Installing the thumb grapple

[Smf834]

So i finally bought the thumb and i purchased a 3rd function kit from Summit. This will be my first upgrade on the l2501.

can anyone give me any advice/tips on how to attach the thumb to my bucket? It seems like some use anglw iron and weld, and i have seen a square tubing to attach the thumb’s base metal. What is the easiest?

 

[PoTreeBoy]

So i finally bought the thumb and i purchased a 3rd function kit from Summit. This will be my first upgrade on the l2501.

can anyone give me any advice/tips on how to attach the thumb to my bucket? It seems like some use anglw iron and weld, and i have seen a square tubing to attach the thumb’s base metal. What is the easiest?

Which thumb?

 

[old and tired]

I assume this one "The Thumb" a grapple by Green Machine

 

[old and tired]

I will say that the top lip of the bucket was not designed for that. Can you weld?

Mine is called a "bolt on" grapple and it tests the limit of the side walls with the hydraulic pressures that are applied.

 

[m-m-m-myKubota]

What is the easiest?

I'd look at what is sturdiest (toughest - manliest) - as old and tired points out, your bucket probably wasn't meant to be jarred, twisted and stretched like you will with that thumb!

Mine is called a "bolt on" grapple and it tests the limit of the side walls with the hydraulic pressures that are applied.

 

[PHPaul]

This is how I did my Green Machine thumb. The plate I welded on top of the bucket lip has nuts welded to the bottom. I put another plate on my forks and can transfer the thumb from bucket to forks with four bolts.

I haven't twisted anything (yet...) but I use it mostly for securing large loads like brush and haven't done (nor do I intend to do) any ripping and tearing with it.

 

[Henro]

Which thumb?

^^^THIS^^^

Generally a thumb is used on an excavator or backhoe, and a grapple is used on a loader bucket…thus the question.

 

[Smf834]

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This is how I did my Green Machine thumb. The plate I welded on top of the bucket lip has nuts welded to the bottom. I put another plate on my forks and can transfer the thumb from bucket to forks with four bolts.

I haven't twisted anything (yet...) but I use it mostly for securing large loads like brush and haven't done (nor do I intend to do) any ripping and tearing with it.

that is what i am looking for. So you drill 4 holes, assuming to secure the baseplate and then weld the whole thing to the bucket? What is the purpose of the added bar plate in between the bucket and baseplate?

can i just weld the baseplate directly onto the bucket? My bucket has an added plate when someone added couple hooks when i acquire the tractor.

here is a picture of my bucket…

 

[PHPaul]

The holes were drilled to clear the nuts welded to the bottom of the mount. The mount was welded to the bucket lip all the way around.

Then the base plate of the thumb was bolted to the mount plate welded to the bucket.

Another copy of the base plate was welded to the frame of my forks so I can bolt the thumb to either device.

Another advantage to the system is that when I'm not using the thumb (which is most of the time) I bolt this hook-and-D Ring plate to the mount.

 

[PHPaul]

Bottom of mounting plate showing nuts welded on.

Base plate of thumb bolted to mount

 

[Smf834]

If i plan to leave the thumb baseplate on my bucket, can i just either bolt or weld directly to the bucket?

 

[PHPaul]

If i plan to leave the thumb baseplate on my bucket, can i just either bolt or weld directly to the bucket?

Given your already reinforced bucket lip, I'd say that would be fine. I'd bolt it just because I like to have options and being able to remove it might come in handy.