BH “Thumb”

I have a factory mechanical thumb on my LiTW hoe and have discovered that it's uses are limited (I think I've been spoiled by hydraulic thumbs) especially when I was moving a stack of 17' RR ties, and loading stumps and brush into a dump trailer (did you see that video of frustration?). Thanks to Larry of Spring Valley I was able to track down a power beyond cartridge for my hoe's valve stack – I'll convert it to a hydraulic thumb. A note about “pick 'n carry” with a three-point mounted hoe; when the outriggers are raised in order to transport a load, the loading on the top link reverses from compression to pulling away so all of the top link load is dependent on the four or six bolts holding the adapter to the differential housing. Just FYI.

Bob R

Keep good notes and pictures as I want to do the same to my LiTW.

Phil

Phil,

If I remember correctly, and maybe Larry can correct me, but the BH7600's came with two different brands of valve stacks. One was Korean and the other was Swiss or Italian. I don't have the paperwork in front of me but I believe the power beyond cartridge was only offered on the Italian valves, which is what I lucked out with. Check to see what you have.

Bob,

My manual (Edition 4/2007) has a Nimco CV556 valve parts list and the valve casting has the name NIMCO on it so I assume we have the same valve. I also see that the valve is piped JD style but can be changed to Cat Style whatever that means.

Phil

Phil,

Yes, Nimco is the valve stack you can get the power-beyond cartridge for. Dang it, I forgot to bring the part number back with me.

Here is their contact info: NIMCO

I was going to build a kit to convert the thumb to hyd at one time.  But I found out that (at that time) most of the backhoes didn't have the Nimco valve and there was no power beyond port on them.  That's why a scrapped the idea. 

I agree with Bob about lifting with the outriggers up.  It's a bad idea I personally don't do it.  Too much stress on that top link.

Larry

As you are sitting in the seat, the block on the extreme right has a plug which is removed, the cartridge is screwed in, the plug is reinstalled, and the plug directly below that one becomes the power beyond port. I have a diagram of the whole valve stack, unfortunately not with me. I will scan and post it as soon as I can, which will be some time on Wednesday.

Guess that I am confused by these last 2 posts.

If you can add a section to the Backhoe control valve to work the thumb, why use Power Beyond capability?

RonJ

Ron J wrote:

If you can add a section to the Backhoe control valve to work the thumb, why use Power Beyond capability?

The valve stack would be too wide to fit the backhoe console for one thing, and having the power beyond allows mounting a remote valve almost anywhere and using either a lever or electric push button operator (and it's much cheaper). Sweet!

Bob is right on.  In fact the design I had laid out….you ran the thumb with your foot. 

Larry,

I think you should reincarnate your idea. If you do it before I get a round tuit, I'll be your first customer.

Info from “old forum”

http://www.ctoa.net/modules/ne…..38;forum=8

Excellent! Good work.

Do you still need anything then?

Yes…..I tried to find a supplier of this part but could not. Do you remember where you purchased your power beyond cartridge?

Yes, (have your CC# ready) I purchased it directly from:

NIMCO CONTROLS Inc.
1500 S. Sylvania Avenue, Suite 101
Sturtevant, WI 53177
Phone: (262) 884-0950
Fax : (262) 886 -129
salesusa@nimco.se

Before I posted, I had sent an email to salesusa@nimco.se which was returned by Yahoo. After searching the web I decided I would ask Bob Rooks before going to Nimco distributors because of the price he quoted.

Called Nimco at (262) 884-0950 and was told they do not sell direct and was referred to their distributor IFP North at (763) 252-1181. Called this number and was told that the man I wanted to talk to was on the phone so I left a message with the keywords Nimco CV556 and power beyond cartridge part number 10142.

Here I sit with CC in hand and no call back.  Guess it is back to emailing Nimco's USA distributors. Nobody said this would be easy.

OK, I'll try to find my reciept, but it looks like you're on top of it now.

I had no problems at all. Sorry I can't be more timely.

Received NIMCO part number 10142 today (Unload Cavity Plug Asm, CV550 10141 w/orings) Ordered from oilair.com for $15.15 + shipping. They promptly answered my emails. Call 763-478-8744 and ask for sales.

That's it, but I don't see the white nylon O-ring on the small end next to the black one. Did you get it?

Yes. There is a flat O-ring next to the round O-ring. Both are black.

Since I am a fish out of water on hydraulics, I look forward to your future posts.

Phil

I don't have the time right now to do the whole installation (helping contractor build garage), but I will take some pics today.