Backhoe Thumb for 2376 Backhoe

[JoelD]

I have a welder so welding on would not be a problem.

Looking for recommended thumbs for my machine.

I am thinking mechanical would be easier in the long run and I don't use all the time, so easy removal would be nice.

I welded up a stationary mechanical thumb for my old Kubota and it worked great for me.

Any recommendations greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Joel

 

[IXLR8]

Joel, I have an aftermarket thumb welded on my BH, works good, swings out of way when not in use. I won't be back to where my machine is for 2 weeks... will take pics and get you info then if you want. Actually, you could call Dave at Upper Valley Tractor in Enfield NH, he is the one that put it on.

 

[JoelD]

Thanks Jim, pictures are always appreciated.

I'll give Dave a call.

I'm thinking this would be a good X-mass present, in the words of Dion Sanders "a present from me to me".

 

[IXLR8]

Joel, Did you ever do anything about a thumb for your BH? My BH is under a tarp under several feet of snow in the back yard. Sorry, I am not shoveling it out for pictures. I did post some pictures of my machine, some show the thumb, a while back... I will see if I can find the link if you want me to.

 

[IslandTractor]

Just to be a contrarian I will say that I am underwhelmed by the utility of my mechanical BH thumb on my BH90x. It works alright but as I have a grapple on the FEL it doesn't add much. To use the thumb you have to dig, then get off the tractor to set the thumb then get back on to use it to grasp the dug object and move it out of the hole but then you need to move the object again to it's final resting place with the FEL later. Instead I just dig the object free then move the tractor so I can grapple the stump or rock directly out of the hole and take it away. I haven't yet had to deal with a rock deeper than my grapple could reach but that is not a very common situation anyway.

If I were doing it again I'd probably forgo the thumb or convince myself that the hydraulic version ($$) was worth it. I can definitely see the benefit of the hydraulic version as it avoids hopping off the tractor and allows more precise positioning of the thumb but the cost is pretty high ($2k new) so you'd have to have a real good reason to have it.

 

[JoelD]

Joel, Did you ever do anything about a thumb for your BH? My BH is under a tarp under several feet of snow in the back yard. Sorry, I am not shoveling it out for pictures. I did post some pictures of my machine, some show the thumb, a while back... I will see if I can find the link if you want me to.

Hi there, hope you get a thaw before the next snow.

I've found your post and got a good look at the thumb, thanks.

I had a thumb on my prior backhoe and used it a bunch, I've to so many rocks that diging without the thumb takes more time than with.

Also use a lot for tree holding when cutting to log length.

Hope all is well.

Joel

 

[JoelD]

Just to be a contrarian I will say that I am underwhelmed by the utility of my mechanical BH thumb on my BH90x. It works alright but as I have a grapple on the FEL it doesn't add much. To use the thumb you have to dig, then get off the tractor to set the thumb then get back on to use it to grasp the dug object and move it out of the hole but then you need to move the object again to it's final resting place with the FEL later. Instead I just dig the object free then move the tractor so I can grapple the stump or rock directly out of the hole and take it away. I haven't yet had to deal with a rock deeper than my grapple could reach but that is not a very common situation anyway.

If I were doing it again I'd probably forgo the thumb or convince myself that the hydraulic version ($$) was worth it. I can definitely see the benefit of the hydraulic version as it avoids hopping off the tractor and allows more precise positioning of the thumb but the cost is pretty high ($2k new) so you'd have to have a real good reason to have it.

Hi Island, thanks for the note.

I had a thumb on my prior machine and used it a lot for rock placement and log holding while cutting to log length. Your grapple looks super versitile though.

Problem for me is, I don't think I'd use the grapple enough to justify, there the thumb I use just enough to justify.

Some tough choices though.

Thanks for the point of view.

Sincerely,
Joel

 

[IslandTractor]

Problem for me is, I don't think I'd use the grapple enough to justify, there the thumb I use just enough to justify.

Here is an idea: When you fabricate the BH thumb, build two with one designed with slightly different dimensions as a bucket grapple (a bit wider but otherwise almost identical construction). I appreciate your judgement that you don't need a dedicated grapple but EVERYONE can use at least a bucket grapple.

 

[IXLR8]

Here is an idea: When you fabricate the BH thumb, build two with one designed with slightly different dimensions as a bucket grapple (a bit wider but otherwise almost identical construction). I appreciate your judgement that you don't need a dedicated grapple but EVERYONE can use at least a bucket grapple.

Hmmmm there is a thought. I have been wanting to add hydraulics to my thumb, it is a hassle getting on and off the tractor to postion it. It wouldnt' take much since I have dual rear remotes. Maybe I could use the same hyd cylinder that I am considering for the hydraulic angle adjustment on my rear blade. With a little work it could double as a bucket grapple... I see drawings, measuring and welding in my future.

 

[JoelD]

Any excuse to weld is a good excuse.

How does it go "live to weld, weld to live", something like that.