2003 TLB L35 BT900 Backhoe Hydraulic Thumb

[RaleighL35]

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 offered by Kubota for the BT900. I did not like the idea of an aftermarket spool valve with hoses hanging all over the place.

I was able to find a Husco sectional valve 5002-A1 on Ebay to add to the controls. I noticed all the holes were already made for the section to be added. ($150)

There was even the three holes to install the foot pedal control. I sourced all the pedal control parts for a BH92 backhoe. ($375)

The thumb is from Gentec and is part number HT824. ($1200)

I then took the tractor to a local hydraulic hose shop, who were able to custom make all the hoses and fittings for me. ($500)

This project seems expensive but is worth it in the long run. This tractor has served me well and I have no plans of replacing. See the pictures to show all the details. Hope this helps anyone that is considering adding a hydraulic thumb.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

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 offered by Kubota for the BT900. I did not like the idea of an aftermarket spool valve with hoses hanging all over the place.

I was able to find a Husco sectional valve 5002-A1 on Ebay to add to the controls. I noticed all the holes were already made for the section to be added. ($150)

There was even the three holes to install the foot pedal control. I sourced all the pedal control parts for a BH92 backhoe. ($375)

The thumb is from Gentec and is part number HT824. ($1200)

I then took the tractor to a local hydraulic hose shop, who were able to custom make all the hoses and fittings for me. ($500)

This project seems expensive but is worth it in the long run. This tractor has served me well and I have no plans of replacing. See the pictures to show all the details. Hope this helps anyone that is considering adding a hydraulic thumb.

Nice!

 

[TheOldHokie]

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 offered by Kubota for the BT900. I did not like the idea of an aftermarket spool valve with hoses hanging all over the place.

I was able to find a Husco sectional valve 5002-A1 on Ebay to add to the controls. I noticed all the holes were already made for the section to be added. ($150)

There was even the three holes to install the foot pedal control. I sourced all the pedal control parts for a BH92 backhoe. ($375)

The thumb is from Gentec and is part number HT824. ($1200)

I then took the tractor to a local hydraulic hose shop, who were able to custom make all the hoses and fittings for me. ($500)

This project seems expensive but is worth it in the long run. This tractor has served me well and I have no plans of replacing. See the pictures to show all the details. Hope this helps anyone that is considering adding a hydraulic thumb.

Nothing Frankenstein about that!!!! My hats off.



Dan

 

[L35]

Man that’s awesome, nice job. How in the world did you fit 2 more hydraulic lines through there is what I need to know haha!

 

[fried1765]

Nice!

VERY NICE WORK!
I have a professionally built custom thumb on my 2006 L48 TLB.
Yours looks every bit as nice!
You are likely already wondering how you did without it for so long.

I think $2225 is fine for total expense.
The original owner had mine custom made, and installed by the selling dealer ( combined with an excavator style Q/A BH bucket coupler ).
I would not be at all surprised if the cost for mine was twice your cost,.... and that being in 2006 dollars.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Man that’s awesome, nice job. How in the world did you fit 2 more hydraulic lines through there is what I need to know haha!

I had the same thought. Maybe 1/4" lines? I suspect he routed them outside the swing joint. I'd been thinking about using a diverter mounted on the boom to avoid more hoses through there, but this looks slick.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Now you've got me thinking about adding a section to my loader valve to get a third function. The Messick's part numbers lead me to believe it uses the same type Husco valve. I'll have to check it out next time I'm down there.

 

[RaleighL35]

I had the same thought. Maybe 1/4" lines? I suspect he routed them outside the swing joint. I'd been thinking about using a diverter mounted on the boom to avoid more hoses through there, but this looks slick.

I did use 1/4" lines routed thru bottom boom. It is snug with all the lines, especially with all of em covered with nylon protection. No problems thus far. Have used the thumb a lot and love it.

