Quote on a hydraulic thumb add-on to BH92 - Want to confirm

[JerkyChew]

Hi,

I picked up an L3560 recently with an LA805 loader and BH92 backhoe, and the dealer was nice enough to deliver it to me even though the backhoe was back ordered. They're picking up the tractor tomorrow to install the backhoe and I asked about the cost of adding a hydraulic thumb at the time of install. If I build out the tractor on kubotausa and add the "HYDRAULIC THUMB KIT / L45" it's an additional $2554. However the dealer is quoting me $4500 installed because they say " you also need the hydraulic valve ( BH4948 ) $1,106 and then in has to be all plumbed in, so quite a bit of labor."

Just wanted to confirm this is correct - I'm having a difficult time getting a list of every single part needed to add a hydraulic thumb. I understand that yeah, labor costs money, but I'm just surprised that Kubota's site wouldn't require me to add all the necessary pieces as soon as I choose the option. Can some smart folks chime in and let me know if this is reasonable?

 

[fried1765]

Hi,

I picked up an L3560 recently with an LA805 loader and BH92 backhoe, and the dealer was nice enough to deliver it to me even though the backhoe was back ordered. They're picking up the tractor tomorrow to install the backhoe and I asked about the cost of adding a hydraulic thumb at the time of install. If I build out the tractor on kubotausa and add the "HYDRAULIC THUMB KIT / L45" it's an additional $2554. However the dealer is quoting me $4500 installed because they say " you also need the hydraulic valve ( BH4948 ) $1,106 and then in has to be all plumbed in, so quite a bit of labor."

Just wanted to confirm this is correct - I'm having a difficult time getting a list of every single part needed to add a hydraulic thumb. I understand that yeah, labor costs money, but I'm just surprised that Kubota's site wouldn't require me to add all the necessary pieces as soon as I choose the option. Can some smart folks chime in and let me know if this is reasonable?

Unfortunately, this seems to usually be the way the "game" is played.
You order accessories with the original order = a reasonably fair deal.
You then decide to add an accessory, not part the original order, = bend over!

You will LOVE a thumb, but at this point, you can add the Kubota thumb anytime later, for the same or similar $4500 cost!
You might want to contact oxthumbs.com in Carrollton, GA.
I seem to remember that their thumb kits are well under $2,500.
They make nice stuff.
Though I believe it to be so, I am not certain that they make a thumb kit for the L45.
1-770-862-4653

 

[JerkyChew]

Thanks. I watched this maniac install a thumb on his new loader and while it's time-consuming it doesn't look hard. I just worry that I wouldn't be able to get all of the necessary parts. But I would love to know what the necessary parts actually cost.

 

[TheOldHokie]

Hi,

I picked up an L3560 recently with an LA805 loader and BH92 backhoe, and the dealer was nice enough to deliver it to me even though the backhoe was back ordered. They're picking up the tractor tomorrow to install the backhoe and I asked about the cost of adding a hydraulic thumb at the time of install. If I build out the tractor on kubotausa and add the "HYDRAULIC THUMB KIT / L45" it's an additional $2554. However the dealer is quoting me $4500 installed because they say " you also need the hydraulic valve ( BH4948 ) $1,106 and then in has to be all plumbed in, so quite a bit of labor."

Just wanted to confirm this is correct - I'm having a difficult time getting a list of every single part needed to add a hydraulic thumb. I understand that yeah, labor costs money, but I'm just surprised that Kubota's site wouldn't require me to add all the necessary pieces as soon as I choose the option. Can some smart folks chime in and let me know if this is reasonable?

Whst tje build site does is a mystery. If the dealer says you need to buy the valve separstely thats probably how the option is packed by Whole Goods. Apparently the base backhoe kit comes without the valve.

 

[kubotafreak]

I have done this add after the fact. It is two kits one has the thumb weldment/cylinder. The other kit is the aux valve added to the stack and a pedal kit. The price is correct. You can build it yourself a little cheaper if you do the electric diverter. Buy the factory manual thumb(same weldment) then buy an off the shelf cylinder. It is a little involved to instal the valve stack as the old has to be disassembled. It makes for a hydraulic mess. Not cosmic, but messy. If you get the thumb I highly suggest getting quick attach buckets.

 

[JerkyChew]

Thanks Kubotafreak, that's exactly the real-world experience I was looking for. I built the tractor with a standard pin-on bucket; what's the advantage (other than the obvious) of a quick-attach, and is it easy to replace later? I obviously don't know a ton about backhoes, I'm coming from a BX23S that was more or less a one-size-fits-all unit.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I have done this add after the fact. It is two kits one has the thumb weldment/cylinder. The other kit is the aux valve added to the stack and a pedal kit. The price is correct. You can build it yourself a little cheaper if you do the electric diverter. Buy the factory manual thumb(same weldment) then buy an off the shelf cylinder. It is a little involved to instal the valve stack as the old has to be disassembled. It makes for a hydraulic mess. Not cosmic, but messy. If you get the thumb I highly suggest getting quick attach buckets.

The electric valve seems way simpler for a DIY install. Where do you put the switch?

Dan

 

[fried1765]

Thanks. I watched this maniac install a thumb on his new loader and while it's time-consuming it doesn't look hard. I just worry that I wouldn't be able to get all of the necessary parts. But I would love to know what the necessary parts actually cost.

