Backhoe Want a backhoe thumb for reasonable $$

[irvingj]

Coyote- here's some pics of the Bro-Tek thumb. As pointed out, there are numerous choices.

 

[tinman955]

Looks good, gotta get me one.

 

[Coyote machine]

Thanks to all for the replies, suggestions, pictures etc. I have decided upon a manual thumb made by Michigan Iron & Equipment. It is CNC cut from, and I quote, Bob from the MIE 'store', "The Thumb is CNC plasma cut from 1/2" A36 (1015) steel. The hardening of the teeth is from the heat and quenching during the plasma cutting operation. We don't want the entire thumb to be brittle, so we don't do any further hardening".

It looks like a super rig, and if I'd wanted to spend the extra $ for a hydraulic thumb they can sell me a kit to do so.
It is reasonably priced for what it is, and from the attached pic looks excellent in quality - IMHO.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.....

Thanks to all for your help....

 

[Artful Dodger]

Man, it looks great! I've been looking at a Kioti, with BH, same as yours; and I was also wanting a thumb. Could you give me a price on that, shipping and all? Also - what would the hydraulic have cost?
Also, while I'm at it, how do you like your Tractor, FEL, and Backhoe? I may end up with the same exact rig, thumb and all. And by the way, I like your thumb better than the Bro Tec. Just my own preference; but I think it goes better with the color of the bucket.

 

[Coyote machine]

Man, it looks great! I've been looking at a Kioti, with BH, same as yours; and I was also wanting a thumb. Could you give me a price on that, shipping and all? Also - what would the hydraulic have cost?
Also, while I'm at it, how do you like your Tractor, FEL, and Backhoe? I may end up with the same exact rig, thumb and all. And by the way, I like your thumb better than the Bro Tec. Just my own preference; but I think it goes better with the color of the bucket.

I would tell you to contact Bob at Michigan Equipment & Iron,
(Refer back to earlier part of this thread- tell him I sent you- they're starting a production run of thumbs next week- just sold the last one in stock..) Price is excellent- <$300 complete. Another few hundred +/- $275 or so for the hydraulic version- {assuming you have DUAL rear remotes, or it will cost more to have a second set and second lever to control 'c' & 'd' circuit}.
Bro-Tec would have been over $400 and more with shipping, and I had to send pics and a bunch of measurements and wait a couple of weeks -(possibly sooner).
Both are good, I'm sure but I like the one in my pic, not because of color- because of CNC & plasma cutting and shape/length of thumb and number of teeth, etc.
The Kioti I have with BH, FEl and Pallet forks- haven't tried chipper yet, is GREAT! 45 hours on it since end of April and MANY more to come soon as I can get my thumbs on a hand?! I mean my hands on a thumb!!
DK35 with hst is perfect for me. Only complaint I have is stupid plastic turn signal switch lever is in the way of my knee- my knee won the battle getting off the tractor and some Gorilla glue will probably glue it back on numerous times over the years~ PP design

 

[jimmyj]

I get a hydraulic thumb but how does a manual thumb work?

 

[Coyote machine]

I get a hydraulic thumb but how does a manual thumb work?

Manually?!

It is referred to as a manual thumb to differentiate from a hydraulically operated one like would usually be found on an excavator. And some manual thumbs have a stationery position that is set by a pin while the one I'm getting has somewhat infinitely adjustable settings with the 'top link' supplied with the thumb.
Take a closer look at the picture I posted earlier and it should help answer your question...

 

[jimmyj]

Ahhhh. I think I get it. Manual thumbs then are stationary unless you adjust the top link and rely on the curl of the bucket.

Got it.