BXpanded Backhoe Thumb for My Kubota (#27)

I own several BXpanded products as you'll see in this video and others to come. When I found out that BXpanded had started making a factory fit thumb for the Kubota BH77 backhoe, I was thrilled and ordered one as soon as possible. After I installed it and started testing it, I fell in love with it! The link to it is below.
Barracuda Factory Mount Back Hoe Thumb for Kubota BH65, BH70, BH76, BH77:
bxpanded.com/KB77FMT
Visit the Companion Project Page on DIYMyWay.net:
diymyway.net/2019/03/17/bxpan...
Visit DIYMyWay.net: diymyway.net/
Equipment:
Kubota L3901 4WD HST
Kubota LA525 FEL
Kubota BH77 Backhoe
Land Pride RCR1860 Rotary Cutter
Land Pride BB1260 Box Blade
Land Shark LS-CMP-LR-72 Landscape Rake
MTL 42" Quick Attach Pallet Forks
Titan BX42S Wood Chipper
Follow Me on Twitter: / diymyway
#DIY #Kubota #BXpanded

[@houndsmanone4563]

Martin, that thumb really compliments your BH and is deadly arsenal against rocks, tree trunks, and debris. Easy work moving many of those items you picked up. I like the strength of that Kubota. It seems nice and sturdy while you were lifting items. I have some stump work ahead of me and have the thumb on order. That BH quick connect is a real nice addition. After watching your BXpanded thumb in action and John's (LA) BH work, I'm convinced the thumb is a necessity. Thanks again and have a fine week. Don

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Don! Yes, the Kubota is very well built. Even with the backhoe extend a good bit, I can push the bucket down and lift up the back of the tractor. Glad to hear you are getting a thumb. I look forward to a video of you using yours! Thanks for watching!

[@jdgibs3446]

Enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and honesty. Keep em coming. 👍🎯💪

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad you did! Thanks for stopping by!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning DIY! That is certainly a game changer! I'll bet you are pretty excited to have it now, especially for all the work coming to build your workshop. Thanks for the extra work and camera angles in the video. Looked great! Cheers!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi GP! Yes it is and yes I am! Thanks for watching!

[@Blueridgetimbermill]

Good info and video. Keep em coming. Really like your channel. Been sharing your videos. Hope to see your channel continue to grow!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Chuck! I really really appreciate it!

[@Bamacountry88]

Looks like a great attachment,I ordered mine yesterday along with a trencher bucket as well…great video!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! The thumb is a game changer for sure and the trenching bucket has been very handy to have. Thanks for watching!

[@1rustytree]

That sure makes for a handy attachment to your bucket!

[@DIYMyWay]

Indeed! Thanks for watching!

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hey there Martin!!! The thumb sure makes the backhoe complete!! You are able to lift things that before you could only move!!! Some nice. Take care!!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks Mike! That's for sure! And with the BXpanded quick-on connect for changing implements it's like having a quick attach for the FEL. Greatly expanding what I can do with my backhoe and how quickly I can change implements.

[@HomesteadJay]

Another great video! A thumb has been on my wish list for some time now for my BX! I need to put money into all new fluids and tires but maybe next year! Even for a subcompact the backhoe has some serious power! Glad you got one! You are very precise in your explanations and its nice to see literally step by step! I was cruising through the comments and you have a great group of followers, they interact each video and get some good comments and opinions! Glad ive been around your channel since the beggining because its doing so well and awesome to see someone start out around the same time i did grow! We are all a community and wishing you all the best! Keep up the good work!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Jay! Yes, it's surprising how much can be done with a subcompact tractor and backhoe. A lot of power packed in a small package! I really enjoy the interaction with my subscribers, many who - like you - have channels I follow. The cross pollination of ideas ans support for each other in this community is very rewarding! All the best to you as well!

[@mattmcdonald6138]

Thanks for the video, Ive been to the edge of the internet looking for an inexpensive thumb for my Kubota L3901 and I found just what I was looking for in your video. Just placed my order with BXpanded!! Cant wait to get it put on and put it to work.

[@DIYMyWay]

That’s great, Matt! I think you’ll love it. Thanks for watching!

