Kubota BX 25 Want to add a thumb to BT601 Backhoe, Looking for advice.

[06B3030]

The BXpanded thumb might be OK on a BX series tractor. I looked at the BXpanded thumb for a B Series tractor, and was just about to pull the trigger until I found this video. I have a B3030 with a BH75 and installed the Kubota manual thumb. I had to fabricate the dipper arm mount because the BH75 doesn't have one. The Kubota thumb is really nice.

 

[Joe.G]

So I ended up ordering this one today, The Amazon one seemed to be hit ot miss with fitment and I don't really want to weld it on.

Barracuda BH Thumb

www.bxpanded.com

 

[Joe.G]

06B3030
I don't know how I missed your post until after I ordered it. I watched the video and I hope I don't have those issues, I also don't think Kubota's is for the BT 601 Backhoe I believe its for the new version.

 

[Mark_BX25D]

06B3030
I also don't think Kubota's is for the BT 601 Backhoe I believe its for the new version.

I came to the same conclusion when I researched it.


Please let us know how your new purchase works out for you! Pics or it didn't happen!

 

[06B3030]

06B3030
I don't know how I missed your post until after I ordered it. I watched the video and I hope I don't have those issues, I also don't think Kubota's is for the BT 601 Backhoe I believe its for the new version.

Hopefully the thumb on the BX will hold up fine for you! I think they just made some "length" adjustments to make the BX thumb fit the B series, and didn't take the added hydro pressures into account.

 

[Old Machinist]

Understand that any add on thumb is capable of applying full digging force to an area of the crowd arm that wasn't designed to take it.

That said they are extremely useful. I put a Titan weld on thumb on my full size backhoe and just broke it after 8 years. My welds held up okay but it ripped the metal open on the crowd arm. I should have reinforced the crowd arm which I will do after repairs. I have to cut the thumb off and straighten and weld up the arm metal first. This machine has over 10,000 lbs of digging force though.

 

[Tractor Gal]

Joe, I think you made a good choice with the BXpanded thumb. I purchased one for my BX23D and have really found it useful. I use it to pick up and carry logs and rocks, hold longer logs off the ground while using the chain saw, pull vines out of trees, et. While having an hydraulic one would be great, unless you're going to be using it a lot, the manual ought to work fine. You'll get the hang of making the adjustment to fit the project.

As stated above, report back with your experience when you have had time to give it a real whirl.

Tractor Gal

 

[Joe.G]

I got the Thumb installed, it took less then 5 Mins, I have not tried it yet but it looks good on the machine lol. Fed ex did a number on the box and packaging, I called BX and they were helpful and it appears I have all of the parts that I should.