Backhoe Thumb Plans?

Johnny Glenn · Mar 20, 2011

Thanks for looking in - I'm trying to find plans for making a thumb for a Ford 555 backhoe. I've seen plenty of DIY info but no dimensions of thumb and supporting hardware. Thickness of steel etc? I'm thinking of installing a mount using U-bolts and wondering where on boom should it go? The boom is standard size of 5ft long and 7 inches wide, the bucket is standard 2ft. Any ideas or links? Thanks.

boggen · Mar 21, 2011

Johnny Glenn said:
Thanks for looking in - I'm trying to find plans for making a thumb for a Ford 555 backhoe. I've seen plenty of DIY info but no dimensions of thumb and supporting hardware. Thickness of steel etc? I'm thinking of installing a mount using U-bolts and wondering where on boom should it go? The boom is standard size of 5ft long and 7 inches wide, the bucket is standard 2ft. Any ideas or links? Thanks.

me to!

Viewing a thread - Ford 555A backhoe

the above link notes 3/4" used

if it was me, i would skip idea of U bolts. i don't think i can even find one that would be strong enough. that and clearance of the bucket cylinder. you might be able to get some threaded rod 1/2" or bigger, with thumb on underside and a metal plate on top. but you would most likely still have clearance issues with the cylinder.

brackets or entire thumb i would say be welded on. check your local papers, generally someone will list welding for x price and come to you. vs you hauling tractor to them. at least that is how it is around here.