Thumb for an L48 Backhoe?

bradyky · Feb 21, 2007

We used the Kubota factory kit that gives you the foot controls. It is an expensive set-up (over $1300) but is worth it.

witel · Feb 21, 2007

tractortad said:
how did you route hydraulics to the thumb?

Looks like the L48 has a Remote Valve Kit (BTB402A) that includes the right foot operated valve, hoses, pipes, and brackets (retails for ~$1714.00 ... but I like bradyky's price better).

CurlyDave · Feb 21, 2007

I have one of the Addington thumbs on my JD 110 and it works well.

curtisfarmer · Feb 21, 2007

It was custom done, foot pedal control with factory precision installation. It digs like a mini exc. and having a wide thumb is excellent for loading dirt into trucks as the thumb completely (almost) covers the 24" bucket opening and is good for handling large rocks. My thumb piston is as big as the curl piston, very powerful. I think the currrent price is $3,600+/- installed. My KX121 thumb (piston is good size) is so small compared to my custom one, I am not sure why Kubota does not offer different widths and set ups.

Builder · Feb 21, 2007

Aren't there a bunch of aftermarket thumbs for the little TLB's available?

curtisfarmer · Feb 22, 2007

I am sure after market thumbs are a dime a dozen, but for commercial use, the small thumbs are night and day compared to spending the $ and doing it right. If I can find a picture of my thumb I will post but have problems posting pics before. If the internet ran on diesel and grease I could work it no problem. I couldn't do 1/2 the work I do without a powerful thumb, and without one......I don't know what I would do.

Builder · Feb 22, 2007

Yes, they are VERY handy.

coopers · Feb 25, 2007

HPF here in Washington is a company that makes good attachments. A lot of people seem to have these thumbs put on their mini excavator. They might do them for backhoes too. I would get a thumb from them for my mini, they have a couple different size options for mini excavators I believe, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could make one for a backhoe of any size.

Highline Portafab - Excavator Thumbs & Rakes

Blake

witel · Feb 25, 2007

coopers said:
HPF here in Washington is a company that makes good attachments. A lot of people seem to have these thumbs put on their mini excavator. They might do them for backhoes too. I would get a thumb from them for my mini, they have a couple different size options for mini excavators I believe, so I wouldn't be surprised if they could make one for a backhoe of any size.

Highline Portafab - Excavator Thumbs & Rakes

Blake

This is why I was suggesting that Kubota excavators as a possible thumb option. I thought I'd read that it would work for the L48 (at least).

curtisfarmer · Feb 26, 2007

The one thing I do not like about the excavator thumbs is the swivel pin for the thumb, which is just a ball point basically and not the pin thru 2 holes on my L48 thumb. Make a difference with a wider thumb as opposed to the thin factory thumbs (except the new kx008 which is huge and has a decent sized thumb. It should be illegal to sell either hoes or excvators WITHOUT thumbs. Same with 2wd tractors. Hah!