Bro-tek mechanical thumb

[jedjoe]

Hello all,

So I decided to try a Bro-tek bolt-on mechanical thumb for my Woods 9000 backhoe. Purchase and follow up from the company was easy; the company uses PayPal. It comes down from Canada; took about 7 days from order to delivery. Installation was a breeze; it took all of about 10-15 minutes. Steel and welds top quality. The thumb has three working positions and one position for locking it back and out of the way.

The company makes a thumb for nearly brand and size smaller backhoe. See attached photos.

NB: If you visit their website, please note that their thumb design has been changed from the photos on the website. The new design is a considerable improvement (my opinion, of course).

I ran out of time today with too many other farm chores, so I will try the thumb tomorrow moving some boulders. and logs and see how it works.

I will send more pics at that time.

 

[shui5612]

I was considering their thumb since my neighbour has one, however he uses a top link instead of the bar, more "versatile" as the angle for adjustment is infinite.

I ended up making my own thumb and making it hydraulic instead of mechanical. I use it very often. My neighbour uses his mostly for logs.
Great product. Was considering it for a long time before deciding to go hydraulic..

Congrats on your purchase. Looks great

 

[jedjoe]

Okay, so I got an opportunity to use the thumb today. Attached are two photos. The thumb works PERFECTLY. Strong, stable, and has an excellent "grip". I moved a half dozen boulders about the size of this one with ease. I have a number of "thrown walls" on my property with stones about this size having fallen off the walls from years of freezing and thawing. This should let me put them all back over time without herniating a disc!

For those of you hesitating. My model was $470 with shipping. Well worth it.