taking one of your hands off the control levers to operate the valve then adjust the thumb position with the outrigger lever. While it is an economical way to do it, I would find that annoying. I love the convenience and efficiency of being able to move the thumb while operating the other controls at the same time. Good luck and thanks for watching!