Backhoe Thumb for BL4690B backhoe

[texbaylea]

I have made a commitment for a used BL4690B backhoe. Any suggestions as to what thumb to get for it and where. Only need a mechanical one.

Vernon

 

[ronjhall]

No I do not. But will be watching this thread for into on how to put one on my 4690.

 

[Carl_NH]

I dont have the 4690 but a B21 which is similar in size and frame - I have the bolt on Brotek thumb I got in 2004 I think. I had to upgrade to the 1" pins (Cat 2) and HD setup from the 3/4" Cat 1 as I bent the conecting (an old top link). So Richard sent me new parts and plates and its OK but has some side to side play due to the design.

It works OK but if I were to do it again I would get a unit like Michigan Iron Equipment shown here Hound Dog Backhoe Thumbs

They have a 6" gripping area and look more stable when clamping. Here is a shot of mine installed.

Carl

 

[rbarker]

It works OK but if I were to do it again I would get a unit like Michigan Iron Equipment shown here Hound Dog Backhoe Thumbs


Carl

I have what looks to be the identical thumb to what you linked to only mine was purchased from Extreme Metal Products. Here is a link.

http://www.extrememetalproducts.com....html?osCsid=346dfbc39ee062733a0aa35f713446d6

I have been happy with mine and it seems really rugged. I don't have any experience with the Brotek version though.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[texbaylea]

Well the backhoe came late yesterday afternoon which was dark and misty. We unloaded it using my forks and short chains without problem. Paid a little over $3000.00 which I figured was a very good deal. It was presented as having less than 20 hours use but I think less than that as there was quite a bit of original paint still on the bucket. Original purchase was in 2007 and it is in good condition except for weathering.

I will make some measurements of the dipperstick this afternoon to be sure any thumb I select will fit.

Got to get busy and install the heavy duty top link bracket on my tractor, also find a downloadable copy of the parts list for this hoe.

Later
Vernon

 

[Willl]

I went with a Rankin thumb on mine, works OK.

(( Pics in my PB below ))

 

[Carl_NH]

Vernon,

You got a very good deal for $3K - heres a basic parts manual..

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...moCgCQ&usg=AFQjCNF_rcfBGa4JopH3D19BnVTGkCGL8g

 

[texbaylea]

Carl

Thanks, that is a big help. Now I have to decide whether I will ever have the need to add hydraulic operation to the thumb.

Vernon

Vernon,

You got a very good deal for $3K - heres a basic parts manual..

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...moCgCQ&usg=AFQjCNF_rcfBGa4JopH3D19BnVTGkCGL8g

 

[bandit67]

I'd recommend either the Extreme Metal Products or the Hound Dog because of the design. I bought a Bro-Tek for my BH75 back in 08 or 09, and hated it. Fortunately, got it sold after a couple months use. There was WAY too much side-to-side play on that thing. I hated it so much, I decided to do without until I was ready to buy something like the other 2 I mentioned. Was pretty well set on the EMP thumb, but never got around to buying it before I traded.

Now I have the Kubota thumb on my new BH77.

 

[Luremaker]

I've been looking for a thumb for my backhoe and noticed the CDP weld-on thumbs are 25% off right now. They also have kits that you weld up yourself. I have never heard of CDP before but after searching here on TBN I can see that a number of members here have purchased from them. They are also convertible to hydraulic.

CDP backhoe > backhoes & thumb kits

 

[Carl_NH]

I'd recommend either the Extreme Metal Products or the Hound Dog because of the design. I bought a Bro-Tek for my BH75 back in 08 or 09, and hated it. Fortunately, got it sold after a couple months use. There was WAY too much side-to-side play on that thing.

Bandit,

I agree with you - the side to side play is annoying - the 1" Cat 2 is a better setup but still lacking. For rocks the Brotek works but gripping area is a PIA. For logs and general pickup its OK.

Vernon, as far as Hyd or not, it just depends on your budget and how often you will use it. getting off the machine to do the mech thumb is not a big deal but if you want the optimum in flexibility go Hyd. If its jsut occasional rocks and logs and stumps then mechanical. If you intend to do a lot of stumps and brush grubbing go hydraulic.

Carl