bxpanded thumb vs kubotas

vincey2kr1 · Jul 30, 2014

Really can't decide between the 2, I go back and forth. Found the kubota style one on ebay for a lot less Kubota BX25D Bolt on Backhoe Thumb Fits Kubota BX25D Tractor P N 12535 | eBay
I like the idea of the pivot being greaseable and oem design but it seems like the bxpanded you get a little bit more adjustments and it opens a bit wider? Any one try them both

rbarker · Jul 30, 2014

vincey2kr1 said:
Really can't decide between the 2, I go back and forth. Found the kubota style one on ebay for a lot less Kubota BX25D Bolt on Backhoe Thumb Fits Kubota BX25D Tractor P N 12535 | eBay I like the idea of the pivot being greaseable and oem design but it seems like the bxpanded you get a little bit more adjustments and it opens a bit wider? Any one try them both

I have an older version of the extreme metal products thumb you linked to and it's well built and works great. This is not to say that the BXpanded product wouldn't work just as well but I have not tried it.

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Mowbizz · Jul 31, 2014

Go with what you like better! Any mechanical thumb is going to be "about" the same in it's operation. In my opinion, there are only a couple of position settings for the thumb anyway, so to have "a little bit more" adjustment, is it going to make much difference? I have the OEM Kubota thumb on mine. A word of caution though...I had a terrible time getting the pins on the Kubota thumb to go into the factory bracket on the dipper stick...a lot of "honing" and dremeling, to get them to go into the holes! Check all tolerances before buying and have the dealer make sure everything fits properly!

GolfAddict · Jul 31, 2014

I haven't tried either of them, as I have the Bro-tek thumb. I just mention that one to let you know that it uses the 3pt top link for the thumb arm, allowing for maximum adjustability.

Cherokee140 · Jul 31, 2014

I have been looking at thumbs for a while now....wanting to make it powered along the lines of what 4shorts has done....but too busy at the moment. Likely another winter project.

Finnster · Jul 31, 2014

I only have the OEM one on my bh65, and I also second the comment that there are only so many useful thumb positions. Can't say I've had a situation where I'm wishing there was some in between setting. Hyd? That's another issue

AStanton · Aug 1, 2014

I just saw the installation video for the Expanded thumb on YouBoob. In my opinion, it looked as easy as pie.

vincey2kr1 · Aug 2, 2014

I decided to go the oem route, it was $323 shipping included through extreme metal products. It was at least the cheapest route, believe the bxpanded thumb increased to $320 plus 38 for shipping. Hoping it arrives soon and theres no boaring out holes

vincey2kr1 · Aug 6, 2014

Received it and slapped it on, didn't have to bore, everything fit. Did have to find a smaller safety bolt as EMP uses the smaller hole. I'd recommend it, the thumb is stout no doubt at 48lbs it's heavy I'm wondering what the bxpanded weighs? How does weight negatively effect the back hoe?

rbarker · Aug 7, 2014

vincey2kr1 said:
Received it and slapped it on, didn't have to bore, everything fit. Did have to find a smaller safety bolt as EMP uses the smaller hole. I'd recommend it, the thumb is stout no doubt at 48lbs it's heavy I'm wondering what the bxpanded weighs? How does weight negatively effect the back hoe?

I doubt it has much effect at all. I suppose it will lift 48 lbs less but the majority of back hoe use isn't about maximum lift capacity and the usefulness go the thumb will more than make up for it. I wouldn't worry about it.

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