Wallenstein thumb for BX??

[HomeBrew2]

... prone to deformation ...

Even my made-from-junk thumb won't deform with full hyd pressure ... even after 3 seasons of pure abuse

 

[KeithInSpace]

...pure abuse

Sounds like what I normally inflict. Not that I try to kill my stuff, but if I'm in a job and running into the stump a little harder gets the job done while "saving the equipment" would leave me scratching my head, I generally choose to take care of business. Feel bad sometimes, but I have yet to make a visible impact on the machine (other than the rather common "bow in the bottom lip of the bucket" issue). It seems happy to take a rest, but never complains the next day.

102 hours and one tip over: NOT A SINGLE THING has broken. Have a very minor drip cropping up in the FEL somewhere, but I've never even tightened any of the fittings since new. Lubed the thing a few times. That's it. Not even the air filter bracket.

In the end, I can't add something to the machine that I'll have to be "careful" with. Thanks for the input.

 

[wkasak]

Well...thanks alot guys...I just bought one...there goes another $420!!!

I can't handle all of this peer pressure...LOL

Seriously...looks like a nice piece and I will report after I recieve and install on my BX24.

 

[montelatici]

Well, Wallenstein has made two thumb sales to Marylanders this week. Maybe they will come on the same truck. Marylanders are suckers I guess.

 

[rdsaustintx]

Not even the air filter bracket.

Your day's coming. Mine made it to about 380 hours. Fortunately about 1 month before warranty expired. Spares are cheap though.

Russell in Texas

 

[montelatici]

I have owned a B5200 for 22 years. The only thing that failed was the rear hydraulic pump casting and seal (after about 20 years) because I tried to brushhog a tree that I talked myself into being a large bush. I'm counting on my BX24 to be as reliable.

 

[radair]

Could you guys that have them please post up pics of the Wallenstein?

I have procrastinated for over a year to get my own built so I am always looking for ideas to improve the design.

 

[KeithInSpace]

There are some pics at the beginning of this thread. Every once in a while you can search "BX24" and the Wallenstien Thumb will come up for purchase. I hadn't seen it after Mr. Montelatici bought his and then it suddenly popped up on Saturday. So I bought it.

This link may work:
eBay: Wallenstein Thumb fits Kubota BX22 BX23 BX24 Brand New! (item 140105917786 end time Apr-10-07 18:34:57 PDT)

I get my BH in a couple weeks, so hopefully I or someone will post a summary of their impressions.

 

[wkasak]

I bought the thumb from ebay on 04/11/07 and recieved it via UPS 04/17/07...fast shipping. I have not installed it yet, but unpacked it. Looks like a quality piece.

 

[ats64mod]

I just purchased my tractor (see signature line below) with the BH75 backhoe and this nifty Wallenstein Thumb (it fits this hoe very nicely). My main concern is that, though it appears to be fairly beefy, it might bend a bit with use. If it does, then the holes it uses to fix the thumb at various angles (including the ones used to tuck it up tightly against the dipperstick) may not line up well enough to get the pin inserted (time will tell). I suppose a good file will help to alleviate this if it becomes a problem.

I'm considering the possibility of adding a strengthening rib to it provided I can figure out how to do it without impacting its functionality. I can say this though - it really is a nice looking unit (which is why I bought it).

I'll post pics when I get the chance (lots of fallen trees to pick up and move around as a result of this noreaster (the heavy snow took out several of my hemlock trees).