Thumb for an L48 Backhoe?

[tractortad]

Does Kubota sell a thumb for their L48 Backhoe? I was at a dealer today checking out an L48 and he couldn't find anything in his ordering guide on backhoe thumbs. He found one for the B26 but not the L39 or L48. Seems kind of strange that Kubota wouldn't offer a thumb for their bigger backhoes. I am considering either the L48 or the Deere 110 and the backhoe thumb is a major consideration for me.

 

[witel]

Does Kubota sell a thumb for their L48 Backhoe? I was at a dealer today checking out an L48 and he couldn't find anything in his ordering guide on backhoe thumbs. He found one for the B26 but not the L39 or L48. Seems kind of strange that Kubota wouldn't offer a thumb for their bigger backhoes. I am considering either the L48 or the Deere 110 and the backhoe thumb is a major consideration for me.

Take a look at the Kubota excavators (i.e. the U35). They make thumbs for the excavators (here's a link) that I think can be used on the TLBs. I'm looking at this as a possible option for the L39. I'm still researching, though.

 

[BleedGreen]

Does Kubota sell a thumb for their L48 Backhoe? I was at a dealer today checking out an L48 and he couldn't find anything in his ordering guide on backhoe thumbs. He found one for the B26 but not the L39 or L48. Seems kind of strange that Kubota wouldn't offer a thumb for their bigger backhoes. I am considering either the L48 or the Deere 110 and the backhoe thumb is a major consideration for me.

tractortad,

The 110TLB has a factory thumb available. The Order Code is LVB25657 - you must have the 7 function dipperstick and an 18" (or larger) Quick Coupler bucket for it to work. I included a picture below if you are interested. Let me know if you have any other questions on the 110...

 

[mike69440]

Currently considering ...
Kubota L39 TLB: TL1715 Front Rem-Hyd, BTB404 Rear Rem-Hyd, L9553 Rem-Valves, L9554 TNT, K7770 QA Coupler for BH Bucket, K7874 18" Trenching Bucket, L9475 Drawbar, L9476 Tool Box, L8044 Rear Work Lights, 70000-00297 Block-Heater, Filled Tires, No FEL Bucket
And, implements: 4N1 FEL Bucket, Hyd PHD, Hyd Thumb, Box-Blade, Front Blade, Rear Blade, Rotary/Flail Mower, Spreader, Hopper, Pallet Forks

That's a fully loaded L39

That KX-80-3 looks nice on Kubota's website.

 

[witel]

That's a fully loaded L39

Yes. I know. I guess I want it all.

So, I found an alternative to a thumb that looks interesting. It's a 4-in-1 bucket for the backhoe. Don't know if it would fit your application ... but thought it was interesting.

 

[tractortad]

Witel -

That powergrip bucket is nifty, but the smallest one they have weighs 700lb - even if it does fit on the L39 hoe it's probably too heavy to use for a backhoe that will only lift about 1200lb. Those things look like something you'd use on a full size backhoe or excavator.

 

[witel]

Witel -

That powergrip bucket is nifty, but the smallest one they have weighs 700lb - even if it does fit on the L39 hoe it's probably too heavy to use for a backhoe that will only lift about 1200lb. Those things look like something you'd use on a full size backhoe or excavator.

Yup. I just thought it was interesting. I noticed that they were very heavy ... hence my comment about not fitting your application ... and definitely not mine. I'd like to find a smaller one somewhere.

 

[bradyky]

There is a company in TN that makes a thumb for the L48. We just installed one on a unit that is sold. Kubota does not offer the thumb on the L48 but surely will when they replace the model.

 

[curtisfarmer]

I have a L48 with a monster hyd. thumb, the machine came from Chappell and their thumb company is Addington equipment (Chichester, NH?). It is important that the thumb and bucket be on the same pin, not a cheap weld on. Mine was prof. done and was not cheap, but it is amazing. There is a JD 110 down the st. with a tiny Bear Claw thumb. The piston is the size of my Ford Taurus trunk release piston (tiny). I also have a KX121 with factory thumb, I like my custom L48 one better and may upgrade my excavtor thumb with a bigger paddle.

 

[tractortad]

curtisfarmer -

thanks for the info - how did you route hydraulics to the thumb? Did you use the factory Kubota setup or was that a custom job, too?

 

[bradyky]

We used the Kubota factory kit that gives you the foot controls. It is an expensive set-up (over $1300) but is worth it.

 

[witel]

how did you route hydraulics to the thumb?

Looks like the L48 has a Remote Valve Kit (BTB402A) that includes the right foot operated valve, hoses, pipes, and brackets (retails for ~$1714.00 ... but I like bradyky's price better).

 

[CurlyDave]

I have one of the Addington thumbs on my JD 110 and it works well.

 

[curtisfarmer]

It was custom done, foot pedal control with factory precision installation. It digs like a mini exc. and having a wide thumb is excellent for loading dirt into trucks as the thumb completely (almost) covers the 24" bucket opening and is good for handling large rocks. My thumb piston is as big as the curl piston, very powerful. I think the currrent price is $3,600+/- installed. My KX121 thumb (piston is good size) is so small compared to my custom one, I am not sure why Kubota does not offer different widths and set ups.

 

[Builder]

Aren't there a bunch of aftermarket thumbs for the little TLB's available?

 

[curtisfarmer]

I am sure after market thumbs are a dime a dozen, but for commercial use, the small thumbs are night and day compared to spending the $ and doing it right. If I can find a picture of my thumb I will post but have problems posting pics before. If the internet ran on diesel and grease I could work it no problem. I couldn't do 1/2 the work I do without a powerful thumb, and without one......I don't know what I would do.

 

[Builder]

Yes, they are VERY handy.

 

[coopers]

HPF here in Washington is a company that makes good attachments. A lot of people seem to have these thumbs put on their mini excavator. They might do them for backhoes too. I would get a thumb from them for my mini, they have a couple different size options for mini excavators I believe, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could make one for a backhoe of any size.

Highline Portafab - Excavator Thumbs & Rakes

Blake

 

[witel]

HPF here in Washington is a company that makes good attachments. A lot of people seem to have these thumbs put on their mini excavator. They might do them for backhoes too. I would get a thumb from them for my mini, they have a couple different size options for mini excavators I believe, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could make one for a backhoe of any size.

Highline Portafab - Excavator Thumbs & Rakes

Blake

This is why I was suggesting that Kubota excavators as a possible thumb option. I thought I'd read that it would work for the L48 (at least).

 

[curtisfarmer]

The one thing I do not like about the excavator thumbs is the swivel pin for the thumb, which is just a ball point basically and not the pin thru 2 holes on my L48 thumb. Make a difference with a wider thumb as opposed to the thin factory thumbs (except the new kx008 which is huge and has a decent sized thumb. It should be illegal to sell either hoes or excvators WITHOUT thumbs. Same with 2wd tractors. Hah!