Backhoe Thumb...weld or bolt?

[Dataway]

Pilot,
How wide is that, do you remember?
Looks exactly like what I was planning for the pivot.
JohnnyB

 

[akpilot]

dataway: I'm not where I can measure it , basically the lower mount is as wide as the boom.
I didn't wrap the side of the boom like dfkrug, time will tell if that was a wise choice

Mark

 

[Dataway]

I'll just be going about 1" wider than the boom if I have the room.
I'd imagine carrying around a 12' long log the twisting forces could get pretty high as it rocks around. I'll follow the "low and slow" rule
JohnnyB

 

[Dataway]

Where is a good place to purchase top links online?
I need a rather short Cat 1 link.
Body about 11" long
Min. eye to eye 15-16"
Preferrably 3/4" eyes both ends.
My local sources don't seem to stock them this short.
Thanks,
JohnnyB

 

[Bedlam]

Hope this helps good company to deal with. They price the shipping by the dollar amount so if you order, buy some small pins etc to get full use of the shipping money.
Agri Supply - Farm Supplies, Tools, Lawn Mower Blades, Cast Iron Cookware

 

[Dataway]

Thanks, looks like a decent selection.
JohnnyB

 

[Dataway]

Thumb almost finished...just need to add some cotter pins.
Tested and working nicely.... thanks for all the advice.
JohnnyB

 

[Volp]

It looks great! I made a similar thumb like yours, but not so good looking!
It uses the bucket pin which I replaced with a longer one. It folds up to the boom when not in use. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/147501-backhoe-thumb-2.html#post1709851