Do I need reinforcement for "the thumb"

[Hvytrkmech]

I have no idea what the price difference is in the claws you are looking at, but the reinforcement cost me 20 bucks to do it myself. Food for thought maybe.



Tim

 

[BruceWard]

Did you guys already have remotes on your tractor? If not how did you hook up the hydraulics?

 

[rScotty]

I've need to reinforce the upper edge - and often the lower as well - of every bucket we've had. That's about a dozen so far. You have to do it anyway for mounting a grab hook and will certainly want that. Adding a grab hook or three is the single best thing you can do to make a bucket more usable. IMHO, a removeable tooth bar is the second thing. I've never used a loader grapple, but wouldn't be without the backhoe thumb. Reinforcing your loader bucket edges is lots easier, cheaper, and better looking if you do it before you bend the bucket....and you will. Best is to have your local welder do it. HvytrkMech's method looks good. Make it strong. Use high tensile alloy steel for reinforcement instead of hot rolled if you can get it. I've also used plate, interrupted angle (good for access), and heavy wall pipe.
rScotty

BTW, the new M59 is the first tractor I've owned that comes from the factory with both bucket edges reinforced.....even if you do have to pay extra for the lower reinforcement.

 

[TRUST]

Did you guys already have remotes on your tractor? If not how did you hook up the hydraulics?

I've purchased the optional remote valve kit when I bought the tractor. I will post a pic when I get it installed.

J.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I use my rear remotes with hoses I use for splitter and post hole digger.
High strength steel is a very good idea.
I had this steel so thats what I used . Don't look at the welds, was in a bad mood and had to get it done fast.
Two pieces of angle, with three straps under to back of bucket where the angle iron attaches.
Also a pic of my new Land Pride box scraper, guess they are tied to Kubota Dealers, so you get the Kubota orange.
Trust, looks like the Thumb is heavier, shaped better, and John the owner is a great guy. I drove to his shop and picked up mine, would be a good road trip for you Trust!

 

[TRUST]

I drove to his shop and picked up mine, would be a good road trip for you Trust!

Maybe, it looks like he is 200 miles away.

J.

 

[TRUST]

I recently ran across this grapple. The price is decent. Anyone own this one?

J.


http://www.wikco.com/addgrpl.html

 

[Bill Barrett]

That looks nice, kind of light, but they say it's for brush.
I use the Thumb for logs, had a whole tree last weedend.
Looks like it's double the cost, but you do get all that steel on the top of the bucket.