Add hydraulic thumb to L35

[Doug Alford]

I have a l35 with fel and backhoe. Also have a w r long third function kit installed. Been using for some time with grapple and other 3rd function
Implements. It is plumbed in to power beyond port. I want to add a hydraulic
Thumb to the backhoe. I would like to use existing 3rd function pump and connect to lines on fel 3rd function hydraulic ports. I know I would need to put a hydraulic relief valve to equalize any pressure between bucket curl a d thumb. I have a joy stick 3rd function control on fel control arm. I was planning on adding another joy stick control on a backhoe control arm by tapping into other joy stick wire. Does anyone one else see any problems or a better way?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I have a l35 with fel and backhoe. Also have a w r long third function kit installed. Been using for some time with grapple and other 3rd function
Implements. It is plumbed in to power beyond port. I want to add a hydraulic
Thumb to the backhoe. I would like to use existing 3rd function pump and connect to lines on fel 3rd function hydraulic ports. I know I would need to put a hydraulic relief valve to equalize any pressure between bucket curl a d thumb. I have a joy stick 3rd function control on fel control arm. I was planning on adding another joy stick control on a backhoe control arm by tapping into other joy stick wire. Does anyone one else see any problems or a better way?

You are 1000% over complicating this!
There in no third function pump?
The third function would not need any additional hydraulic relief added to run the thumb.
Why don't you just add a spool valve for the thumb?
Much simpler and a lot less hose draped across the tractor.

 

[Doug Alford]

Thanks for your input. So I am not familiar with the spool valve. Where would lines from hydraulic cylinder on thumb be connected to? And how would you control the hydraulics to thumb.

 

[Russell King]

Look at adding a new valve into the backhoe hydraulic system. But keep the backhoe valve as the last one in the circuit before the return line to your tractor.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks for your input. So I am not familiar with the spool valve. Where would lines from hydraulic cylinder on thumb be connected to? And how would you control the hydraulics to thumb.

A spool valve is a control valve that would run the thumb.
The cylinder would connect to the valve.

Call Summit tell them what you want to do and they will set you up.

Electric Hydraulic Double Acting Directional Control Valve, 1 Spool, 15 GPM

An Electric Hydraulic Double Acting Directional Control Valve, 1 Spool, 15 GPM controls the flow of hydraulic fluid in/out of a hydraulic cylinder or motor Free Shipping!

summit-hydraulics.com

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Thanks for your input. So I am not familiar with the spool valve. Where would lines from hydraulic cylinder on thumb be connected to? And how would you control the hydraulics to thumb.

* Here's a way to add a section to the valve stack. Using this method everything is mechanical, no electrical wiring, and the thumb is controlled by your foot. This is the method used by Kubota. @RaleighL35 got lucky finding the valve section cheap.

2003 TLB L35 BT900 Backhoe Hydraulic Thumb

I wanted to share my latest project on the L35. I could not find anywhere on the internet where someone else has attempted this type of thumb installation. Long story short, I Frankensteined a way to add a hydraulic thumb that is as close to a factory option as possible when it was never...

www.orangetractortalks.com

* Your proposal will work.
* If I ever add a hydraulic thumb to replace my manual one, I'll probably add a solenoid valve and buttons on one joystick. If you do this, the new valve must be before the existing valve stack in the hydraulic loop. This is to prevent exerting too much back pressure on the tank circuit of the existing valve and damaging it. This method does require adding an electrical connection to supply power.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I used a Titan weld-on kit for my manual thumb. I think a thumb that pivots on the bucket pin (extended) would function better. Does anyone know if a thumb and pin from a BH92 or other would fit the BT900?

 

[Vlach7]

A spool valve is a control valve that would run the thumb.
The cylinder would connect to the valve.

Call Summit tell them what you want to do and they will set you up.

Electric Hydraulic Double Acting Directional Control Valve, 1 Spool, 15 GPM

An Electric Hydraulic Double Acting Directional Control Valve, 1 Spool, 15 GPM controls the flow of hydraulic fluid in/out of a hydraulic cylinder or motor Free Shipping!

summit-hydraulics.com

Is this something I could use on my L47 for a BH thumb or with my forks if I were to make an improvised grapple? Doesn't sound like I have a Power Beyond.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Is this something I could use on my L47 for a BH thumb or with my forks if I were to make an improvised grapple? Doesn't sound like I have a Power Beyond.

You have PB at the loader and possibly other places too.
It's not to hard to add a spool valve.

The post that @PoTreeBoy pointed to, is really good!
That would be the best way to do it if you can round up the parts.

 

[Tarmy]

Do it OP!

The best thing I have on the tractor as I am in a rock infested part of the world. Added a valve to the plumbing and has worked great for 15 plus years. My lines are carefully routed/hung to avoid pinching and getting caught. Looks lame but works for me.