Grasping large rocks without thumb on L35.

[Telstar2112]

Trying to move some large rocks, say 1x2x3 feet with the backhoe. Pretty tricky with a narrow 1 foot bucket and no thumb. Is it OK to clamp the rock against the dipper stick or boom? Kubota L35.

Also, any recommendations for a thumb? I would rather not have to weld it on, but would consider it if necessary. Mechanical or hydraulic but may have to stick with mechanical depending on cost.

Steve.

 

[rmorey]

I use the dipperstick all the time. Works well. I had a mechanical thumb, which I bent (picking up too big a rock).

 

[Carl_NH]

HI Steve,

I tried this W/O a thumb and it works but not well. Get a thumb - if you can afford a hydraulic one get it. The bolt on ones are OK but as rmorey says get a HD unit.

I have a brotek - its the second one now with 1" pins and studier clamp as the first one was too light duty and I bent it. I would also look for one like this - its a weld on but stronger IMO. KUBOTA L35 tractor backhoe with MT824 Mini thumb by USA Attachments #mt824

Or one like this Amulet B.R.U.T. Rigid Mount, Adjustable, Manual Bucket Thumb for 4-5 Ton Excavators

You can find the mechanical thumbs for $400 range that bolt on but your L35 may overpower the lighter duty. The bucket clamping force on the L35 is pretty high - probably in 5-6000Lb range.

So get a thumb and you will be amazed at how much you can do - holding logs cutting firewood, building walls, loading things on to trailers etc.

Carl

 

[Jim Miller]

Steve - I have a L39 and the USA Attachments mechanical (weld-on) thumb. It is a very heavy duty attachment and I have moved some impressive chunks of concrete and rocks. Yes, I wish it was a hydro unit - but - I simply couldn't afford it. The USA Attachments was a fantastic addition to my L39!!!

 

[Telstar2112]

Yes, that looks like it would do the trick. I'm not a welder myself but can probably get a friendt do do it. What kind of welding is recommended? (Arc, mig, tig?) I think I'll order it right away.

I just noticed you have the l39, which I think has the curved boom, correct? Do you think it will be any issue on the straight boom?

 

[Carl_NH]

Steve,

All the BH have a straight "dipper stick" and yes It will fit fine on your L35. The plate fits in between the welds on the dipper stick portion - the welder should grind off the paint and weld it and blend it into the side rails of the dipper stick.

I am not a welder, (other than basic stick) so I cannot comment on the best welding techniques for this, but at the end of the day I think any will do just fine as this plate is more to reinforce the dipper stick and hold the thumb in place. There are minimal shearing tensions in the back plate of the thumb as it is mostly compression of the bucket to the dipperstick.

Carl

Carl

 

[Kickstand]

Steve, I just finished making a thumb for my L35 and posted a few pictures of it here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/279767-just-finished-my-mechanical-thumb.html

It is similar to the USA model in how it works. I made one for my dad's tractor about a year ago that was lighter weight, and as others have suggested here, the forces are great and it bent, requiring additional reinforcing. I think my new one will hold up well, but it's so new I haven't put it to the test yet. I've used my dad's a lot - very useful for rocks and all things wood. And just like my tractor, I love having it even when I'm not using it!

Good luck,

Joe

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have the hydraulic thumb on my B26 and after using it, I would spring for the extra cost of the hydraulic vs mechanical as it adds so much more versatility to its use by not having to adjust the thumb to different size rocks or having to curl the bucket excessively to clamp smaller stuff. I can pick up a stone as small as about 3-4" in diameter easily with the hydraulic thumb and go back to digging without leaving the seat, you cant do that with a mechanical thumb. You can move the thumb down to pick small stuff and then back up out of the way for digging so the thumb isnt contacting the ground. The hydraulic is well worth the extra cost involved IMO.

 

[Telstar2112]

Nice Joe. I have been wanting to learn welding so maybe I'll finally do it.
Gary, where did you get the hydraulic thumb? I think the Mt824 can be converted later so that may be what I do.

 

[Carl_NH]

Steve,

Not to speak for Gary, but the B26 hyd thumb came as a factory installed option that I would love to have too. Originally I was looking at buying the B26 Gary has and for a number of reasons (2000 mi transport and selling mine) it didn't work out.

Yes, they can be converted later - its piping, valves and a bit of work - if I recall its about $5-600 in materials between the cylinder, piping, valves and double that or more if you have it done.