Another Thumb question - weld or bolt?

[cny]

I have a kubota B7800, Woods 1008 FEL and a Woods BH7500 BH and I am look'in to add a mechanical thumb on the BH. Don't want to spend a fortune ($250-$450+/-)

I don't want to make this a Brand A v Brand B debate but should I consider a

Bolt-on (like Bro-Tek or Wallenstein)

or

Weld-on (like USA Attachements or Faulkner)

I realize there are pros and cons for each.

I like the "sleeker" look of the weld-on and I can grind, weld and paint good enough to get the job done.

My only concern would be is that I can't temporarily remove it.

Although I don't know if there will be a time that I will have to remove it ...not sure??

What do you folks think?

 

[J_J]

I have a kubota B7800, Woods 1008 FEL and a Woods BH7500 BH and I am look'in to add a thumb.

I don't want to make this a Brand A v Brand B debate but should I consider a

Bolt-on (like Bro-Tek or Wallenstein)

or

Weld-on (like USA Attachements or Faulkner)

I realize there are pros and cons for each.

I like the "sleeker" look of the weld-on and I can grind, weld and paint good enough to get the job done.

My only concern would be is that I can't temporarily remove it.

Although I don't know if there will be a time that I will have to remove it ...not sure??

What do you folks think?

It will be stronger if welded. You could also set it up so that it could be folded when not used. If you bore holes, you will weaken the unit.

 

[lhfarm]

Here is a picture of the Bro-Tek installed on my NH757C. I didn't have the welding skills and I thought I might want to remove it. It is a very tight fit and I think will be strong enough for my uses. Now that I have it on, I can't think of why I might remove it. It hasn't been in the way.

Not sure you can go wrong with either style.

 

[3RRL]

Same here.
I never take mine off now, although I thought I would need to. I welded mine on but made my own too, so it stowes away pretty good.

 

[cny]

has anyone seen the millonzi international thumb?

Untitled Document

My kubota dealer did not have much to offer, but another local dealer (new holland) has one. it is 8" x 18" weld-on (18-2-8).

It looks pretty nice but it is $525 plus tax ...a little pricey I think

 

[AKfish]

I welded mine. I use the hoe with the thumb either "parked" or completely removed. It's fairly large 9'x24" and when the bucket is closed and the thumb is parked on the hoe, the mound of dirt in the bucket will compress against the thumb.

So, if I know that I gonna be just diggin' dirt and not pullin', pickin' or rippin' stuff up; I leave the thumb completely off.

It has 2 working positions and even when it's parked on really big stumps, etc. it still will grab and hold things with the bucket curled.

IMO, I don't think I'd seriously consider a bolted on attachment with the working forces that the 8A hoe generates --- curl function --- "excess 6,000 lbs" from JD owner's manual.

I don't know what the Wood's will crank out but it's likely not that far off the 8A.

AKfish

 

[cny]

If I order the millonzi direct from the manufacturer it is only $326 + shipping

 

[cny]

I have also been looking at the Addington...

Thumb Kits, Addington Equipment

I like the fact that it uses the same pins as the bucket

Anyone have any experience with these?

It appears to be similar to the factory thumbs available on the new Woods BH-X models

 

[RFB]

When I set about to fab my thumb, I called the BH Mfg. They said welding onto the stick would void the warranty (heat).

I bolted mine in the following fashion: http://www.tractorbynet.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/3272/sort/1/cat/500/page/1