I'm looking at a Deere 200D LC, it is a pretty clean machine but it doesn't have a thumb. Is it possible to put one on the machine and roughly what would it cost? Would I be better off finding one with a thumb on it?
does the machine have auxiliary plumbing, is it two way or single for a hammer. Did you want to put a mechanical thumb on or hydraulic. We need to know before we can answer but I would guess a mechanical thumb installed would be around 5 grand and 2 more for a hydraulic if the machine is plumbed for it
Or , if you or a friend are competent fabricators, you can build a new one for less than 2k in all new material.
The left 5 spool section of the control valve uses the second spool as the spare circuit to use. You will need the joystick handle with the two pushbutton switches on it. A solenoid valve as the pilot control. Two port relief valves. Fittings for the end of the spool cap for the pilot lines. A handrfull of hoses for the pilot circuit and hoses and clamps to run out to the thumb cylinder. Easy to do, there should be a complete kit from Deere for this with everything except hoses. Good luck with your project.