Because it's America you have the best of everything -- even thumbs. In Europe I'm looking for a thumb for my Takeuchi TB016. I won't be having that initial problem you had because the one I'm going to buy doesn't have that swing point. It swivels from a plate which unfortunately has to be welded on, professionally it seems, not by a diy man, preferably by someone who's done this job before (I wish you could just bolt it on). But the price is MUCH cheaper -- under €600. Even cheaper if not hydraulic. I'm surprised the bit where you had to grind off didn't have a shim so the two surfaces don't have to grind against each other. THUMB UP!
In 1989 right after Hurricane Hugo came thru Charleston.... I was working a John Deere construction Dealership.....There were a lot of Debris removal companies in town.....I installed quite a few thumbs both hydraulic and stiff arm on big excavators.... Required hoist... clamps and welding......
P.S Our newly aquired R510 Kubota wheel loader... We bought a Heavy dudy Grapple and built the mounting brackets,,, to use it to load Bermuda spriggs into the Transplanter.......Got a video showing it in action....
I did not see that as a requirement per the directions I was given. My machine came factory plumbed for the thumb, and has a button on the screen in the cab that allows you to change the flow for different attachments- thumb, hammer, brush cutter, etc. Better talk to your dealer just to be sure :)
Not an ideal situation ;) using a bolt punch! Looks like a welding job by me...shrunk a little in welding without support. Not an issue, just grind the mistake :) We've gotta get you a ball peen hammer to replace that claw hammer Chris ;)
