George Marsh and others - backhoe thumb

Rick Kr · Nov 22, 2014

George,
I believe you are the one that has a nice homemade thumb on your backhoe. Could you post a few detailed pictures if you get a chance?

I want to make one for my Case 580. I have looked at used ones and they still want big $$. I have a lot of steel laying around. I need just a little something extra to grab a rock at times. Nothing commercial duty.

Thanks,
Rick

Paul Janke · Nov 22, 2014

I have heard of thumbs that are set up to be activated by the bucket. I think you would need to pin the linkage each time you wanted to use the thumb, but it would allow operation without extra valves or cylinders. The linkage would need to reverse direction so thumb and bucket would open and close together. I realize this isn't exactly what you were asking for.

JF in MI · Nov 22, 2014

This is a picture of the one I made for my 'hoe. All I can say is that you will need to make it 3 times stronger than you think it needs to be. My first one (and a few other friend's attempts on their own machines) folded like a piece of paper under the power of the bucket hydraulics.

unclemerle · Nov 22, 2014

If you buy one or make one you will absolutely love it. I bought one off ebay for my mini excavator and use it almost as much with it installed as removed.http://www.ebay.com/itm/LINVILLE-21-Heavy-duty-backhoe-THUMB-mini-excavator-hoe-clamp-/301237516721?pt=US_Heavy_Equipment_Attachments&hash=item462327b9b1

VicS · Nov 22, 2014

Will try to send pictures. The steel is 3/8X6" Almost used 20'. Make it heavy,like 70 lbs. Mine is on a 480E. When you get it built will wonder how you got along with out it. Vic

VicS · Nov 22, 2014

Another picture

Geo-TH,In · Nov 22, 2014

Rick,
My thumb uses no extra cylinders. I can adjust it up and down on boomb. I added longer thumb nails. Extend it all the way out and drop it over log. Works great, very simple, made from junk around shop. I may have had to buy some thread stock. This works just fine for my purposed. You may experment with length of thumb and thumb nails.
George

showcrop · Nov 22, 2014

Way before they were popular a friend had one built for his Case CK. It was super simple. It just laid back against the dipper until he needed it, then he just pulled in the boom, stood up, and flipped an hydraulic valve that was mounted on the back of the boom. that would extend the thumb to where the bucket would push the object against it. When he was done moving the object, the thumb went back into standby position

Rick Kr · Nov 23, 2014

Everyone thanks for the pictures. I have saved all of them for reference.

I think I will do a manual one to start. I like the idea of a mechanical thumb that is actuated by linkage instead of having to plumb lines.

Rick

Jiles · Nov 23, 2014

This is one I made for my Case 480D-- It has done everything I have asked it to do. I have lifted LARGE rocks and HUGE stumps--

Geo-TH,In · Nov 24, 2014

Rick,
We think alike, Keep It Simple. My bolt on version is also adjustable by moving it on the boom. Just experiment and see what works for you. I can dig a trench without thumb getting in the way too.
George

George Marsh and others - backhoe thumb

Rick Kr

Well-known Member

Paul Janke

Member

JF in MI

Well-known Member

unclemerle

Member

VicS

Well-known Member

VicS

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

showcrop

Well-known Member

Rick Kr

Well-known Member

Jiles

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

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