The right way to install a thumb on a BX24

[MessickFarmEqu]

We decided to start stocking the Wallenstein for the BX24's. We specificly wanted to come up with some best practices for installation since many of you have been having problems with bolt on thumbs. We found two things that where easy solutions to the problem. 1st - Weld it! Its easy to run a bead at the joint between the thumb and boom. Just use lower power, the boom is not nearly as thick as the thumb. 2nd - Flip the bucket cylinder. Several people have noted that if the bolts slip the thumb gets pushed into the right angle hydraulic fitting. You can prevent this by flipping the hydraulic cylinder so the hose angles out away from the thumb brackets. These will be available on our website shortly.

 

[Ductape]

Are these available for the Woods BH6000? If so, any similar problems?

 

[KeithInSpace]

I bought one for my BH6000 and it does not fit. I haven't worked out how to fix it yet. I was in contact with the manufaturer, but have been SWFUL about following up. Been really busy.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

They do say it fits the BH6000. Infact I saw a picture of one mounted. Funny if yours does not fit.

 

[KeithInSpace]

Mine was an early model. I need to re-engage them, it seems.

 

[tommu56]

What about a piece of 1/2 key stock welded behind the last bolt on top of boom then it still can come off if needed?

tom

 

[Skyco]

What about a piece of 1/2 key stock welded behind the last bolt on top of boom then it still can come off if needed?

tom

That is exactly what I did on my homemade thumb. Personally I would never weld the thumb plates on themselves...but that is just me

 

[Volfandt]

I just followed the instructions. Works good, lasts a long time

 

[Ken_CT]

Volfandt, it looks like you have the same setup as me. I don't mean to be a wiseguy, but why would someone buy a thumb that needs modification to work properly without damaging something, when you can buy the Bro-Tek thumb that works properly to begin with?

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

when you can buy the Bro-Tek thumb that works properly to begin with?

People reporting problems with the Bro-Tek thumb is what led us to do this in the first place.

 

[Ken_CT]

Please elaborate.

 

[Tom_H]

That is exactly what I did on my homemade thumb....

Any chance of pics, please?

 

[Tom_H]

People reporting problems with the Bro-Tek thumb is what led us to do this in the first place.

Neil,

Could you cite specific examples, please? I don't remember any posts here that were negative re. the Bro-Tek, other than not wanting to use the top link. If I missed something, links would be appreciated. If these complaints were from your customers to you, explaining the problem(s) to us would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[ore540]

We decided to start stocking the Wallenstein for the BX24's.

My local Kubota dealer cold-called me last week and left a flyer for what appears to be a Wallenstein thumb on my doorstep. The sales guy said that they started carrying them. I've only had the tractor for a few months but hadn't had them call like that and certainly not run the 10 miles out to my place with a flyer. Have Wallenstein & Kubota made a deal recently?

I don't remember the price (flyer's at home) but $399 for one for my BX24 sticks in my mind.

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

Neil,

Could you cite specific examples, please? I don't remember any posts here that were negative re. the Bro-Tek, other than not wanting to use the top link. If I missed something, links would be appreciated. If these complaints were from your customers to you, explaining the problem(s) to us would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I don't have time to do all the serching, but dig though TBN here and you will find a good 4-5 page thread about it. We specificly had one of our customers who had trouble, also noticed 2-3 guys here. Thats what prompted the welding. In a nut shell, if pushed too hard the thumb can slip back the boom and take out the hydraulic hose on the bucket cylinder.

 

[Ken_CT]

I don't have time to do all the serching, but dig though TBN here and you will find a good 4-5 page thread about it. We specificly had one of our customers who had trouble, also noticed 2-3 guys here. Thats what prompted the welding. In a nut shell, if pushed too hard the thumb can slip back the boom and take out the hydraulic hose on the bucket cylinder.

Neil, I think you are referring to the Wallenstein thumb that had that problem, not the Bro-Tek.

 

[Tom_H]

Neil, I think you are referring to the Wallenstein thumb that had that problem, not the Bro-Tek.

That's what I thought too. I remember several who had the sliding problem with Wallenstein, but I just don't remember any TBN posts re. the Bro-Tek sliding. I do remember someone writing about the U shaped Wallenstein design being a bit too wide, leading to an inability to torque it down with equal pressure in parallel planes from opposite sides, whereas the Bro-Tek has a separate planar plate for each side, allowing it to be torqued to uniform pressure throughout the surface area of both plates, which prevented sliding.

Wallenstein also had that issue with the brace arm buckling, which has apparently been resolved by using a beefier arm. Some don't like using the top link on the Bro-Tek, but it seems like a good idea to me. The teeth on the Wallenstein look more agressive, but I wonder if they really are. Finally, Bro-Tek has a little better price. I am hoping to get a BH6000 within a year and am currently planning to put a Bro-Tek on it. I am thinking about using some inner tube material, pond liner, or something similar to fashion rubber gaskets to go between the arm and plate on each side.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I had the Wallenstein thumb on my BX22, and found it very useful. I guess the older booms are slightly larger because mine fit very well, and I had no slippage problems. The teeth, however, look like they would be a lot more help than they are. They do work fine with brush, and logs, but a more pronounced curve in the thumb, or an angle iron lip on the tip of the thumb would be more useful overall. Since our New England rocks are rounded, and usually irregular in shape the teeth don't do anything to help. They slide along the rock surface like they weren't there. I saw one homemade thumb here that had a piece of perhaps 2" angle iron welded across the end of the thumb, and if I had kept my BX22, I think that is what I would have had done to it. All in all, a thumb is a very handy addition!
Chuck

 

[BotaBigot]

I've been following the thumb problem threads, and while my memory isn't what it used to be, I believe the problems were with the Wallenstein. The spacing on Bro-Tek's sideplate bolts prevents it from sliding up the dipperstick on my BX24. The only problem I have with my Bro-Tek is where to put the toplink while I'm using the BH with the thumb "stored." I'm thinking about making something to store it on the BH railing...

 

[Volfandt]

I haven't read of a Bro Tek slipping either. Haven't heard of one breaking or bending either for that matter. Can't think of one negative thread on the Bro Tek....... Course I could have missed it.

A few more shots of the handiness of a thumb on a BX TLB