fullsize backhoe thumb on extendahoe

[toolaholic]

Won't the extensioh be permentaly extended some with the attachments welded to the stick? does this affect the strength in hard digging?

would a grapple on loader be a better option in this case? thank's in advanse tool

 

[Dirthog]

There is a different type of thumb for a extenda-hoe machine will hook on to the lower part of the arm and yes you will loose some power when you install a thumb more weight out there cuts bown on your lift.

 

[NHDealer]

Won't the extensioh be permentaly extended some with the attachments welded to the stick? does this affect the strength in hard digging?

would a grapple on loader be a better option in this case? thank's in advanse tool[/QUOTE


NO, Yes and Depends. Are you talking about a mechanical thumb or hydraulic? Either way it wont affect your range in the extendable dipper. It will affect your performance with all functions of your hoe. LIft capacity (craning) and boom and crowd force. Depending on your application a grapple may be a better alternative but still will have the same affects on performance as either a hyd. or mech. thumb.

Va Dealer

 

[toolaholic]

thank's guys. Like everything else in life, there's a trade off. Your input is helping! Machine is a 1990 mass. ferg. 50HX weighs 15,000 lbs approx

 

[GregT]

Have you guys ever seen the Smart Thumb? You can check it out here:

Backhoe thumbs - Smart Thumb - Benefit from a hydraulic thumb without any hydraulics!

Looks pretty cool to me. I'd love to have one on my backhoe.

(I am not associated with this company in any way, I just happened to find this when doing a web search and thought others might be interested also.)

 

[toolaholic]

Thank's Greg, the smart thumb is the best mech. thumb out there .

they gave me a price of around $2900.

I am a gen. contr. that also does weld fab. I can build a similar one myself
little $$$. I'll use ar 400 steel for the tangs ,and mild steel for the rest.

 

[EddieWalker]

If you build it, I'd sure love to see some pics of the process and how it turns out. I've been debating on the merrits of building one for around my place for the last few years and still haven't made up my mind.

Eddie

 

[toolaholic]

Eddie that,s a good idea. I'm on weld talk and shop floor talk.I have the
equeptment and ability. Time is the hard part! quess it's time to hit the shop at night tool

 

[GregT]

I've also been thinking about fabricating one, so I'd be very interested in seeing how yours comes together if you end up building one. I hear you on the night time shop work - seems like the only time I have to get my projects done!

 

[toolaholic]

This is how I plan to approach this.I will tac weld small bolts to the end of my original pins.I will then fab up all components out of plywood on the band saw. Then I'll drill some holes in the ply,slip them over the temp pins. I'll
also use some nuts and bolts as temp bushings in the ply. I have an extendahoe so it's a little tricky. all I need is the proper movement while the bucket gets tested in the air. when right, i start with the Iron!
Any suggestions welcome. In an earlier life I was a certified welder in the union. Have portable lincoln with ln-22 .068 fluxcore, millermatic 210
mig and buzz box. just bought hypertherm 600 [40 amp. plasma].
pleaze don't tell moma about all this! Tool