Excavator thumb build

[damato333]

I was interested in building a thumb for my Case 9010. It is about 28,000 pounds. Most of the ones I've seen online that can handle a 28,000 pound excavator are around $2,000. What's involved in building a thumb that has to be that strong? Is it worth trying to make one?

 

[Rustyiron]

If you can cut & weld 1 1/2" plate, go for it. Anything much less than that will be bent up and scrap in short order. Keep in mind that the bucket curl cyl and dipper can slide that 28k machine so imagine what forces can & will be exerted on a thumb.:welcome:

 

[damato333]

That's exactly what I was afraid. What type of steel would you use?

 

[Bigfoot62]

T-1 steel.
That's what they build root rakes, cutting edges, etc, with.
It cost more, but has a much higher tensile strength.

I would find one that I could copy, or get a reputable machine/welding shop to build one. Somebody that's done it before and knows what they're doing.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'd bite the bullet and spend the $2k.

 

[pjbci]

I'd bite the bullet and spend the $2k.

Agreed! By the time you find T1 or AR400 or 500 plate and weld it all together your gonna spend nearly that much anyway.

 

[J_J]

Try here.

The Excavator Thumb Superstore! We manufacture thumbs for all excavators, mini excavators, and loader backhoes. Hydraulic, Mechanical, Pin On, Progressive Link are all available.

Excavator Thumbs For Sale - Hydraulic Thumbs for All Excavators