Kubota BX24 $15,350.00 from Messicks PA to NH

RayCo · Nov 2, 2007

mswlogo said:
I've read a bunch on the thumbs and really like the Wallenstein Thumb (even though it may have an issue with the link that can be beefed up and they seemed to back it). I have not seen any threads on damaging stuff due to improper DIY installation.

I chose the Wallenstein thumb over the Brotek because it seemed like it'd get a better grip and while the toplink idea is clever, I thought it'd be a bit of a nuisance in practice. I did mangle two hydraulic fittings before I figured out what caused it. I welded the small plate that the Wallenstein thumb uses to secure itself to the dipperstick, and it has been trouble-free since then. So, if you have a welder or access to one, it's a simple mod to avoid the problems. If I had to do it over again, I'd get the Wallenstein thumb again.

Mmurph · Nov 3, 2007

Concerning sales tax,in TX you dont have to pay sales tax on anything used for farm use. Dont know if this applies to other states or not. I have tax exempt cards/numbers for Walmart, HD, Lowes and TSC just uses my phone #. This also applies to tractors 4-wheelers, ATV, etc.

crazyal · Nov 4, 2007

Don't know about MA but here in VT you are required to pay taxes no matter where you buy it. You have to declare it when you fill out your income tax form. VT does have an exception for ag use.

Volfandt · Nov 4, 2007

I chose the Wallenstein thumb over the Brotek because it seemed like it'd get a better grip and while the toplink idea is clever, I thought it'd be a bit of a nuisance in practice. I did mangle two hydraulic fittings before I figured out what caused it. I welded the small plate that the Wallenstein thumb uses to secure itself to the dipperstick, and it has been trouble-free since then. So, if you have a welder or access to one, it's a simple mod to avoid the problems. If I had to do it over again, I'd get the Wallenstein thumb again

Don't mean to use this post as a selling point for the Bro Tec but, it does need a rebuttal

With the Bro Tec, theres no need for any welding or any other modification to mount and use it. Theres been not one instance of the Bro Tec thumb moving and/or damaging any part of the tractor and in my case the Bro Tec thumb has grasped, lifted and deposited everything I've tasked it to.
While on the other hand, theres been many posts here and on other boards of the Wallenstein thumb bending during use, and of course damaging hydraulic fittings on the bucket ram.
Now I generally don't recommend one product over another as I realize there are many variables in why one picks a particular tool/product over another and I always say no-power to ya but with that said, which is better, a tool that requires NO modification to work properly or one that requires additonal welding and/or other modification to work properly?

Using the top link is no problem either. It's actually kinda slick to find a good alternative use for a a tool designed to be both adjustable and load bearing that would otherwise sit on a shelf collecting dust when the BH is mounted