Do I need reinforcement for "the thumb"

[TRUST]

I've been looking at different grapples and I like The Thumb. The top edge of my bucket(50" LA354) appears to be to thin to handle this under loads imo. What kinds of solutions would be in order? Or will it be ok as is?

Joel

 

[Bedlam]

I'm not familiar with this model but I'm sure some one will post.I have seen where people will weld a piece of angle iron to the top , or even a piece of pipe. something to reinforce, and attach it to.
I find its too bad that manufacturers tend to skimp on the metal and strength on the bucket tops.
Her is a link to another thumb that I considered along with the one you've chosen.
littlearm
There are a few around.
Good luck

 

[john_bud]

Short answer is "absolutely!!"

Long answer is that most kubota buckets are light weight light duty. They are in the 190-250# range for most 60-72" buckets. Industrial buckets are in the 450-600 pound range for the same width and they need to be beefed up for a grapple (thumb).

 

[Bedlam]

Trust could you post a picture of it?
On mine I know when I bought it(ford) that the dealer said we always weld a piece of stock on the back cure lip of the bucket. I liked that they felt to add that piece, and I can see how it created a box effect, and surly has held up over the years.
There were a couple of posts on here where they added a hefy piece of angle to the top. to spread out the load.
not sure if this link will help. but here is one.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/82468-grapple-bucket.html

 

[TRUST]

Here is a couple of pics. After looking at it again I think I certainly need it reinforced. I was drawn mostly to the thumb for the price and the fact I could buy it direct. $339 + shipping. I would still have to make some hoses and pay for material, someone to weld it up and paint.

Joel

 

[Hvytrkmech]

you can reinforce the top of your bucket like this.

Tim

 

[638]

I have the 'THUMB' on my BX23 48" wide bucket. I reinforced the top of the bucket with a 2" x 3" x 1/4" angle, full width. It is holding up very well, no deflection of the bucket at all. I welded nuts to the underneath side of the angle before welding the angle to the bucket. This allows me to easley remove the thumb when it is not needed. I also added 5/16" grab hooks to each end of the angle iron.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I got the Thumb, great product, I twisted the crap out of my woods bucket!
I had to rework the bucket a bunch.

 

[Bill Barrett]

 

[TRUST]

I have the 'THUMB' on my BX23 48" wide bucket. I reinforced the top of the bucket with a 2" x 3" x 1/4" angle, full width. It is holding up very well, no deflection of the bucket at all. I welded nuts to the underneath side of the angle before welding the angle to the bucket. This allows me to easley remove the thumb when it is not needed. I also added 5/16" grab hooks to each end of the angle iron.

Sounds like your reinforcement is like the pic Hvytrkmech posted just above your post?

I'm starting to think it would just be easier to get the ATI Corporation - Grapple Kit Images grapple instead since it would require no mods to the bucket. I like it as well, its just more expensive.