Backhoe Thumb that moves via mechanical linkage to the bucket

[67FASTBACK428]

Just wonder if there is a thumb that moves by linkage to the bucket, so there is no added hydraulic cylinders or valves? I am working on trying to make one.
thanks for any help,
troy

 

[Captain Dirty]

Just wonder if there is a thumb that moves by linkage to the bucket, so there is no added hydraulic cylinders or valves? I am working on trying to make one.
thanks for any help,
troy

Welcome! The members on this forum are not shy about disagreeing when they think you are barking up the wrong tree, and therein lies a great advantage.

Google "Tractor By Net mechanical thumb" or just "mechanical thumb" to get ideas. The disadvantage of a linkage that moves when the bucket moves would be that it moves when the bucket moves. There will be times when you won't want that. A mechanical thumb "KISSes" that problem neatly without the complication of hydraulics. Some even prefer a mechanical thumb because it can be set and not overpowered by the bucket curl like a hydraulic thumb.

 

[67FASTBACK428]

Thanks Captain,
I have been looking, and have had a fixed thumb on a homemade backhoe that I built. I liked it and it worked good. I have a homemade band sawmill and tinker with that and move some logs now and then.
I just got a Kubota b7500 with a loader & hoe on it, I really like it! I just wondered if anyone had seen anything like what I am building or was interested...
thanks for all the looks and responses

 

[texasranger556]

What do you envision the advantage of a a thumb that moves with/against the bucket via fixed linkage? Wouldn't it always contact the bucket at the same point, like a fixed thumb?

It may help to sketch what you're thinking to get some feedback.

 

[ptsg]

I'm sure this is what the OP is talking about:



Or this style. There is a thread about this somewhere in this forum. Here: https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/94333-another-backhoe-mechanical-thumb-fixed.html

mechanical articulating backhoe thumb - YouTube

 

[ovrszd]

Welcome to TBN.

ptsg gave you some great pic and video info.

If you decide to build one please post a thread about it.

I use and adjustable fixed thumb on my 555A. 95% of the time it's pinned fully open, out of the way. Sure comes in handy when handling logs/brush/rocks.

 

[67FASTBACK428]

Thanks guys. Lots of good info there, I am almost done & will post pics soon. I know it will probably be in the way for digging but it shouldn't be too hard to remove. But it will be handy moving logs, rocks & other stuff. I guess I just like building instead of buying... It may not be a lot better than a fixed one, but it surly be cheaper than a hydraulic one.
thanks again guys

 

[TractorGuy]

There is a commercial version made by Amulet. Pretty expensive as I recall.

 

[ovrszd]

I totally understand!!! I was set on building my adjustable fixed thumb. So I Googled to find pictures. One company even posted a blueprint with all dimensions and material sizes!!!! I was excited!!!! Then I saw the price...…. I couldn't buy the material for what I could buy it for, delivered to my shop.... I swallowed my pride and bought. Can't remember for sure but it was somewhere around $225.

In your case there is more complexity. I'm guessing to buy one would be expensive.

I'm anxious to see your build. Please post pics when you get started!!!

 

[TractorGuy]

I have the Titan 36" weld on thumb on my backhoe. At first I would keep it in the stowed position while I was digging then extend it to pick stuff up. It still had limited usefulness for clamping stuff against it to pick it up in the stowed position. Over time I have learned to dig with it in the 90* extended position. Haven't pulled the pin and stowed it in months.