Does Bro-Tek Thumb have same slipping problem as Wallenstein?

[Hedgy]

I've read many threads about the problem with Wallenstein thumbs slipping along the boom and damaging a nearby hydraulic fitting, especially on BX24. No need to rehash the same threads again (really!).

I just want know if Bro-Tek thumb has this problem. (My gut feel is that these threads always referred to the Wallenstein thumb.)

Have BroTek owners encountered this same problem? Or does the design/fit prevent it?

 

[mswlogo]

After digging a lot into this I don't believe it does (Bro-tek ad on e-bay also states that they have no slipping issues like other brands). It also has a bit more room to slip if does a little.

The Bro-Tek has two seperate plates that squarely clamp (bolt together). You can see this very clearly in the install instructions. The Wallenstein is a one piece "U" and effectively only squeezes the top of the U to clamp. Very different design. The "one piece U" is the problem in my opinion.

In all other respects, I like the design of the Wallenstein better. Because I don't care to use my top link on the thumb. I don't have to fetch it every time I want to use it (it's always there ready to go). I also like the width of the Wallenstein thumb.

The Wallenstein thumb can be fixed with a weld stop or I'll let you know how my attempt to cut in half (make it a two piece design) like a Bro-tek goes . Still trying to get up the nerve to cut it, because once I do I own it. I'm 99% sure this will clamp as good as a bro-tek and I won't have to put a weld stop.

 

[Volfandt]

With two seasons of use, I haven't had any problems with the Bro Tek thumb on my BX23. No slippage, no damage to any other part of my BX23 and it hasn't bent, worped or broken under normal use for me.
I did somehow manage to lose (or misplace) the two spacers supplied for the top link pin but it hasn't hindered it's operation one bit.

I know the dipperstick was redesigned on the BX24 so I can't answer for that, perhaps some of those will post their experience.

 

[golfbum]

I have the Bro-Tek thumb on my BX-24 and I have not used it more than a couple of hours, but it seems to work fine for me so far - Just as it is supposed to - no slippage or damage.

Marv

 

[Singlecoil]

Me too. I bought it because I looked at both designs and felt that the Bro-Tek's was superior. You do have to lug around your top link (it fits nicely under the back of the seat), but the top link isn't going to budge under force. The other one may look a little nicer, but if you think about where the forces end up I think you'll go with the Bro-Tek.

 

[Hedgy]

Thanks for the input.

And yes, I was pondering the best place to carry the top link instead of leaving it in the cardboard box in the garage. I suppose it would also fit in the cylindrical front toolbox I've seen in a photo somewhere on this site.

 

[farm23]

Just saw questions on Bro-Tek. I have one on my Power-Trac mini hoe and love it. It stays on the hoe and the link is stored beside the hoe. The adjustable link is very convenient.

 

[Tommy V]

I went with the Wallenstein and I love it. I never had a problem with it moving and I have been creating a rock wall lifting some very large rocks. I believe if the bolts are tightened down, there is no problem. You do need to crank them down though. I went with a 1/2" drive socket with a cheater bar. I really like the adjust ability of the Wallenstein. It has several locations for pins that change the configuration of the opening. I really like having the pins and bar always with me.

 

[mswlogo]

Me too. I bought it because I looked at both designs and felt that the Bro-Tek's was superior. You do have to lug around your top link (it fits nicely under the back of the seat), but the top link isn't going to budge under force. The other one may look a little nicer, but if you think about where the forces end up I think you'll go with the Bro-Tek.

The forces are the same between the two. Can you enlighten us how you think the forces are applied differently between the two?

 

[Tom_H]

The forces are the same between the two. Can you enlighten us how you think the forces are applied differently between the two?

The forces at the ends are the same, however they are applied differently within the pivoting arm because the top link is straight and the Wallenstein isn't. The forces are vectored. Some of the early Wallenstein's buckled at the locations where that piece is angled. The Wallenstein's have been reinforced such that they can now withstand more force, so this is no longer an issue for the new models.