Just finished my mechanical thumb

Kickstand · May 13, 2013

I entered the world of tractor ownership about a month ago with the purchase of a 1997 Kubota L35 TLB. I decided to build a mechanical thumb and got a lot of good ideas from the TBN forums. While it is far from perfect (I am a hobbyist welder at best and so part of my posting this it to prove if I can do it anybody can), it works great and seems pretty tough. It stores in-place and doesn't limit the boom. From my internet research I considered using the Class 1 top link that came with the 3 point hitch, but decided the stronger 1-inch pins on a class 2 top link seemed like a better idea. I like the adjustability of the top link and can pluck a 2 x 4 off my shop floor with it when it's set to match the teeth on the bucket. I used mostly on-hand scrap steel, so in some cases I doubled up thinner plate, etc. to get to where I thought it would hold up. Anyhow, I'm sharing a few pictures here and hope to have many more hours of fun and idea gathering as a new member of the TBN forums.

Joe

CanuckPT · May 13, 2013

Nicely done!!! I'd love to learn to weld after all that I've seen here on TBN!! Maybe some day!!

ultrarunner · May 14, 2013

Very Creative!

mjncad · May 14, 2013

Thanks for sharing.

Sfrankland · May 14, 2013

Looks nice and beefy doubt you will have any issues with it. . The next thing you will have to do is replace that top link with a hydraulic ram.

jimmysisson · May 14, 2013

Couldn't see the top link when the unit is folded - do you remove it and store it?
Nice work. I like how compact it is folded.
Jim

Jim Miller · May 14, 2013

Nice job! I have a L39 with a USA Attachments weld-on thumb. Practice with how much bucket curl force you need to hold rocks and chunks of concrete. The first time I clamped way too hard and exploded a piece of concrete and scared the dickens out of me! Very loud bang and concrete smoke was everywhere. Just feather your curl until you get the hang of it!!! Enjoy!!

creekbend · May 14, 2013

I don't weld, but it appears to be well made. Innovative and Creative.:thumbsup:

Kickstand · May 14, 2013

Jim, I do remove the top link before storing the thumb against the boom. Found a place on the tractor to store the top link, so it's easy to put into service when I need it.