Looking to install a hydraulic thumb on my backhoe before spring hits. I want a good quality one and am hoping for some ideas on where to purchase. I have found a few on the internet but there is no substitute for hearing from actual users. L35 tractor/BT900 hoe
Hydraulic Thumb
- Thread starter 2grit
- Start date
I just got thru installing one on my mini x. I found it on Ebay and I think it was a good deal. It's kind of a universal kit and was a little big for my needs. I cut it down and fitted it to my machine without much trouble. It came with a cylinder which was to long for me but I had no problem finding one that would work at my local TSC. Just got it plumbed in yesterdayand didn't get to use it but a few minutes. Works fine and comes with a guarantee. If you are interested I'll find where I bought it for you.
2grit, like I said I didn't get to use it much yet. Only thing I did was unload a load of cedar logs off one of my trailers. It did fine for that.
The thumb is 8" x 32" and comes with a 16" stroke cylinder. It's made out of .5" AR 400 steel. Although it probably would have been fine I went over the welds and beefed them up some. I would rather start out with everything welded like I think it should be done right from the start. It cost $490 shipped to my door.
I'm fixing to put mine to work cleaning brush where I just had pines cut last fall. I should know soon how happy I'll be with it but as of now I'm pleased.
Here's the product number on E-bay that should take you to it. If you have trouble let me know and I'll try to help you find it.
390243621661
If I remember right this guys customer rating was pretty high and I think he had sold almost a 100 of these thumbs. I hope this helps you out. If you do order one of these the thumb and cylinder are shipped seperately. I was about to get excited when I got the thumb and no cylinder but it came in a couple of days later. I can get you some pics of mine if it will help you any. Just let me know.
The thumb is 8" x 32" and comes with a 16" stroke cylinder. It's made out of .5" AR 400 steel. Although it probably would have been fine I went over the welds and beefed them up some. I would rather start out with everything welded like I think it should be done right from the start. It cost $490 shipped to my door.
I'm fixing to put mine to work cleaning brush where I just had pines cut last fall. I should know soon how happy I'll be with it but as of now I'm pleased.
Here's the product number on E-bay that should take you to it. If you have trouble let me know and I'll try to help you find it.
390243621661
If I remember right this guys customer rating was pretty high and I think he had sold almost a 100 of these thumbs. I hope this helps you out. If you do order one of these the thumb and cylinder are shipped seperately. I was about to get excited when I got the thumb and no cylinder but it came in a couple of days later. I can get you some pics of mine if it will help you any. Just let me know.
Where are you talking about a 1" pin?
After using it some I have my dout about it being made out of AR 400 steel. It doesn't act like any hard plate that I have ever been around.
1. My metal saw cuts thru it fairly easy.
2. I bent one of the ears/teeth. Bent being the key word. AR plate from my experience will break instead of bending.
At this point I'm still pretty happy with it. Like I said, I haven't used it very much but it sure is nice when it's needed. I tore some beaver dams out for a friend and it was great for that.
After using it some I have my dout about it being made out of AR 400 steel. It doesn't act like any hard plate that I have ever been around.
1. My metal saw cuts thru it fairly easy.
2. I bent one of the ears/teeth. Bent being the key word. AR plate from my experience will break instead of bending.
At this point I'm still pretty happy with it. Like I said, I haven't used it very much but it sure is nice when it's needed. I tore some beaver dams out for a friend and it was great for that.
The main pin for the thumb is at least a 2". It not a pipe with end caps either, it's solid stock. I had to grind the weld off to remove it when I shortened the thumb to make it fit. I added a grease zirk to the pivot point when I put everything back together. Should have had one from the factory but I guess some people don't mind metal to metal. I guess it could have been spray lubed but the zirk is much better.
2grit, I put my thumb on a bobcat mini excavator. The aux. hydraulics were already plumbed out on the boom.