[@tractorman4461]

A thumb is a nice addition to any backhoe for sure. I would LOVE one for the 580 Case... Awesome video showing the installation process of the assembly Martin. I cannot say enough good things about you video editing man. You blow video hacks like me out of the water with all that fancy stuff. But that's a good thing....guys like you give guys like me someone to look up to. Keep up the good work sir !!

[@DIYMyWay]

Aw shucks, Wendell! You’re making me blush! Seriously though, I really appreciate the kind words. We each develop our own style and you shouldn’t discount yours! You have a very easy-going and charming manner about you and a very soothing voice. Plus you are packed full of knowledge that you willingly share with lucky subscribers like me! So you keep up the good work too, sir!

[@Kcender57]

Looks like a well made thumb. I used to have an L45 with a thumb. It certainly changes the usefulness of the backhoe. You won’t want to be without it now.

[@DIYMyWay]

That’s for sure! Sometime in the future I may add a hydraulic cylinder to extend the thumb. Thanks for watching!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Congrats Martin!! On the new thumb! They work great. BXpanded is really making quality attachments for tractors at a much better price!! I like how easy it picks up them big rocks! I'm looking forward to seeing you working that thumb more! Have a great day!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks John! Yes they do! You’ll see the thumb play a starring role in many future videos. Any news on your Massey? Thanks for watching!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

The Massey is fixed. I haven't got a chance to pick it up yet. With my personal and work truck broke down it will be later this week before I can pick it up! Have a great week Martin!

[@Greezbhal]

Hm. I might need one of these for my BH77. Looks like a well made piece and pretty easy install. You only had to check the instructions once! That’s pretty good. Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYMyWay]

It is very well made and installation was really easy since I had the BXpanded quick-on connect. Even without it, it wouldn’t be difficult if position your bucket to take the weight off the pivot pin. BTW, I should note that I only consulted the once - on camera, that is. 😀 Thanks for watching!

[@melclarkwensel1000]

My Kubota dealer just asked me if I want to order my BX23S with thumb on the backhoe. After watching your video, I have to say a big YES to that question. Thanks for providing the information I needed for that decision! Mel

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to hear it, Mel! Having a thumb really expands what you can do with your backhoe. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisdixon8484]

Hi Martin. Great video as always. I have a few BXPanded products myself. They are also a customer of ours. That BXPanded logo on the side of the thumb is a product we produced called the DuraTAG Ink Transfer. Ryan at BXPanded is a great guy and easy to work with. Have fun with your thumb!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you Chris! So your company provided the logo technology. Cool! Small world, indeed. I worked with Ryan on my order and he's been very helpful.

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening Sir ! I will have very soon a thumb installed on my mahindra 23 B backhoe !!! Can't wait to have it !!! Very well made video !!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks, Dave! I think you will love having it. Thanks for watching!

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

@@DIYMyWay Yes, i have a lots of big rocks to move and fallen trees to pick up on Mont Lesage !!! LOL

[@DIYMyWay]

😄

[@FromSteelToWood]

That are a great pieces of equipment BXpanded are manufacturing. Well engineered. As always, you make me laugh! "In doubt, read the manual". When your channel is named DIY My Way, I can see why you are not reading it much! You don't really much need! That was a big rock you were able to lift. More than 500lbs for sure. Was that over 1000lbs? Much better spot for that rock! Thanks Martin!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Joe! Glad I made you laugh again! Yes, I’ve always been impressed with the quality of the BXpanded products. I don’t know what the rock weighs but it is probably between 500 and 1000 lbs. Thanks for watching!

[@christofix]

Great video man! i just discovered your channel! you got yourself a new follower because i think you have some nice content

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Christofix! When I noticed your handle and cool logo I checked out your channel and now you have a new subscriber. Superb video editing and great thumbnails on you videos!

[@christofix]

@@DIYMyWay Thank you so much for your kind words my friend. It was a pleasure discovering your channel too man! We will see each other on our videos now! thank you so much

[@anthonyraffaele1041]

great demo . . .any day you can sit in tractor seat and avoid a back injury lifting rock or logs is a good day for me . . . some day I sit in my truck in front of the tractor dealers and watch all the older customers who walk in the front door all limping and hunched over . . . not me.. the only thing i lift is my credit/debit card from my wallet and pay . . I just purchased same thumb for my new JD compact tractor . . .

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! I hope you enjoy your backhoe thumb as much as I do mine.

[@odellmac2134]

This is a better thumb than the OEM I think, mine only has 2 positions.

