Backhoe installation followup

[BTF]

Well, thanks to the good advice you folks gave me I wound up have Upper Valley Tractor install a 2465 on by Ck20S HST.

I can't say enough good things about Dave and his crew. They accommodated me with a same day quick turnaround and did an extremely professional install.
I couldn't be happier with their service.

I'm taking it slow mastering the new tool and but seriously considering a thumb for it. I got a rock wall to rebuild.

If anyone has suggestions I'd love to hear them. Right now I'm leaning toward Michigan Iron unit. Real world feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[VTFireftr]

Congratulations on the new "toy".

I bought my CK 30 from Dave and Robby. They have been great to deal with since day 1.

I too have to build a stone wall, and will be getting a thumb for my BH. I talked with Tony at Michigan Iron. I'm still not sure if i will get the hydraulic or manual.

Since the wife and I are headed out to South Dakota in mid-August, I will stop by Michigan Iron and pick the thumb up in person. Not too far out of the way, and the wife and Ihave never been to Michigan, so why not?

Also will be good to speak with the manufacturer in person to see how to correctly mount the thumb.

Sorry I won't be able to review it until late August.

Marc

 

[Gil Case]

I have the manual thumb from MIE and it works fine. I guess I would get the hydraulic thumb if I did more work with it and I had the extra hydraulic connections. It is a little tricky without the hydraulic thumb to pick up something and put it exactly where you want it, but it works fine for picking things up and putting them in the truck or in the burn pile. I've dropped a lot of stuff learning to use it, but I guess that is half the fun.
I may have problems putting a big log on the splitter, but that is the plan for this fall.

 

[BTF]

Marc,

It's a toy if use it for play. It's a tool if use it for work. My definition of work is - if I had to pay someone else to do it for me. At least that what I tell my wife. Enjoy your trip.

My guess is I'll go for the manual unit that can be retrofitted with Hydraulics latter.

Gil,

The manual will probably get me by for the initial cleanup but I'm guessing the upgrade will be in my future for the wall.

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[VTFireftr]

Bruce,

I am going to start with the manual thumb, and then upgrade to the hydraulic if needed.

My tractor is much more than a toy for me AND the wife. We both operate the tractor and use it for road work, building stone walls, removing stumps, snow removal, moving our trailers around the yard, and even setting concrete piers for our deck.

I don't know how we got along without it!

Marc

 

[IXLR8]

If you bought the BH from Dave... why don't you talk to him about putting a thumb on your BH, he put one on mine. It is a manual one and I am not sure how easy it would be to convert to hydraulic, but I have been tempted to look into it.
Be warned, possible danger lurks... once my wife figured out how to use the thumb... things have changed around here!! I was out of town for a week and when I came back... the short steep hillside out back now had 5- 9ft railroad tie steps in place!! She used the BH to dig out the steps, the BH w/thumb to move the RR ties and the FEL to move the crushed rock into place. I think I am taking the keys with me next time I leave!!

 

[VTFireftr]

Jim,

What we she build you if you left for a month?

marc

 

[Damifino]

This?

 

[bindian]

Y'all,
Get a hydraulic thumb if you can afford it. I want one. Just stowing my thumb once is enough to convince you.....and that is when it is not muddy.

My Bradco/Mahindra thumb is a heavy chunk of metal to stow the articulated link and thumb all at once. My big hangup is the cost of the hydraulic kit. About $1100 two years ago.
hugs, Brandi

 

[BTF]

Marc,

I'm following the same route. I placed my order from Michigan Iron.

Jim,

I decided to go with the existing solution. I'm sure Dave and his guys could do some thing for me. But Michigan Iron's is an already complete solution. At least that's my reasoning. Your wife certainly sounds ambitious. I'd leave the keys and see what else she come up with.

Brandi,

You hit it on the head, IF I can afford it. I've got to control expenses. The backhoe was a big number, the thumb adds some more. The hydraulics can come later. I've got a lot of work ahead so I'm sure I wind up with the hydraulics eventually. Your machine sure looks larger than my Kioti Ck20.

Thanks all.

Bruce