Thumb Another Back-Hoe Thumb

GEB · Mar 31, 2007

Simple and cheap.
I welded a (1/4in wall) sleeve inside the stick for strength, IMO it's as strong
or stronger than it was....
I like my storage place also, it doubles as a 2nd pinch point, which I've
used many times in the past without the thumb there.
I think it will serve me well.
I made this out of scrap metal that I had laying around.
Total cost about $10 for paint and pins

Gene

Seon · Mar 31, 2007

Now that makes sense. Clean appearance, quick to remove and strong enough to hold on to large boulders. That'll be one project I'll do on my backhoe. I give you an A++++.

Steverino · Mar 31, 2007

Very Ingenious and a quality job too.

gregkabob · Mar 31, 2007

Most Excellent

Roto · Mar 31, 2007

The best $10 thumb i ever saw. better then some $1000 jobs.

Mike

philbuilt · Apr 1, 2007

Wow that is very cool
It's now on to to do list
Thank you

inveresk · Apr 1, 2007

That is one smart idea that I just have to copy. If I were you I'd get a patent out pdq . . . .

GEB · Apr 1, 2007

Thanks for the positive comments!
I might add some of the other nicer thumbs that I've seen
built here on TBN are very impressive!
Sad thing is this is so easy to put together any one with a welder is good to build one, so I cant see anyone buying a kit.....
Besides it takes a welder to install it.
So who's building the next one...will need some pic's.
And yes I got to give myself a little credit....
Gene maybe just short of Genius?

J/K

Gene

shvl73 · Apr 1, 2007

I really like what you've done. Thanks for sharing.

BobQ · Apr 1, 2007

Nice job Jeb! I built a traditional one, here it is. You will notice it is the same machine!

Roto · Apr 2, 2007

BobQ, have any more pictures or close ups of that?

mike

BobQ · Apr 2, 2007

This is the only other one I have handy. Hope it helps!

3RRL · Apr 2, 2007

Gene,
The simplicity is beautiful! Great thinking and a very nice execution too.
Thanks for sharing.

Scrounger · Apr 2, 2007

Was the hole in the arm already their or did you have to cut it out. I really like the idea but I think the hole would make my small BH6000 a bit weak.

GEB · Apr 3, 2007

BobQ said:
This is the only other one I have handy. Hope it helps!

Good lookin thumb Bob, I think I seen it over on the Branson forum.
Gene

GEB · Apr 3, 2007

Scrounger said:
Was the hole in the arm already their or did you have to cut it out. I really like the idea but I think the hole would make my small BH6000 a bit weak.

No, I cut the hole along with welding in a sleeve to add strength.
The thumb is a perfect fit inside top to bottom.
Maybe have a better look at the pic's.
If you have a smaller B/H maybe try using smaller tube?
My sleeve is 3inX1/4 wall thick the thumb is 2 1/2inX1/4 wall which makes a perfect fit.
As long as you use 1/4 wall tube it should be very strong even with smaller tube.
Hope this helps?
Gene