thumb 47bh

[john4210]

i found a thumb that looks like it might fit the 47bh .. should i purches it ?
do yuo guys thnk its good to have on there . ive had a couple times were it could have come in handy
heres the link tell me watcha think hahaha
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41493&item=3829297322&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[GoodGuy]

I have the 47 Hoe & have been looking at that unit. If you check "NoBull1" Posts you'll see it on a Kubota Excavator. I'm possibly going to look at his setup this weekend with my tape measure. I'll let you know what I find. My concern is that the dipperstick is 29" to the bump stop & he tells me that the mounting bracket is 18". I'm concerned that I won't have enough room to position it properly for the arm geometry with the limited room. Do a search on "Thumb" & you'll find more information. One fine member on TBN contacted the company and negotiated a $20 discount for TBN members; look at previous posts for the contact e-mail address. Good Luck & BTW welcome to TBN & hope your 4210 is treating you as good as mine.
Eric

 

[kevinro]

This looks like the 'kit' is really that. About 19 parts in a box that all need welding. Just thought I would point that out. My guess is you are looking at about 3 hours of welding time to get it assembled.

I have a thumb on my 48bh. It is one of the best things I ever did to my tractor. It makes the backhoe easily 300% more useful. Mine is a Rankin mechanical thumb. It has a couple of fixed positions.

If you can swing it, I highly recommend getting a hydraulic thumb. I am trying to determine the best way to retrofit mine with a ram. The fixed still works very well, but there are many times I would like to adjust the position of the thumb. Just seems like it would be way more useful.

I like the design of this thumb. Looks like it has good gripping capabilities. I know that the Rankin thumb has been redesigned since I bought mine, and it has a similar look to it.

Kevin

 

[GoodGuy]

Yes, you are correct; this comes as a kit and when I talked to "NoBull" he told me that everything is precisely lazer cut and fits together great but it's about 4 hours of welding by a pro. I looked at his yesterday & a real nice piece. How about posting some pics of your setup on the 48 Hoe ?? Please, Please. I'll post some measurements when I get the file smaller. Thanks !!
Eric

 

[bebster]

Kevin,
Can you share any information on where to find out more about the Rankin thumb? Thanks.

 

[kevinro]

Its a little dark for me to take a picture, but here is the companies version:

Rankin Thumb

I bought this when I purchased my tractor. It cost me $600 from the dealer, installed and ready to go.

Welding it on wouldn't be a big problem if you are a decent welder. Otherwise, you should have it done professionally, since you are going to inflict a great deal of pressure on the joints. About a year ago, someone posted a picture of his thumb that wasn't welded on very well.

Check out the picture above. The thing I really like about the kit are the jaws seem to be a better design than the UAT-100 (the model I have). I like mine. The thumb teeth do a great job at digging into trees, but sometimes I wish I had a flatter design when moving rocks. I am sure either would be fine.

Kevin

 

[GoodGuy]

As promised I'm attaching a pic that I took of the thumb retracted on NoBull1's Kubota Excavator. Hopefully you can make out the measurements I have noted. What we need to do is figure whether or not it will fit so that the geometry will be right. I'm probably gonna take a chance & order one. Hope this helps.
Eric

 

[kevinro]

Thanks for the pictures.

I think you should order one and install it. I really like the thumb design better than mine.

I remember seeing a similar design at the local JD dealer about 4 or 5 months ago. I will call and see who made it.

It would also be really cool if you decided to put a hydraulic ram on it. I may try doing so this winter, but if you wanted to go first, you could tell me how to do it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Kevin