Excavator thumb build

   / Excavator thumb build #1  

damato333

New member
Joined
Apr 6, 2013
Messages
12
Location
wrightstown pa
Tractor
ford 555d
I was interested in building a thumb for my Case 9010. It is about 28,000 pounds. Most of the ones I've seen online that can handle a 28,000 pound excavator are around $2,000. What's involved in building a thumb that has to be that strong? Is it worth trying to make one?
 
   / Excavator thumb build #2  
If you can cut & weld 1 1/2" plate, go for it. Anything much less than that will be bent up and scrap in short order. Keep in mind that the bucket curl cyl and dipper can slide that 28k machine so imagine what forces can & will be exerted on a thumb.:welcome:
 
   / Excavator thumb build
  • Thread Starter
#3  
That's exactly what I was afraid. What type of steel would you use?
 
   / Excavator thumb build #4  
T-1 steel.
That's what they build root rakes, cutting edges, etc, with.
It cost more, but has a much higher tensile strength.

I would find one that I could copy, or get a reputable machine/welding shop to build one. Somebody that's done it before and knows what they're doing.
 
   / Excavator thumb build #6  
I'd bite the bullet and spend the $2k.

Agreed! By the time you find T1 or AR400 or 500 plate and weld it all together your gonna spend nearly that much anyway.
 
 
 
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