Thumb I need help choosing a BH thumb

[Casco1]

I have a Kubota L3710, Woods 7500BH I also have two piles of rocks to move and landscape with. I've read some threads on thumbs and searched the internet I've found some for $600 and some for $300, There must be a difference. I'd like to hear from TBNers who have thumbs. What should I look for and what brand are you happy with. I've uploaded a picture of one of my piles it's about 15' high.

 

[john_bud]

Man, you guys have high taxes and big rocks! What a deal!!

or not.

I too am interested in a thumb, can you post links to the ones you've found?

Thanks!
jb

 

[oregonguy]

I have a Kubota L3710, Woods 7500BH I also have two piles of rocks to move and landscape with. I've read some threads on thumbs and searched the internet I've found some for $600 and some for $300, There must be a difference. I'd like to hear from TBNers who have thumbs. What should I look for and what brand are you happy with. I've uploaded a picture of one of my piles it's about 15' high.

I'm also looking for a better way to pick up rocks and place them. I've got a JD 3320 with the 448 BH on it and wondered if one can get a thumb that mounts and removes without welding it to the arm. Just beginning to look so any info would speed up the search. Does leaving it on hinder ordinary digging? $300 to $600 sounds a little high for a passive hunk of steel unless attaching it is made real simple without a labor cost.

 

[Casco1]

Man, you guys have high taxes and big rocks! What a deal!! or not. I too am interested in a thumb, can you post links to the ones you've found? Thanks!
jb

Those aren't the big ones
Here's a few links I've found so far

http://cdp-backhoe.com/backhoe_thumbs.htm

http://rankineqco.com/products/rankin/univadjthumbu17.html

http://www.excavatorthumb.com/mt824_mini_excavator_thumb.html

These are the big ones!!!

 

[BobQ]

I made a thumb for my 4720, the back hoe is the same as the 448 or 48, I am not quite sure, it is a nine foot hoe. I will take some pics and try to upload them. It is pinned on buy the bucket and the top plate is welded, I tried a bolt on top plate but nothing would hold up. I used an adjustable top link for the cross member. Of course there is a limit as to how big of a rock it will lift. I will not get a chance to do pics until Wed.

Bob

 

[Casco1]

I made a thumb for my 4720 Of course there is a limit as to how big of a rock it will lift. Bob

The problem with making one is I don't weld. I have a friend who does, I would ask him to install one but I think building one would be pushing it. As far as limits go I figure having one is still a lot better than not as far as landscaping with rocks. I'll be looking for your pics. I still hope to get someone who has bought one to respond.

 

[CTDUF]

My rock pile was about the same, you may want to get a rotary hammer drill and some feathers and wedges to make smaller rocks from those really big ones.With some practice you will be able to make some great pavers and some very usable flat rocks. I struggled thru the big rock phase without a thumb, really wish I had one.