Picking up logs, grapple or thumb? Advice please.

Ooklaa · Sep 29, 2016

Fiziksgeek said:
I'll try to get a pic or two when I have some time. The 3rd function valve is from W.R. Long. Its mounted on an L bracket on the inside of the loader mount, right above the existing hydraulic connections. It barely fits, in fact, one of the connectors rubs slightly on the edge of the hood. Its not a big deal to me, there aren't many options as to where it can/should go. But it doe make access tot he quick connects more difficult. The valve comes with a new "ball" for the top of the loader joystick with a toggle switch on the side. You can orient it which ever way you want.

On the bucket, I had a piece of 3/8" x 4" flat bar welded to the top of the bucket for reinforcement before the thumb was installed. Also makes a nice place to weld some hooks.

I think it was about $1200 plus the cost of the thumb and hydraulic hoses. I have Goffs do the install before delivery.

ThAnks man. I def will be adding this to my tractor. I did some searching for the Massey ferguson oem backhoe thumb and I am not happy with the quality and design of It at all @ 500 dollars bucks. So I'll be adding "the thumb" first.

Fiziksgeek · Sep 30, 2016

Here are a couple pics of the 3rd function valve I had on my phone. Its pretty night in there, but works.

cglaser104 · Oct 1, 2016

irvingj said:
My BH and thumb in action. This was 2 years ago, got over 3 cords that time.

View attachment 481192 View attachment 481193

I love that you left the mower deck on... My dad would be proud.... If course my dad used his mower deck as a plow and bush hog, etc lol

irvingj · Oct 2, 2016

"my dad used his mower deck as a plow and bush hog, etc lol"

Same here. With the MMM raised to its highest position, I've used it --very effectively, if I do say so-- as a bush hog. Those 1/4" thick blades, coupled with the power of my "lawn mower on steroids" (according to some) will mow down saplings up to 3/4" thick with ease, in a 60" wide swath. Very useful for keeping the jungle at bay in areas where I don't (yet) have a "lawn."

Here in NH it's like one step below a rain forest. Plant growth tends to take over very quickly, and my MMM helps keep it in check.

When lifting logs to cutting height, the MMM only helps to keep things on the ground. As I see it, with a tractor (as opposed to an airplane), weight is your friend!

cglaser104 · Oct 2, 2016

irvingj said:
"my dad used his mower deck as a plow and bush hog, etc lol"

Same here. With the MMM raised to its highest position, I've used it --very effectively, if I do say so-- as a bush hog. Those 1/4" thick blades, coupled with the power of my "lawn mower on steroids" (according to some) will mow down saplings up to 3/4" thick with ease, in a 60" wide swath. Very useful for keeping the jungle at bay in areas where I don't (yet) have a "lawn."

Here in NH it's like one step below a rain forest. Plant growth tends to take over very quickly, and my MMM helps keep it in check.

When lifting logs to cutting height, the MMM only helps to keep things on the ground. As I see it, with a tractor (as opposed to an airplane), weight is your friend!

Indeed it is. Especially when logging