Do I need reinforcement for "the thumb"

[TRUST]

I've been looking at different grapples and I like The Thumb. The top edge of my bucket(50" LA354) appears to be to thin to handle this under loads imo. What kinds of solutions would be in order? Or will it be ok as is?

Joel

 

[Bedlam]

I'm not familiar with this model but I'm sure some one will post.I have seen where people will weld a piece of angle iron to the top , or even a piece of pipe. something to reinforce, and attach it to.
I find its too bad that manufacturers tend to skimp on the metal and strength on the bucket tops.
Her is a link to another thumb that I considered along with the one you've chosen.
littlearm
There are a few around.
Good luck

 

[john_bud]

Short answer is "absolutely!!"

Long answer is that most kubota buckets are light weight light duty. They are in the 190-250# range for most 60-72" buckets. Industrial buckets are in the 450-600 pound range for the same width and they need to be beefed up for a grapple (thumb).

 

[Bedlam]

Trust could you post a picture of it?
On mine I know when I bought it(ford) that the dealer said we always weld a piece of stock on the back cure lip of the bucket. I liked that they felt to add that piece, and I can see how it created a box effect, and surly has held up over the years.
There were a couple of posts on here where they added a hefy piece of angle to the top. to spread out the load.
not sure if this link will help. but here is one.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/82468-grapple-bucket.html

 

[TRUST]

Here is a couple of pics. After looking at it again I think I certainly need it reinforced. I was drawn mostly to the thumb for the price and the fact I could buy it direct. $339 + shipping. I would still have to make some hoses and pay for material, someone to weld it up and paint.

Joel

 

[Hvytrkmech]

you can reinforce the top of your bucket like this.

Tim

 

[638]

I have the 'THUMB' on my BX23 48" wide bucket. I reinforced the top of the bucket with a 2" x 3" x 1/4" angle, full width. It is holding up very well, no deflection of the bucket at all. I welded nuts to the underneath side of the angle before welding the angle to the bucket. This allows me to easley remove the thumb when it is not needed. I also added 5/16" grab hooks to each end of the angle iron.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I got the Thumb, great product, I twisted the crap out of my woods bucket!
I had to rework the bucket a bunch.

 

[Bill Barrett]

 

[TRUST]

I have the 'THUMB' on my BX23 48" wide bucket. I reinforced the top of the bucket with a 2" x 3" x 1/4" angle, full width. It is holding up very well, no deflection of the bucket at all. I welded nuts to the underneath side of the angle before welding the angle to the bucket. This allows me to easley remove the thumb when it is not needed. I also added 5/16" grab hooks to each end of the angle iron.

Sounds like your reinforcement is like the pic Hvytrkmech posted just above your post?

I'm starting to think it would just be easier to get the ATI Corporation - Grapple Kit Images grapple instead since it would require no mods to the bucket. I like it as well, its just more expensive.

 

[Hvytrkmech]

I have no idea what the price difference is in the claws you are looking at, but the reinforcement cost me 20 bucks to do it myself. Food for thought maybe.



Tim

 

[BruceWard]

Did you guys already have remotes on your tractor? If not how did you hook up the hydraulics?

 

[rScotty]

I've need to reinforce the upper edge - and often the lower as well - of every bucket we've had. That's about a dozen so far. You have to do it anyway for mounting a grab hook and will certainly want that. Adding a grab hook or three is the single best thing you can do to make a bucket more usable. IMHO, a removeable tooth bar is the second thing. I've never used a loader grapple, but wouldn't be without the backhoe thumb. Reinforcing your loader bucket edges is lots easier, cheaper, and better looking if you do it before you bend the bucket....and you will. Best is to have your local welder do it. HvytrkMech's method looks good. Make it strong. Use high tensile alloy steel for reinforcement instead of hot rolled if you can get it. I've also used plate, interrupted angle (good for access), and heavy wall pipe.
rScotty

BTW, the new M59 is the first tractor I've owned that comes from the factory with both bucket edges reinforced.....even if you do have to pay extra for the lower reinforcement.

 

[TRUST]

Did you guys already have remotes on your tractor? If not how did you hook up the hydraulics?

I've purchased the optional remote valve kit when I bought the tractor. I will post a pic when I get it installed.

J.

 

[Bill Barrett]

I use my rear remotes with hoses I use for splitter and post hole digger.
High strength steel is a very good idea.
I had this steel so thats what I used . Don't look at the welds, was in a bad mood and had to get it done fast.
Two pieces of angle, with three straps under to back of bucket where the angle iron attaches.
Also a pic of my new Land Pride box scraper, guess they are tied to Kubota Dealers, so you get the Kubota orange.
Trust, looks like the Thumb is heavier, shaped better, and John the owner is a great guy. I drove to his shop and picked up mine, would be a good road trip for you Trust!

 

[TRUST]

I drove to his shop and picked up mine, would be a good road trip for you Trust!

Maybe, it looks like he is 200 miles away.

J.

 

[TRUST]

I recently ran across this grapple. The price is decent. Anyone own this one?

J.


http://www.wikco.com/addgrpl.html

 

[Bill Barrett]

That looks nice, kind of light, but they say it's for brush.
I use the Thumb for logs, had a whole tree last weedend.
Looks like it's double the cost, but you do get all that steel on the top of the bucket.