Thumb Kubota BH thumb vs BXpanded Barracuda thumb

[149owner]

Purchasing a LX3310 with a BH and would like to hear from people as to the best thumb to buy. Factory thumb or aftermarket thumb such as the BXpanded Barracuda factory mount thumb? I've never owned a BH so all information will be welcomed!

 

[cglaser104]

I can't speak to Kubota OEM thumb vs bxpanded but I can speak to MF OEM vs bxpanded. The MF thumb design was lacking in both effective design and visual sturdiness of the unit when compared to the bxpanded OEM replacement. The bxpanded has a far superior design and is extremely well made/hefty. In my case, the price was a wash for items that mounted identically to the specified points on the BH.

 

[149owner]

Thanks for your reply cglaser104. Can anyone with an opinion of a Kubota vs aftermarket thumb give me a reply?

 

[GeneV]

I can't speak to Kubota OEM thumb vs bxpanded but I can speak to MF OEM vs bxpanded. The MF thumb design was lacking in both effective design and visual sturdiness of the unit when compared to the bxpanded OEM replacement. The bxpanded has a far superior design and is extremely well made/hefty. In my case, the price was a wash for items that mounted identically to the specified points on the BH.

Yup, I got the one from kubota on my hoe too, very happy with it.

 

[Newby first timer]

I purchased the Hydro. Thumb for my MX5800 and I was lifting rocks that the Thumb would not grab a hold of so I Modified it a bit with adjustable and removable Ripper Shanks now the Thumb will grab stuff the Backhoe can not lift.
I do not know anything about the other brand you are asking about.
You can modify what you get if you need to.

 

[Peter 315]

I have the factory thumb from Kubota, never looked at aftermarket ones

 

[GeneV]

I purchased the Hydro. Thumb for my MX5800 and I was lifting rocks that the Thumb would not grab a hold of so I Modified it a bit with adjustable and removable Ripper Shanks now the Thumb will grab stuff the Backhoe can not lift.
I do not know anything about the other brand you are asking about.
You can modify what you get if you need to.View attachment 674983View attachment 674984View attachment 674986

I like that a whole lot!

 

[Newby first timer]

I like that a whole lot!

I keep wanting a Front Grapple.
But I have to found enough use for one with my tractor applications to justify buying one.
The added Rippers on the Hydo. Thumb makes my backhoe a perfect Grapple for what my uses are now. I can pick up trees and position them to cut up for firewood and I do not have to bend over anymore to do the job. Getting old sucks and proper tools and equipment make life a lot easier.
I used 1/2 inch flat bar to make the sockets for the rippers (material I had on hand) and welded the sockets onto the Thumb with E8018. The thumb being cast steel is harder than mild steel material and I was not sure what to weld it with. I thought E9018 or E11018 would be to hard. All of which I have on hand. Been welding and Fabing. for over 45 years.
The rippers run up the side of the Backhoe Mast with enough space that they do not even come close to and Hydro. Hoses.

I have had a few friends tell me that it make my Backhoe look Mean as ****.
The things you can do with a tractor. They are like the Swiss Army Knife of Heavy Equipment. The sky is the limit.

 

[VaGlock]

I keep wanting a Front Grapple.
But I have to found enough use for one with my tractor applications to justify buying one.
The added Rippers on the Hydo. Thumb makes my backhoe a perfect Grapple for what my uses are now. I can pick up trees and position them to cut up for firewood and I do not have to bend over anymore to do the job. Getting old sucks and proper tools and equipment make life a lot easier.
I used 1/2 inch flat bar to make the sockets for the rippers (material I had on hand) and welded the sockets onto the Thumb with E8018. The thumb being cast steel is harder than mild steel material and I was not sure what to weld it with. I thought E9018 or E11018 would be to hard. All of which I have on hand. Been welding and Fabing. for over 45 years.
The rippers run up the side of the Backhoe Mast with enough space that they do not even come close to and Hydro. Hoses.

I have had a few friends tell me that it make my Backhoe look Mean as ****.
The things you can do with a tractor. They are like the Swiss Army Knife of Heavy Equipment. The sky is the limit.

Would like to see a picture of your Backhoe set up, it sounds interesting.

 

[Newby first timer]

Would like to see a picture of your Backhoe set up, it sounds interesting.

2 posts up