5 minute backhoe thumb project

[davel8257]

It's pretty close to the original bucket. Since I bought the smaller bucket, I may try moving it down.

 

[davel8257]

I took a rough measurement and there are no other hole positions that will work. The next set of holes put it way down on the boom; too close to the bucket. I'm going to work with what I've got for a while.

 

[Big Barn]

I took a rough measurement and there are no other hole positions that will work. The next set of holes put it way down on the boom; too close to the bucket. I'm going to work with what I've got for a while.

Use the existing hole pattern and slide the assembly down the dipper to where you want it. You could fab up a triangular wedge using flat bar to make up the difference. Maybe even tack the wedge to your "thumb"

 

[davel8257]

I was really going to do something like that to begin with, but before I headed out to buy the steel, I held up knife to the boom and was surprised at how well the holes lined up for the placement that I needed.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I would use 6" - 10" pieces of 3/8 flat bar between the bolt and the stick, both top and bottom. A few years ago there were several threads on bolt on thumbs that bent the stick.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I would use 6" - 10" pieces of 3/8 flat bar between the bolt and the stick, both top and bottom. A few years ago there were several threads on bolt on thumbs that bent the stick.

What about going with 4 pieces of angle if bending the stick is of a concern?

 

[Big Barn]

I would use 6" - 10" pieces of 3/8 flat bar between the bolt and the stick, both top and bottom. A few years ago there were several threads on bolt on thumbs that bent the stick.

I can see that happening.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I think four pieces of angle would also be good.