BX25, forks and thumb

[rob82]

Thinking about a thumb for my bx25. Has anybody installed a bolt on one? Dont want to weld on. Called the dealer they told me Kubota doesnt make one for bx25.

Also has anybody put forks on the front bucket? If so what did you use?
Thanks for any help. Rob

 

[rdeist]

I did a Bing search for pictures of a thumb and started designing a type that looked like it was simple and workable. Your bx25 has a more curved hoe arm than my bx23, which are more straight. I used two pieces of 1/4 plate that cinch up on the hoe frame. It can be moved up or down depending on need. It did take a bit of testing and reset to get what I wanted. Hence the additional holes in the mount plate. The test was when I picked up a 24" basalt rock, tucked it in and drove off with it. I read a posting here on this site last year where a fellow said "if you don't have a thumb on your hoe, you are missing out on half of what your hoe can do". Was he ever right. My thumb works well and saved 3-4 hundred dollars that a bought one is.
My tools were a drill press, milwaukee porta-band, welder, grinder.
Richard

 

[rob82]

Thanks Richard, I will show my son your picture. He has the tools to make one

 

[skeets]

Take a look at wildfires thumb it might give you some ideas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAp8_pWtq0o

 

[John in VC]

I got a thumb for my BX25D at BXPANDED.com. It is a bolt on no welding. Very well made and works very good. It is adjustable. They also have a cutting edge for front bucket and skid plate for under tractor. I bought all three. Am very happy with all.

 

[rob82]

Thanks John. Checked them out going to order the thumb, front bucket hooks and forks. Looks like nice stuff

 

[gerrycormier]

To all
I just bought (3 weeks ago) and installed an OEM BX6316 Mechanical Thumb on my new BX25D.
It went on real easy with pins and brackets already on Backhoe.
I got it from Eastern Turf in Dartmouth, NS, Canada. Works great.
Gerry

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

Gerry I just installed my OEM thumb last sunday, really easy and bolts right up. Its a little easier with the backhoe already on, which I didnt have on. I dont care what video you watch but it takes longer than 1-2 minutes to get the bakchoe on. I guess practice makes perfect.