Just be cautious of how much pressure you pit on the thumb when curling the bucket. The outer sleeve on the extension arm can be damaged and cause binding when trying to extend.
I don’t have to worry about this since I don’t have an extenda hoe right? Thanks in advance I appreciate the video! Also, any updates on the thumbs condition?
Hydraulics are far more useful, but much more expensive. I considered but didn't go that way because it also requires setting up hydraulic controls/valves which is a lot more work if the backhoe isn't set up for it.
You can purchase a mechanical one then purchase used cheap cylinder to make it hydraulic. Not so difficult. The main problem is that the thumb have to be articulated on the bucket pin, otherwise have plenty of positions you can’t use it. It requires to make a longer pin by yourself, you can purchase on some websites the rectified surface hardened plain round steel bar to make the new pin by yourself. Don’t use normal steel it would be destroyed quickly. After that, the problem is having it fully opened nicely. Actually I can’t find a solution to obtain full open position that let me having bucket fully closed. To have it fully functional and not a trouble at normal excavator job, the thumb has to be able to follow the bucket from bucket full open to bucket fully closed. Excavator without thumb is some kind having half an excavator. But it’s difficult to obtain one fully functional
Thanks for the tips man. considering this thumb for my 580 too. What was the exact model you purchased from titan? They sell several different models, but I think they have a backhoe specific one too...
I got it at palletforks.com, item 122982. This link currently works.. www.palletforks.com/tractors/3-point/backhoes-and-accessories/36-inch-backhoe-thumb-hoe-clamp-58-inch-steel-plate-assembly-weld-on-adjustable/122982.html
Nothing special for the 580k. Sorry I don't know the differences between the d and k in this area. I was worried a little about the grease on the inside of the extendahoe but got over it. I ground down the paint and imperfections somewhat, then just blasted on a few long welds. So far so good!
I kinda wish my 580K was an extenda hoe just for the welding, still have not seen a good thumb for a standard 580K. Nice video thanks for taking the time to make and put it up.
No problem. I've seen bolt on thumbs, also I saw something else out there that uses two or three of the bucket attachment points to make an articulating pincer thumb; might be worth a look if you can find it! Also it's possible to weld onto the ductile if you have the right knowhow and equipment.
Yeah, if you read the comments here, one guy busted his, but I was pretty surprised. Perhaps there's a culprit in the plate steel makeup/manufacturer, but it is 5/8" thick and I haven't had any issues. I mostly move stumps but also sometimes rocks
I think you should be able to find what you need on Titan attachments website, maybe even the same unit. You'll probably have to guess which unit will fit by dimension instead of direct call out for your model. These guys also sell hydraulic thumbs. Their site isn't the easiest to navigate, might have better luck searching via google. www.palletforks.com/tractors/3-point/backhoes-and-accessories/36-inch-backhoe-thumb-hoe-clamp-58-inch-steel-plate-assembly-weld-on-adjustable/122982.html
How many inches apart is between the big mount and little mount? I have the 36" as well for my 580e case. I just want it to close correctly before I weld it up.
For me there's 6 3/8 inches between the two brackets. But make sure your pins are in when you tack weld the small one in to ensure the right distance. They should also be lined up such that the thumb can be pinned on both brackets. There's not a lot of clearance there.
