Tapping into hydraulic line for thumb?

[solo machine]

I have a Hydra Mac 5C, I'd like to add a thumb and possibly build a small hoe for it.
I'm thinking I can add a electric solenoid, redirecting the pressure to the thumb.
Adding a hoe attachment might be a bigger problem trying get things to work together.
I have a joystick and electric solenoid already.
I'd like to hear if anyone has tapped into their pressure and return line to add a thumb before I risk a "oh crap moment"
Thanks.

 

[solo machine]

I said thumb, I meant grapple.

 

[solo machine]

Nobody?

 

[Mustang Guy]

What I did on my excavator was to install an electric diverter valve in the blade circuit. Now I can operate the thumb with the blade control with just a flip of the switch. BUT, it would be much better if your valve stack had a power beyond port. You should look into it.

 

[Mustang Guy]

I said thumb, I meant grapple.

Thumb, grapple - all the same. Just one or two double acting cylinders.

 

[solo machine]

Thank you, I'll look into a electric diverter valve. I have a Mini Mac 5C, there's no valve stack, a odd but simple T handles for directing hydraulic flow.
I've had this for almost a year and have used it a lot. I keep see other ways to use it, if only I had different attachments. Not so many for this little machine.
Thank you again for a direction to go.

 

[Mustang Guy]

If you had one circuit you could temporarily do without while using the grapple (such as tilt), use that one. This is the valve I used:

Selector Valves | Hydraulic Valves | Hydraulics | www.surpluscenter.com

Selector Valves,Hydraulic Valves,Hydraulics, DOUBLE SELECTOR Unused old inventory. GRESEN DS-12 double selector valve. When

www.surpluscenter.com

Also some on Amazon:

Amazon.com : hydraulic solenoid selector/diverter valve

 

[solo machine]

I went to the shed and pulled a few things I think will work.
Two joy sticks and 1 electric solenoid.

 

[solo machine]

What I've learned, P- from pump, A & B, A- advance, B- retract, T- return
There are 3 ports for the return. I believe, I block off two.
One port has a larger hole, I guess for better return flow to the tank?
I think I'll use the control valve at the top of the picture, it's brand new. The solenoid is new also.

 

[Mustang Guy]

Looks like you've got it! Good luck.

 

[solo machine]

I've been trying to figure the flow on the solenoid, applying power I hear it move, but flow comes out the same port.
swap leads and same thing, same port. ?
Today I'm going to mock up everything and see what happens.
If I can't figure it out, I'll go down the road to a Parker store and look for answers.
The solenoid is used...so maybe the coil is the issue.

 

[ddbackhoe]

I've been trying to figure the flow on the solenoid, applying power I hear it move, but flow comes out the same port.
swap leads and same thing, same port. ?
Today I'm going to mock up everything and see what happens.
If I can't figure it out, I'll go down the road to a Parker store and look for answers.
The solenoid is used...so maybe the coil is the issue.

swap electrical leads? wouldnt be any difference for 12 vdc. open/closed is all you get

 

[solo machine]

swap electrical leads? wouldnt be any difference for 12 vdc. open/closed is all you get

Yep, I don't know what I was thinking...Duh. I have it figured out now.
I need to make some brackets for the spool, solenoid and quick disconnects.
Then I can run my lines and start on the grapple.

 

[solo machine]

Just an update. I haven't got the grapple made or anything mounted yet. I'm still working on getting my new building finished for my machine shop.
Pictures will come when I have something to show.