Two comments about the installation video:
(1) Never use teflon thread tape on hydraulic fittings (he did).
(2) Trash the bucket pin locking lynch pin!
Use a bolt with a lock nut, and carry two small wrenches to remove it when necessary to change buckets.
If you do not do this, it will be only a matter of time before the lynch pin works its way out, the bucket pin gets lost in your spoil pile, and you will be ordering a new $85 bucket pin.......then waiting for it to be delivered.
Ask me how I know this.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks Kubotafreak, that's exactly the real-world experience I was looking for. I built the tractor with a standard pin-on bucket; what's the advantage (other than the obvious) of a quick-attach, and is it easy to replace later? I obviously don't know a ton about backhoes, I'm coming from a BX23S that was more or less a one-size-fits-all unit.

If you only plan to use one size bucket,......forever.....then the standard pin on bucket will be fine.
If you ever plan to alternately use a 16" bucket, a 24" bucket, or a frost/root ripper, (I have all 3) you have simply made a $2,000+ but correctable mistake.

 

[kubotafreak]

When switching buckets without thumb it is fairly straight forward. When you have a thumb, there are also shims/spacers, 45lb thumb, and bucket that must all be aligned on one really long greasy connecting pin. Its up to you but once you add the compounded assembly id say its for the birds. I have 4 different bucket configurations, so changing is a breeze. If you only live with one get a 16 or 18”

Hokie,
If it were me self constructing a bypass, id just buy a rubber covered push button that I would attach to the base of the right joystick. Id think robbing dipper function to do it.

 

[TheOldHokie]

When switching buckets without thumb it is fairly straight forward. When you have a thumb, there are also shims/spacers, 45lb thumb, and bucket that must all be aligned on one really long greasy connecting pin. Its up to you but once you add the compounded assembly id say its for the birds. I have 4 different bucket configurations, so changing is a breeze. If you only live with one get a 16 or 18”

Hokie,
If it were me self constructing a bypass, id just buy a rubber covered push button that I would attach to the base of the right joystick. Id think robbing dipper function to do it.

I was thinking DA solenoid valve so you need 3 position switch.

Dan

 

[kubotafreak]

Na, just a 6 port with a momentary push button for energizing the second circuit.

 

[TheOldHokie]

View attachment 106610
Na, just a 6 port with a momentary push button for energizing the second circuit.

I understood. I was talking about using another electric valve rather than a diverter to get the same functionslity as the additional work section in the Kubota kit.

Dan

 

[PoTreeBoy]

Thanks. I watched this maniac install a thumb on his new loader and while it's time-consuming it doesn't look hard. I just worry that I wouldn't be able to get all of the necessary parts. But I would love to know what the necessary parts actually cost.

Here's a link to someone's installation of the valve on a BT900, which is similar to the BH92, I think. Might save you some, if you can find a good deal on the valve section.

 

[HalfWayHank]

I was quoted $6300 for a valve & thumb kit by local Kubota dealership this includes labor seems very steep can anyone confirm this is ballpark market rate for addon to L47 hoe? Tyvm

 

[TheOldHokie]

I was quoted $6300 for a valve & thumb kit by local Kubota dealership this includes labor seems very steep can anyone confirm this is ballpark market rate for addon to L47 hoe? Tyvm

Kubota OEM parts and labor can be exorbitant. I am sire you can roll your own (third party) for a lot less.

Dan

 

[mikester]

I was quoted $6300 for a valve & thumb kit by local Kubota dealership this includes labor seems very steep can anyone confirm this is ballpark market rate for addon to L47 hoe? Tyvm

Get a quote from 3 dealers if you want an honest estimate.

Prices on everything have gone mental post covid. Welcome to 2023

 

[fried1765]

I was quoted $6300 for a valve & thumb kit by local Kubota dealership this includes labor seems very steep can anyone confirm this is ballpark market rate for addon to L47 hoe? Tyvm

Try, contacting "OX Thumbs", in Carrollton, GA

 

[kubotafreak]

I was quoted $6300 for a valve & thumb kit by local Kubota dealership this includes labor seems very steep can anyone confirm this is ballpark market rate for addon to L47 hoe? Tyvm

Would depend on a few things. Seems off for just the valve kit, thumb kit and cylinder kit with labor. Now if it includes quick change bucket/coupler, that would explain the price. Also, the L47 you need to know if that is kubota designed or werk brau excavator quick change(orange or black)... Lot of variables here.

 

[jimr63]

Would depend on a few things. Seems off for just the valve kit, thumb kit and cylinder kit with labor. Now if it includes quick change bucket/coupler, that would explain the price. Also, the L47 you need to know if that is kubota designed or werk brau excavator quick change(orange or black)... Lot of variables here.

I think there’s two different thumb kits too, I.e. orange vs black in order to mate up with the two different styles of QA buckets. I decided to add a thumb after I bought my L47 and the installation isn’t too hard. The valves are exactly the same, except for having the thumb spool already installed which is silly that Kubota won’t supply just the thumb spool and pedal in a kit form instead of making you buy a whole new valve assembly. I have an almost brand new valve assy if someone wants to try and source the thumb circuit spool and pedal separately. Same valve is also used on the M62.