Backhoe installation followup

[Coyote machine]

Going once, going twice, guess no one wants a barely used MIE brand mechanical BH thumb?
That's Ok, I guess I understand the need to go retail:confused2:
It's still available to anyone who may be interested....

 

[Kay's Boy]

Here is a picture of the mechanical thumb on it's first day and first rock.

 

[VTFireftr]

Looks good.

Picking mine up Tuesday.

Since I will be picking it up while heading out west on vacation, I can definitley wait to install it on the tractor and use the thumb. (Vacation will be over.)

I will post pix once the thumb is mounted.

Marc

 

[BTF]

Well, the MIE Thumb arrived Thursday and I got to installing it today. After a couple of hours of work I'd give it two thumbs up. (Pun intended).

My opinion is that a thumb shouldn't be an option but a standard part of a backhoe package. Now to the hydraulic vs manual debate. IF money is no object definitely go for the hydraulic. The convenience and time saving make it a worthwhile option. It will be on my short list of additions. That said, I got some real hefty rock moved that I couldn't do without the thumb. I can also see some finesse placement issues that would be facilitated with hydraulics so that's another argument for it.

In the mean time, I'm going to get stuff done that I needed to so I'm a happy camper.

Thanks to all who provided guidance.

Bruce

 

[VTFireftr]

UPDATE:

Got home from vacation on Friday - AMAZING trip! - and installed the thumb. Took about 2 hours total time for thumb and hydraulics.

Has a slight issue with the hydraulics. Called Joe at MIE on Saturday and we attempt to troubleshoot the issue over the phone. Joe diagnosed problem to be a bad quick connect fitting. I set the thumb for manual operation until the new fittings arrive.

Hurricane Irene decides to destroy my town on Sunday. As a memebr of the local fire department, everything else has to wait until we can make sure everyone and everything in town is secured. Luckily the wife and I have no damage to our house or vehicles.

On Wednesday, I finally get to work on the culverts on my road and play with the (manual) thumb. WOW! If picking rocks is this easy in manual, it's going to be even easier with hydrualics.

I finally go back to work on Thursday and Friday.

When I get home Friday afternoon, the box with the replacement quick connects is waiting there for me. It took me about 20 minutes to change couplers, and mount the hydraulic cylinder back on the backhoe.

The hydarulic thumbs ROCKS! - All puns intended!

Joe at MIE was super. It was a pleasure meeting Joe, his dad and mom, and their dogs.

I highly reccomend Michigan Iron and Equipment to everyone! Great people and customer service that can't be beat!

Now if I can just get my wife off the tractor for some seat time of my own.

Marc