Kubota front loader thumb DIY

[Searchman]

I have a Kubota B3350 with a front bucket. I would like to attach a " Thumb " to the bucket for holding brush or ? in the bucket. Has anyone fabricated and installed the hydraulics for operating the " Thumb " ?

 

[Xfaxman]

You might get some info here: Search results for query: thumb -backhoe -excavator

 

[oldnslo]

I would suggest doing a search for third function since that is frequently what the additional function for a grapple or thumb is called.

you have at least two options.
1) put a diverter valve in the curl circuit so you either curl/dump or open/ close the thumb with joystick movement
2) install another valve to control the thumb independently of joystick movement.

there pros and cons to both methods

 

[Fxfymn413]

1) put a diverter valve in the curl circuit so you either curl/dump or open/ close the thumb with joystick movement
2) install another valve to control the thumb independently of joystick movement.

Or you can do what I do and use rear remotes if the tractor is so equipped. If you go with a third function just make sure it includes a conventional valve to control the grapple so you can "feather" it instead of applying full force like a true third function does.

One item you might consider is adding a set of pallet forks to use for this application instead of the bucket. The forks are a real multi-use tool and most folks who have them will tell you that they are used much more than the bucket. I put a home made grapple on my pallet forks and it is the most useful tool I have for the tractor. I can move logs, brush, and anything else a fork setup can do along with having a means to hold the load with the grapple.

 

[old and tired]

You will most likely need to beef up / extra support of the top lip of the bucket. Not sure if just a backer plate is enough.

 

[5030]

Most light duty 'material buckets' lack sufficient material on the top edge to contain the clamping force without deforming. That also applies to bolt on or weld on bucket hooks. It's imperative that they be place in line with the bolsters that the loader arms attach to or you'll bend the top of the bucket with picking up anything with the bucket hooks.

All tractor manufacturers that I know of offer different buckets, from material handling (single bottom sheets and press brake bent tops) to heavy duty excavation style buckets with replaceable wear edges, double bottom sheets with reinforcing gussets that will accept bucket hooks just about anywhere without deforming. I have both and use them for their respective tasks.

When you buy a new unit, they usually come with a light duty material bucket but you can opt into a HD bucket instead.

 

[tractorcrazy]

I have a Kubota B3350 with a front bucket. I would like to attach a " Thumb " to the bucket for holding brush or ? in the bucket. Has anyone fabricated and installed the hydraulics for operating the " Thumb " ?

 

[tractorcrazy]

Heres one I built a few years ago before I got a factory grapple I had to beef up the top of the bucket where it mounted

 

[Gordon Gould]

Heres one I built a few years ago before I got a factory grapple I had to beef up the top of the bucket where it mounted

Nice work TractorCrazy !

gg

 

[5030]

Heres one I built a few years ago before I got a factory grapple I had to beef up the top of the bucket where it mounted

Very nice. Necessity is always the mother of invention.