Thumb Looking for Mechanical Thumb for Older Kioti Backhoe

BubbaSam · Jul 31, 2025

Hello to all...
I have a 2005 Kioti CK30HST with a KB2375 Backhoe. I am looking for info on adding a Mechanical Thumb. Clamp-on is fine. It's not going to get a LOT of use but like it's been said on the forum... "You're only using half of the abilities of your BH if you don't have a thumb."

Does ANYONE have any suggestions for such an item as for Where, Brand, Good/Bad comments, etc.?

Thanks for all your help guys...

IXLR8 · Jul 31, 2025

I got mine from Michigan Iron & Equipment.
I didn't like getting on/off the tractor to adjust the manual thumb, when I upgraded my CK30 to a DK40, I got a hydraulic thumb. I would never go back to a manual thumb, but a manual thumb is MUCH better than no thumb. Good luck.

BubbaSam · Jul 31, 2025

BubbaSam said:
Hello to all...
I have a 2005 Kioti CK30HST with a KB2375 Backhoe. I am looking for info on adding a Mechanical Thumb. Clamp-on is fine. It's not going to get a LOT of use but like it's been said on the forum... "You're only using half of the abilities of your BH if you don't have a thumb."

Does ANYONE have any suggestions for such an item as for Where, Brand, Good/Bad comments, etc.?

Thanks for all your help guys...

IXLR8
First... THANK YOU for your reply and the reference to Michigan Iron.

I totally agree with you that the hydraulic WOULD be better but I would have to do some additional plumbing as well. BUT... you hit the nail on the head that a mechanical is better than nothing... and that's what I have now... NOTHING!

IXLR8 · Jul 31, 2025

BubbaSam said:
IXLR8
First... THANK YOU for your reply and the reference to Michigan Iron.

I totally agree with you that the hydraulic WOULD be better but I would have to do some additional plumbing as well. BUT... you hit the nail on the head that a mechanical is better than nothing... and that's what I have now... NOTHING!

If you have hydraulics for the backhoe you have everything you need for a hydraulic thumb. If you order a hydraulic thumb from MIE, then you will have everything you need. The thumb controls come with the hoses and fittings to tie into the hydraulics of the BH.