Wallenstein Thumb Review on BX

[montelatici]

wkasak,

Why don't upload a picture of yours to see if it is different from mine.

 

[wkasak]

Attached are three pictures that show what I am talking about. The support bracket (black piece) is hitting the bottom of the main bracket and does not allow it to fold in enough to pin it in. Also the holes in the support bracket are really not big enough to get the pin thru even if it were to completely fold in like yours...

I got a return VM from the ebay seller and he said that the thumb was redesigned from what is pictured in the auction. Your's look's right according to his redesign description, but mine just doesn't fit right...I will call the ebay seller tomorrow to hopefully resolve the issue.

 

[wkasak]

I think I just figured out what happen...It looks like the support bracket (black) bent already...I only used it once today, but on a fairly large stump. It looks bent right where the two holes are for the pin.

 

[montelatici]

Hmm, the black bracket seems too long! It should fold up and match the hole in the middle of the thumb. Seems to me they used the wrong black bracket!

 

[wkasak]

Actually it's too short...yours is long enough for the pin tube on the bottom of the black bracket to clear the main bracket and drop below it. I am 99% sure it's already bent where the pin holes are which in effect made it shorter. Bummer I only used it once before it broke...

 

[HomeBrew2]

Wow!, youall sure out-spent me on the BH thumb deal

 

[KeithInSpace]

I am hoping to have my thumb delivered on Wednesday. I am bummed to hear there is a "bending" issue already. When I purchased, I was concerned that this Wallenstein unit was not as "dimensionally sound" as the BroTek unit...sounds like my concerns were justified.

Sounds like purchasers need to understand just how much curl pressure you can put on this thing. Answer being "just enough" as it seems this unit cannot withstand the full wrath of rated BH curl.

It still looks like an exceptional addition to the BH, though, this or BroTek. Just understand what you're using it for before purchasing.

 

[ats64mod]

I think I just figured out what happen...It looks like the support bracket (black) bent already...I only used it once today, but on a fairly large stump. It looks bent right where the two holes are for the pin.

Yes sir, it's bent. When folded up, the main pin should go throught the attachment brackets, the serrated thumb, and the black support bar (in one of the two holes that are elongated on your piece).

My suggestion is this (and what I plan to do if/when mine bends) - take the black piece off and cut off the two pieces of tubing used for the pins (or just get new tubing). Then, get some 2" thick-wall square tubing (or whatever steel you prefer) and shape it such that you can weld the tubes onto the ends of the square tubing. This support arm won't bend nearly as easily... see attached 2-D sketch...

Interestingly enough, the one I purchased is somewhat different than the ones you guys are showing. Mine has three holes on the black support bar and three holes in the jaws. Anyway, I'm seriously considering taking it off the tractor and making a few beefy improvements to it... In fact, I'm definitly going to do it based on what I just saw here... I will post pics when finished.

 

[wkasak]

Here's my opinion...take it for what it's worth...

The black support bracket is curved when new...the brotek units use a straight three point top link bar which is straight. Under stress the curved unit will just want to curve more. With the straight bar it is less likely to bend. The previous post sums up a good redesign. The original support bracket has a weak spot where the pins holes are located...in that area it is basically flat steel...thick steel but still flat.

I have been horribly sick today, but the ebay seller is working with the manufacture to come up with a solution for me. He has provided good communication so far and I hope things will work out. The question is do I want another Wallenstein or should I send it back and get a brotek?

 

[Tom_H]

The black support bracket is curved when new...the brotek units use a straight three point top link bar which is straight. Under stress the curved unit will just want to curve more. With the straight bar it is less likely to bend...The original support bracket has a weak spot where the pins holes are located...in that area it is basically flat steel...thick steel but still flat.........The question is do I want another Wallenstein or should I send it back and get a brotek?

The Wallenstein jaw and teeth seem beefier than the Bro-Tek, yet Bro-Tek's use of the adjustable top link gives that strength that comes from a triangle made of steel. Do you think it would be possible to replace the black support bracket on the Wallenstein with a top link like Bro-Tek uses? Take the best of each and create a hybrid?