backhoe--mechanical thumb

[rlcokc]

Can someone explain how the mechanial thumb works on backhoe? I assume it is hydraulic and when you don't want to use it it is out of way of bucket and when you want to use it has hydraulic control which causes it to move to top of bucket to put pressure on whatever is between bucket and thumb. Trying to decide if it is worthwhile--plan on purchasing BH76 or Woods BH80 for my B7800. Comments? Thanks
Rod

 

[Eric McCarthy]

I dont think they make a hydraulic thumb for small backhoe's but rather a manual thumb that you have to move by hand. It folds back flat against the boom when not in use, fairly nicely out of the way. The manual model locks in place and the curling motion of the buck hold what ever material in place. Its nice for brush work or small hunks of concrete if your doing demolition work and moving small boulders around.

 

[Bulldog]

I don't even no if it's a option for a small backhoe or not. I'm sure a aftermarket one could be installed though.

Like Eric said, they are nice for handling brush. I recently used one on a mini excavator. It worked great. Picking up stumps, brush, limbs and that type stuff. While burning, it was super handy picking thru piles that had been pushed up. I could reach in and pick the brush up to go on the fire and leave the dirt.

Being able to do it like that, after 3 days of burning I ended up with only 7 (L 3000) loader buckets of ash and little stuff that didn't burn up. I was able to sift about 15 or 20 tons of dirt out of those piles that could be spread back down.

 

[coptordoctor]

I have a mechanical thumb On an L48 it is great!!!!! sold By Bro-tek in Miramichi NB. You do not use the hydraulics on the thumb to pinch anything what you do is position the thumb with either the Hydraulic if you have it Or You set the mechanical thumb at a givien position and then place it against what you want to pick up. Then you use the bucket to pinch against the thumb. The only thing the hydraulic one is really good for given the cost!!yikes is if you have a bunch of different sized items to pick up. If you are doing brush and such mechanical works fine..Here are a few pictures to see what it looks like..For around $500 they are a great add on!!

 

[rlcokc]

Thanks to all--not only appreciate the discussion but especially the photos.
Rod

 

[Eric McCarthy]

Anytime man, let us know what you find out and put up some pics on here if you can.

 

[traildust]

Great thread and great pic's coptor!

 

[Bulldog]

That looks like a nice setup on Coptordoctor's ride. I like the fact of it being a bolt on instead of having to weld it on the boom. It seems like that would be a good style to have.