Backhoe Thumb for the BX25

[Chugbug]

Looking to put a thumb on my BX25......does anyone have thoughts on which one would be the best. I been comparing the Brotek and the Wallensteins. Have also read that the Wallensteins has a few issues with it moving and potentially causing damage. Any suggestions? Any other bolt on types out there I should be looking at instead. Right now the Brotek looks like the better thumb. Anyone using one on their BX25 now, thoughts. Also what type of price will I be looking at. Would it be OK to take the bolt on and have it tacted onto the boom to make sure it does not move? Any thoughts would be appriciated!!!
Thanks

 

[rbarker]

Any other bolt on types out there I should be looking at instead.

I bought Extreme Metal Products, LLC from Amazon and have been "extremely" happy with it. Came in about 3 days instead of 4 to 6 weeks for Brotek. If you look back around the beginning of April I posted a thread with some action pictures. I'll have some more in a couple of days cause I just took out a huge rock using it today.

 

[Tom_H]

I have the Bro-Tek. Generations 1-3 of the Wallenstein all had severe engineering failures. I am under the impression they finally got the bugs worked out with Generation 4. The archives are full of thread after thread on this. Bro-Teks are specifically shaped for each model backhoe. The web page for that EMP thing lists a slew of backhoes that it "fits" or "might fit". I would stay away from something like that is not engineered for the arm of your specific bh.

 

[BotaBX24er]

I'd be interested in the responses to this since I'm also looking around for one for my BX24. I think I read that the bro-tek uses the top link to secure it too?

 

[irvingj]

Yes, the Bro-Tek uses a top link. I believe that the Kubotas use their own, but on the 2300-series M-F tractor, the top link needs to be heavier than the OEM one so a top link (with 1" pins) comes with it.

The top link is simply removed for thumb storage on the BH boom. The thumb could be removed altogether, but I find it easier to just fold it up against the boom.

I've been very pleased with mine.

 

[Hedgy]

The archives are full of thread after thread on this.

You can read a summary of the issues (and links to those threads that Tom_H mentioned) on the Thumb Page of the BX Wiki. It would be useful to hear from owners of the "4th generation" Wallenstein (from 2008 or later) - I don't recall seeing much discussion of it since then.

 

[Deano]

I have a Wallenstein and have used it extensivley on logs, some up to 30' long. Hard use too! I had minimal issues with it but after alot of use, decided to weld it in place. I like the fact that I do ot have to use the top link and have to "store" it when not in use. The Wallenstein folds down and up very quickly without a storage issue.

Deano

 

[Tractor Factor]

That Extreme thumb looks pretty good. That's the first I've heard of them.

Just thought I'd mention that if you don't have a top link (because the BX25 doesn't come with a 3PH), Bro-Tek will sell you one when you buy a thumb.

Came in about 3 days instead of 4 to 6 weeks for Brotek.

FWIW, you can pay a little more and get expedited shipping. My skid plates and wheel spacers arrived in 10 days. Takes awhile because he ships from Canada.

 

[RexnMS]

I have a BX25 with the Bro-Tek thumb
Love it, 1 year old & no problems with thumb or center link
My BX came with 3 point hitch lift arms & top link.
Here are pics of brackets I made yesterday to hold centerlink
when not using thumb

 

[roma3112]

I have the bro-tec thumb on my bx24 and have used it on trees and most recently on some Verry large rocks. I would clamp the rocks in and drag push pull them to where i needed them and I had NO movement of the thumb and NO problems. I really put the thumb tru its paces and am very happy with it

 

[Chugbug]

Thanks everyone....looks like the Brotek is the way I'm going to go. Ordering the Pats and Brotek this weekend!

 

[douce48]

I just installed the Bro-Tek thumb and rear skid plate this past weekend. The thumb went on in no time at all and it took minutes get used to using it.

Well, it was a very good purchase. The rocks I'm picking up now would have blown my biceps and back out. I put a hunk of concrete in the FEL and just went around "cherry picking" rocks up.
I'm about to rebuild a retaining wall on a pond. So I just drive over and back up to the wall. The backhoe allows me to place the rock down over the wall and into the water before releasing it.

So far, it's worth every penny comparing to the Dr's bills I would probably have if I wasn't using it. If your thinking about getting one, I would not hesitate.

Douce

 

[Alaskan Kubota]

I am buying BX25 very soon and would like to get a thumb. Bro-Tek sounds good, and I was going to place an order, but I cannot find any ordering info. at all. The storefront at eBay.ca has no items for sale, and the company website (Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons) has no order info. either. There is no phone number to call, either. It seems that the last purchase made on eBay was April 2011. Does anyone know if Bro-Tek went out of business or bought by another company?

Also, if Bro-Tek is not available, would someone give me another recommendation? Thank you for your help!

 

[RaydaKub]

I am buying BX25 very soon and would like to get a thumb. Bro-Tek sounds good, and I was going to place an order, but I cannot find any ordering info. at all. The storefront at eBay.ca has no items for sale, and the company website (Bro-Tek: Tractor Add Ons) has no order info. either. There is no phone number to call, either. It seems that the last purchase made on eBay was April 2011. Does anyone know if Bro-Tek went out of business or bought by another company?

Also, if Bro-Tek is not available, would someone give me another recommendation? Thank you for your help!

I bought a plate this spring. Order and contact info is in the pdf.
Bro-Tek Thumb

Oh, and :welcome: to TBN!

 

[Alaskan Kubota]

I bought a plate this spring. Order and contact info is in the pdf.
Bro-Tek Thumb

Oh, and :welcome: to TBN!

Oh, I see. You have to contact the seller for each item/price via email? Too used to see all the info. on line and calling 800 number, I guess. I did send a general inquiry email earlier but have not heard back yet. Now that I know he is still in business, I will send more specific info. request.

Thank you for your help and warm welcome! I will soon be a proud owner of BX25!

 

[Scooby074]

Brotek is good.

So is Wallenstein. I have a Wallenstein on my Bx. Ranchho Options - Mechanical Thumb - Wallenstein