Backhoe L48 Thumb

[consultantfool]

I am thinking about getting a mechanical thumb for my L48. I was told by my Kubota dealer they did not offer one for that unit from the factory. Can anyone tell me if someone makes an aftermarket one and if so what are your thoughts. Since my hoe does not have the thumb bracket I am guessing it would have to be a bolt on.

Thanks

 

[CurtisC]

I have a B26TLB with the same challenge - no mechanical thumb option from Kubota. I ended up at Michigan Iron Equipment and got one they make for my BT 820 backhoe. I believe you have a BT1100 which they also make a thumb for (see link below). I did have a problem with the new, longer, wrist pin that comes supplied with the thumb. The keeper through hole location in the pin was off aligning the pin too far to one side but the folks at MIE were great and took care of making a new pin and getting it shipped to me in short order. Thumb is well built with three working positions and a storage position and uses the existing dipper mount bracket to attach the strut (no clamp on brackets). It works great and has had extensive use picking up rock, logs and tree stumps. Hydraulic is obviously the best way to go but I didn't want to spend the $$ and don't mind hopping on and off the tractor to set it. As anyone who started out without a thumb will tell you - you'll wonder why you waited so long after you get one. Good luck.
Hound Dog Attachments SHP Series Backhoe Thumbs Kubota Mechanical Backhoe Thumbs

 

[consultantfool]

I was hoping not to have to weld to the dipper stick. Has anyone ever welded to their's? I have always been told that welding to something weakens the steel. Do you know if they make a clamp type?

Thanks

 

[kcender]

I was hoping not to have to weld to the dipper stick. Has anyone ever welded to their's? I have always been told that welding to something weakens the steel. Do you know if they make a clamp type?

Thanks

I don't think welding will weaken the dipper stick IF it is done correctly.The dipper stick is a welded fabrication to begin with.You will get many opinions on this but you would need a reinforcing plate welded to the dipper with the lug welded to the plate.I wouldn't recommend welding the lug directly to the dipper stick. One of the most important things is to design the plate so there are no horizontal welds straight across the dipper,this would cause a weak area that could eventually cause a crack or worse.When I looked at the welds on my L45 backhoe there are no straight horizontal welds on it anywhere IIRC.

 

[mike69440]

I am thinking about getting a mechanical thumb for my L48. I was told by my Kubota dealer they did not offer one for that unit from the factory. Can anyone tell me if someone makes an aftermarket one and if so what are your thoughts. Since my hoe does not have the thumb bracket I am guessing it would have to be a bolt on.

Thanks

MT824 Mini Mechanical Excavator Thumb #mt824
All you need, but Hydraulic is even better.

 

[GravelRoads]

MT824 Mini Mechanical Excavator Thumb #mt824
All you need, but Hydraulic is even better.

Nice looking thumb. Has anyone seen one of these in person?

 

[mike69440]

Yeah, if you go to their site there is a picture of my then new L39 with the thumb. 13 year later it is still on my tractor.

 

[GravelRoads]

Yeah, if you go to their site there is a picture of my then new L39 with the thumb. 13 year later it is still on my tractor.

Thanks for the link to the picture. How far from the end of the dipper stick did you mount the thumb bracket that gets welded? Is there anything to be wary of when welding to the dipper stick?

BTW, do you ever wish you had a hydraulic thumb?

 

[mike69440]

Thanks for the link to the picture. How far from the end of the dipper stick did you mount the thumb bracket that gets welded? Is there anything to be wary of when welding to the dipper stick?

BTW, do you ever wish you had a hydraulic thumb?

I have a Hydraulic Thumb, just not on the L39.

Welding Spread the load with a 1/4" thk. H or X plate between bracket and Stick.

Space so teeth so they meet at the Mid setting of the mechanical thumb. ( There are 3 holes)

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/mahindra-owning-operating/377997-what-did-you-do-your-26.html
Post #258

 

[GravelRoads]

Welding Spread the load with a 1/4" thk. H or X plate between bracket and Stick.

Do you have a closeup picture of your weld?