Thumb worth it?

[Stonehaller]

The L45 does have a factory hydraulic thumb option, but $5000 sounds awfully steep. I would ask the dealer to verify that or check with another dealer. $2000 sounds more reasonable.

I have an L39, which is very similar to the L45, with a mechanical thumb. A thumb is very handy for grasping and moving logs, rocks and other items with the backhoe. The advantage of a hydraulic thumb is that you do not have to stop and get off the tractor to position the thumb. If you are digging in soil with large rocks, the thumb can be used to grasp and move rocks that will not easily fit into the bucket. Digging is easier with the thumb in the storage position, so with a hydraulic thumb, you can quickly position it to move the rock, then get the thumb back in the storage position and continue digging. With my manual thumb, I am on and off the tractor twice. However, manual thumbs cost a lot less. I do not remember the cost for my thumb, I think it was less than $500.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a mechanical thumb on my TLB and have not had enough use to be happy having bought it. It's the only extra I probably wouldn't buy again.

I feel the same way about my Woods BH90x mechanical thumb. In my case it is partially because I have a grapple on the FEL which is more flexible and easy to use. If I have to get off the tractor to fiddle with the mechanical thumb I might as well raise the stabilizers, hop in the tractor seat and use the FEL mounted grapple. Gonna have to load whatever it is into the grapple eventually anyway.

I think a hydraulic thumb would be more useful as you don't need to dismount to adjust it and you can keep it out of the way until you need it.

Agree that $2000 is much more what the price should be. These are not highly refined or machined devices. A decent ironworker could fab one in a day and the hydraulics should not be more than $1000.

 

[trailbuilder]

Thumbs are real handy for wood, brush and rock moving. If you are not opposed to getting out to put the manual thumb in place when you get to a thumb job. It works fine. I use my thumb on most projects so I have a hydraulic one...more money but more convenient than getting out of the cab.

 

[SSdoxie]

In neighborhood of $2000 for a hydraulic thumb seems correct but that is if the hoe already has extra auxiliary valve and plumbing to operate it. 5 grand seems pretty steep. I would ask dealer what all is involved in add this to to the backhoe.

 

[two_bit_score]

Hi all,

I'm looking to purchase a Kubota L45. The backhoe thumb option is $5,000. Over the life of this tractor, do you feel the thumb will be worth the price?

Yeah. It probably won't be that much but after you get it you'll think it is worth $5000.
After you use it awhile you probably wouldn't take five grand for it. Make sure to get the hydraulic.

 

[IslandTractor]

In neighborhood of $2000 for a hydraulic thumb seems correct but that is if the hoe already has extra auxiliary valve and plumbing to operate it. 5 grand seems pretty steep. I would ask dealer what all is involved in add this to to the backhoe.

Yep, I'd say it boils down to $1000 for the mechanical thumb, another $300-400 for a hydraulic cylinder and $500-600 for plumbing and valve/controls. The remaining $3000 is for the boat payment.

 

[CurlyDave]

In addition to not having to dismount to use a hydraulic thumb, there is a second advantage.

Frequently, I will want to place a rock with a specific side up or down, and will need to pick it up and set it down several times in order to get the grip just right for the final placement. The infinitely adjustable hydraulic thumb is much better for this than a mechanical thumb.

Similarly, if I pick up a piece from a slab of concrete, I can raise it up and drop it on the ground to break it up into smaller chunks. A lot easier to get it to fall flat if I can let go from either side of the slab.

 

[Redgoatea]

I can't imagine not having a thumb on my Kubota. I pick up stuff far far more often than I dig but everybody use is different. I'd take a good hard look at what your plans are.

 

[vic4news]

I move a lot of rocks and trees with my backhoe, so the mechanical thumb gets
used a lot. But there is a lot of getting off and on the tractor to reposition the thumb. I've just picked up a kit to convert my thumb to hydraulic and can't wait to start using it. If you need a thumb and find a decent price for a hydraulic one, I'd recommend it. If you only occasionally need a thumb, the mechanical type should be fine.

Vic

 

[mbradey]

I have a L39 and was quoted $4500 for a hydrolic thumb at my Kubota dealer. Don't know the breakdown but this was for hydrolic outlets, thumb and foot peddle to operate. I passed....
I bought 5500# pallet forks instead.