New Thumb for the Backhoe

[akpilot]

I decided one of the winter projects would be to build a thumb for my backhoe, the articulated ones are cool but too many moving parts for me, so I decided on a fixed one and maybe convert it to Hyd down the road. I shamelessly stole the design off a picture that 3RRL had on his thread. So here is my version.

 

[MJPetersen]

Hi Mark,

Is that second hole in the mounting bracket on dipper for pinning the thumb when not in use or is it for an adjustment? Looks great! i am kind of surprised that you did not go hyd from the start. What is the thickness of the side plates for the thumb (the part with the teeth)?

Mike

 

[irvingj]

Very nice! (one a these days, I'll try to weld...!) Looks like you must have a plasma cutter, too?

 

[akpilot]

Mike
The second hole is more for adjustment, however the short link that is used for storage can use that same hole. The side plates are 3/8" cut from a 3/8x3" flat stock. Trust me, I've already measured for the ram and given it some thought.

Irvingj I do have a plasma torch, very very handy. Welding is easy and fun just takes a little practice to look purrrdy

 

[irvingj]

The reason I mentioned it is because I was recently "given" an old Snap-On 50-amp unit. I'm going to try to get it operational.... and then see about running 220 out to my garage if I can get it to work well. (When I cut with a torch, it looks pretty nasty!)

 

[MJPetersen]

(When I cut with a torch, it looks pretty nasty!)/QUOTE]

The keys to nice torch work are clean metal (no scale), clean tip (of the right size), and a steady hand. A properly adjusted flame helps too. draw what you want with a soapstone marker or use a guide and you can do very nice work with a torch.

Mike

 

[Blackhammer]

I decided one of the winter projects would be to build a thumb for my backhoe, the articulated ones are cool but too many moving parts for me, so I decided on a fixed one and maybe convert it to Hyd down the road. I shamelessly stole the design off a picture that 3RRL had on his thread. So here is my version.

Should not have welded across the stick. Depending on use this will be a weak spot. Always weld down the length of the stick. I have done a couple of these and did quite a bit of research on them before building. Not trying to start a fight. Looks good.