Welding a thumb-stop on a BX24

RayCo · Aug 30, 2007

I have a Wallenstein thumb on my BX24, and as others who have this combination know, this can lead to some mangled hydraulic adapters on the cylinder for the bucket. I don't have a welder, nor do I know how to weld, but I'm taking the tractor to my father-in-law's house to have him weld a stop on for me. So, just to verify, the dipperstick is NOT cast iron and is safe to weld metal to, correct? Also, if anyone has any pictures of things they've welded that you could post here, I'd appreciate that very much!

Thank you

Skyco · Aug 31, 2007

It is NOT cast iron. I haven't gotten to use my homemade thumb yet, but if it slips I will weld stops on mine too without fear.

srossman · Aug 31, 2007

check out this thread:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ution-2.html?highlight=Wallenstein+thumb+stop

DKnocking posted a picture of the stop he welded on to his backhoe.

RayCo · Aug 31, 2007

I forgot about that thread even though I participated.

I think I might see if I can weld something on the bottom part of the dipperstick as opposed to one or both sides. Maybe something with a little bit more shape and that bends up and has some holes for any chains or anything I may ever want to hook on. Thanks y'all.

acohen100 · Sep 1, 2007

Ray, I found a solution that was quick, easy, and required no welding. Sorry but I can not get pics up for you. I drilled, tapped and screwed in 1/2" bolts right at the rear-most bend in the cut-out as you look at the body of the thumb from the side. There is a little V-shaped nook on the bucket-end that is perfect for a 1/2 inch hole. I drilled with 7/16" cobalt bit, filed down a bit with a round file (since you will be drilling up against a weld joint), then tapped it with a 1/2 inch tap, screwed in the 1/2" bolt with a washer and lock washer. Did that on both sides. Took me about a half hour total. No welding. I have used it several times since then and it hasn't budged.

RayCo · Sep 3, 2007

What I wound up doing was actually welding the small plate for the thumb onto the dipperstick. That will hold the thumb in place and also make it so that I don't need three hands to put the thumb on anymore.

mswlogo · Oct 16, 2007

acohen100 said:
Ray, I found a solution that was quick, easy, and required no welding. Sorry but I can not get pics up for you. I drilled, tapped and screwed in 1/2" bolts right at the rear-most bend in the cut-out as you look at the body of the thumb from the side. There is a little V-shaped nook on the bucket-end that is perfect for a 1/2 inch hole. I drilled with 7/16" cobalt bit, filed down a bit with a round file (since you will be drilling up against a weld joint), then tapped it with a 1/2 inch tap, screwed in the 1/2" bolt with a washer and lock washer. Did that on both sides. Took me about a half hour total. No welding. I have used it several times since then and it hasn't budged.

I'd love to see a pic of this.