Adding a Hydraulic Cylinder to My Backhoe Thumb - Part 3 (

[@CaptK-py8rq]

Good job! Next time immerse the rubber boot in boiling water, it will then stretch enough to get the wire connector through. Occasionally a heat gun works as well.

[@tomoaktree4951]

Hi Martin, Very nice build. I really liked how you took time for the extra details to make this a good working system. There is one item I would have changed is to change from a 3/4" pin on the thumb, upsizing it to 1". Your idea of running the long hoses up to a junction point is an absolutely great idea. So much better like you mentioned if a hose fails, it will be easy to replace on the digging end. Excellent video series. I give you an A+ 😊

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you Tom! The grade 8 3/4” bolt has been plenty strong so far when it was a mechanical thumb so I’m betting on it being strong enough for the mechanical thumb, especially with the heavy duty support the spacers and gussets provide. Time will tell. I figured if the Kubota thought it was a good idea to use bulkhead fittings, I should too. Thanks again for the kind words!

[@tractorman4461]

What an outstanding video Martin !! And once again, your attention to detail is impeccable. You've taken quite the daunting project and made it where its understandable to us all my friend. Hydraulics is one of my many weak points but you nailed it !! Your field test shows it to be a potentially great tool for using around the sawmill too. Awesome job !!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for your enthusiastic encouragement Wendell! This has been a fun project and I got to learn a little bit about hydraulics.

[@ItsaboutMakingnotBuying]

Nice work on the thumb build Martin. The hydraulic thumb is a game changer. Later

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Mech! It sure is. See ya!

[@RossOnTheLand]

Hi Martin, that's a fantastic addition to your tractor. I think the cross over valve would be a good protection.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Ross! It sure is a lot more convenient than the manual thumb.

[@samengler539]

Nice job Martin. Yes if you plumb the valve in end of the circuit you won’t have that drop in your boom cylinder. Also the pressure relief valve you won’t need it . The bucket cylinder doesn’t have enough pressure to hurt the thumb cylinder. I’ve been using mine for two years now I haven’t had one issue with it. Great job Martin ! You will enjoy having it . Cheers

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Sam! Glad to know yours has done well and I won’t need the cross over relief valve. Thanks for watching!

[@phloughtgnarpsehs7263]

Rapidly becoming addicted to your channel. Recently bought a new L2502 w/backhoe and this is on my list of mods. One thing….and I don’t know if it’s the same with your machine, but on mine, there are two aux power connectors; one on each rear fender. Could be an easier way to have gotten your power for the valve than running the wire all the way up front.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to hear it! You’re gonna have a blast with the backhoe. So much fun to operate! I already used my aux power connector for light bars so I ran a new power feed instead. Thanks for watching!

[@tractortalkwithgary1271]

The crossover relief valve was a very smart move in my book.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Gary! It will be when I install one, which I’ll cover in the follow-up video at a time that is later than now.

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

Might look into using wire loom and cable loom holders to keep away from moving parts. Clean install, well done.

[@hawks1394]

You should have 100k subscribers. They might learn something.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for the words of encouragement and for watching!

[@martyb3783]

Well Done Martin. Very interesting as always!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Marty! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? This is a nice add to your tractor and you did a great job with the install. The issues with the way the 3rd function and crossover pressure relief valves are plumbed in are things that, with use, will present you with the ideal solution!! There is lot of planning and looking ahead when installing a 3rd function eh. Looks like you covered all the bases though. Thanks for sharing Martin and take 'er easy!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Good evening Mike! Yes, I think it’s a great improvement and will be even better when I replumb it and add the crossover relief valve. Thanks for stopping by!

[@robwhite2282]

Amazing Martin. You are a genius.

[@DIYMyWay]

Ah shucks, Rob! You are too kind. Thank you!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

You did a good job with the install Martin. I said it before but, I will say it again. You make awesome instructional videos! You really have a knack for them, and the voice. lol Have a great weekend! See ya!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you for the kind encouragement, John! Much appreciated! Hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

[@watershedoverlook]

Wow, what a fantastic project Martin. I selfishly waited for all three episodes and bing-watched all three tonight! Really impressive stuff. Look forward to the 2.0 episode. Well done! 👍👍

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Chris! Glad you enjoyed it! I have to figured what fittings and hose lengths I’ll need to re-plumb it and add the crossover relief valve. More fun ahead! Thanks for watching all of them binge style!

[@theoriginalbubba1036]

Hay Martin, I would love to do this to my little backhoe.thumb that My company has taken to renting various mini excavators (whatever is available quickly) to do small excavation site work (well work/repairs). Some hydraulic set ups work better than others (thumb gets in the way). definitely a learning curve to each machine...I like that you called it version 1.0. I look forward to seeing the final revision and how much set up vs learning curve it takes. As always great Video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Bubba! Thumbs are supposed to get in the way - in a good way. Then get out of the way when not needed - ideally, anyway. I’m looking forward to making the changes and wrapping this project up, but it’s usable as is. Thanks for watching!

[@samengler539]

Fantastic I got to watch it Martin .

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good Evening Sir 👍👍😇Again Sir You have made an OUTSTANDING Video and These Subscribers Who Suggest To Modified Your Hydraulic Systems are Very Knowledges Folk's and that will Eliminates any Chaos, Death and Destruction 🧐👍🤣👌Sir, you will be very surprise how strong your welding's will be when you do many welding pass but since that Fine Gentleman Welder Was Doing You A Return Favor I would have done the same Sir 😇👍OUpssy, You backhoe needed some lubrification Sir 🤣👍 OUTSTANDING FIELD TESTING 👍😇👌💪Full Watch 100% and Have a very Nice Week Sir Cheers 🍻🍻

[@DIYMyWay]

Bonsoir Dave! Merci beaucoup! Yes, I could have made multiple passes with my little welder but I didn’t want to take the chance knowing the enormous stresses those parts will be under. The advice from viewers more knowledgeable than me has been great! And that really was the sound of the zip tie but I couldn’t resist making the joke. 😁 Thanks for watching! Cheers!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay Keep Warm Mon Ami Cheers 👍👍👌👌😇😇🍻🍻

[@av-il6bf]

Awesome! (As long as those were not the Styrofoam rocks from the 1960's Star Trek Series LOL) Thanks for the great videos!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! Shhh! Don’t give away my secret! 🤫 Glad you enjoyed it.