 

[PoTreeBoy]

I did use 1/4" lines routed thru bottom boom. It is snug with all the lines, especially with all of em covered with nylon protection. No problems thus far. Have used the thumb a lot and love it.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[L35]

UPS dropped off something today

 

[Runs With Scissors]

UPS dropped off something today




View attachment 126240

Regarding the install......

Pics, or it didn't happen!

 

[fried1765]

UPS dropped off something today




View attachment 126240

You will LOVE using that!

 

[L35]

Regarding the install......

Pics, or it didn't happen!

I’m basically using the Raleigh L35 method just with a couple home made parts to save a few bucks, his was so flawless there is no need to reinvent the wheel

 

[PoTreeBoy]

UPS dropped off something today




View attachment 126240

Where'd you find a valve?

 

[L35]

Where'd you find a valve?

5000 Series HUSCO SPOOL SECTION ASSY

HUSCO SPOOL SECTION ASSY

www.hydraulic-supply.com

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

5000 Series HUSCO SPOOL SECTION ASSY

HUSCO SPOOL SECTION ASSY

www.hydraulic-supply.com

Would like to know more about this modification. We purchased what we thought was going to be a NEW Kubota MX5400 with a LA1065 and a BH92 with Hydraulic Thumb so everything would be new and I would not have to make attachments like I had to do with our Jinma 354 Smart Trac FEL & BH. Unfortunately Kubota does not have any BH92 or Hydraulic Thumbs in stock and NO delivery date. I did find a very good used BH92 to be shipped to us but now need the Hydraulic Thumb.
I am already going to make a (4) Post ROPS With a 1/8" Steel Canopy and LED Lighting.
Really interested in this DYI Hydraulic Thumb
Thanks much
Len

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Would like to know more about this modification. We purchased what we thought was going to be a NEW Kubota MX5400 with a LA1065 and a BH92 with Hydraulic Thumb so everything would be new and I would not have to make attachments like I had to do with our Jinma 354 Smart Trac FEL & BH. Unfortunately Kubota does not have any BH92 or Hydraulic Thumbs in stock and NO delivery date. I did find a very good used BH92 to be shipped to us but now need the Hydraulic Thumb.
I am already going to make a (4) Post ROPS With a 1/8" Steel Canopy and LED Lighting.
Really interested in this DIY Hydraulic Thumb
Thanks much
Len

* If you go with the Gentech thumb, they can make a pinned mount instead of the weld-on. You'll need to provide them some measurements, but the geometry is better. Things change if you do a quick-tach install.
* The Husco 5002-A1 section is not tapped for load reliefs like the Kubota kit. The tapped section is 5002-A269 and then you have to purchase the reliefs or a plug. You'll need longer tie rods, but these are easy to make from 5/16" and 3/8" rod. If you want to go this route, PM me, I may save you a few $.
* I haven't thought this alternative out fully, but you might use a solenoid valve similar to a third function valve. Then you'd have a rocker or pushbuttons instead of the foot pedal. The solenoid valve would need to be plumbed ahead of the other valve to avoid excess back pressure on the Husco.

 

[2001TLB]

UPS dropped off something today




View attachment 126240

Cool!

I look forward to seeing more of your project. The BT1100 on my L48 has a USA Attachments manual thumb. It looks pretty possible to modify it for hydraulic operation, but would take considerable metal working skills to pull off, which unfortunately, I lack. I can melt welding rods, but am not quite where I trust my welding for real work.

Seeing these projects puts a little fire in my belly though.

Doug

 

[Smokeydog]

A thumb will sure spoil you. Once used you’ll never go without. Nicely done modifications.

 

[L35]

Cool!

I look forward to seeing more of your project. The BT1100 on my L48 has a USA Attachments manual thumb. It looks pretty possible to modify it for hydraulic operation, but would take considerable metal working skills to pull off, which unfortunately, I lack. I can melt welding rods, but am not quite where I trust my welding for real work.

Seeing these projects puts a little fire in my belly though.

Doug

It’s been completed for a few months now. Has come in handy more than once!

thanks to Raleigh for paving the way!