Just finished my mechanical thumb

[Kickstand]

I entered the world of tractor ownership about a month ago with the purchase of a 1997 Kubota L35 TLB. I decided to build a mechanical thumb and got a lot of good ideas from the TBN forums. While it is far from perfect (I am a hobbyist welder at best and so part of my posting this it to prove if I can do it anybody can), it works great and seems pretty tough. It stores in-place and doesn't limit the boom. From my internet research I considered using the Class 1 top link that came with the 3 point hitch, but decided the stronger 1-inch pins on a class 2 top link seemed like a better idea. I like the adjustability of the top link and can pluck a 2 x 4 off my shop floor with it when it's set to match the teeth on the bucket. I used mostly on-hand scrap steel, so in some cases I doubled up thinner plate, etc. to get to where I thought it would hold up. Anyhow, I'm sharing a few pictures here and hope to have many more hours of fun and idea gathering as a new member of the TBN forums.

Joe

 

[CanuckPT]

Nicely done!!! I'd love to learn to weld after all that I've seen here on TBN!! Maybe some day!!

 

[ultrarunner]

Very Creative!

 

[mjncad]

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Sfrankland]

Looks nice and beefy doubt you will have any issues with it. . The next thing you will have to do is replace that top link with a hydraulic ram.

 

[jimmysisson]

Couldn't see the top link when the unit is folded - do you remove it and store it?
Nice work. I like how compact it is folded.
Jim

 

[Jim Miller]

Nice job! I have a L39 with a USA Attachments weld-on thumb. Practice with how much bucket curl force you need to hold rocks and chunks of concrete. The first time I clamped way too hard and exploded a piece of concrete and scared the dickens out of me! Very loud bang and concrete smoke was everywhere. Just feather your curl until you get the hang of it!!! Enjoy!!

 

[creekbend]

I don't weld, but it appears to be well made. Innovative and Creative.:thumbsup:

 

[Kickstand]

Jim, I do remove the top link before storing the thumb against the boom. Found a place on the tractor to store the top link, so it's easy to put into service when I need it.

 

[IC Smoke]

Nice job! you will find tons of uses for the thumb!

dont the 3point arms and such store under the right side of the L35 / L48 TLB's?