[@danielrapoza8468]

Wow, great video. Thanks for posting. Is your thumb the short jaw version or the long jaw version ? Thanks... 😃 Sorry, I found a comment answering my question that I had originally missed. My bad...

[@MrTks1959]

Martin, as a relatively new tractor owner (2 Kubotas now) I've enjoyed watching your videos. I have a BH77 attachment and was wondering if you have tried using the 4" trencher bucket in combination with the Thumb? I've installed quite a lot of irrigation line around my hobby farm (34" frost line). I'm interested in their 6" trenching bucket plus the Thumb, and I'm wondering if the thumb would get in the way when digging 4' deep trenches?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi TK S! I have indeed done that and you can see me do it in the “Trenching a New Water Line” videos. However, because I live in the South, I didn’t have to trench very deep (~24”). The thumb might scrape the sides of the trench using a 4” bucket, but I think it would be fine with the 6” bucket. One benefit of having the thumb on and fully retracted is that it can help hold your scoop of dirt in the bucket until you dump it. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@wigidy12]

Great video. Just got same tractor setup. Doesn't seem like a hydraulic thumb would add much function over the mechanical one. Thanks for the overview

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks! No a hydraulic thumb isn’t more functional but it is more convenient and I’m still considering converting mine to hydraulic some day. Thanks for watching!

[@robertkaseljr6480]

I need one for my Bx 25 D

[@KPTAquatics]

Does Bxpanded make stuff for the Woods BH 6500 ground breaker? I have it on my 2001 B7500 but I noticed the BH is slightly different than the Kubota models. Would be nice to have that thumb and quick bucket attach as seen in many of your videos

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Logan! I have no idea but I suspect that if you don't see it on their website then they don't make it. You could email them and ask. Thanks for watching!

[@tripacer8259]

Could you PLEASE show/tell me how high it will lift? I have an old farm truck with 1' sides and am HOPING it will clear it to load items in the truck. Thanks in advance!

[@leehobin5132]

Greetings Martin, if you put the ripper on can you use it and the thumb to pick up logs?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Lee, I plan to try that, and I expect it would be fine for short pieces but long ones, not so much. Thanks for watching!

[@allenr265]

I just got a BX23S and was wondering if you have any insight should I get the factory Kubota thumb or the BXpanded thumb. Thanks mate

[@DIYMyWay]

G’day Allen! The BXpanded factory fit thumb is less expensive than the Kubota and, if you plan to get the BXpanded Quick On backhoe bucket connector you can get a slightly longer version of the thumb to accommodate it. So my vote would be for the BXpanded thumb. Thanks for watching!

[@jordankduran]

I'm looking for a quick connect adapter for my backhoe BH92 But I haven't been able to find one anywhere.

[@DIYMyWay]

Sorry to hear that, Jordan! I would have thought some one could make one. Thanks for watching!

[@unclebuck5051]

Hi, did you get the short or long jaw on your thumb and why that particular jaw?. Thanks for the video's.

[@DIYMyWay]

I got the long jaw version since I had the bucket quick connector already installed. Thanks for watching!

[@unclebuck5051]

@@DIYMyWay Thanks for the info. The BXpanded website wasn’t a bit confusing when I was trying to decide. It seemed to suggest the short jaw if planning to use their other hoe accessories. Yours seems a good match to the bucket.

[@CountryLivingWithTheHarnishs]

a thumb is a handy thing if you are building rock walls

[@DIYMyWay]

So true. Thanks for watching!

[@timothyspondike6133]

I’d like to know where you got your wider bucket from?

[@DIYMyWay]

It's the stock 16" bucket that came with my backhoe. Thanks for watching!

[@shawnbeaver9876]

Is your mechanical thumb the long one or short one ?

[@DIYMyWay]

The long one. Thanks for watching!

[@abrahamvenegas2422]

Is this the long or short version? Thanks

[@DIYMyWay]

The long version. Thanks for watching!

[@Ryan_Maineaquaria]

Out of curiosity, why didn’t you opt for a factory kubota thumb?

[@DIYMyWay]

For three reason, Ryan: First was the BXpanded thumb costs less. Second, I felt the BXpanded design with the curved jaw was better. Finally, this one is the long jaw version which was specifically designed to work properly with my BXpanded quick-on bucket connect so that the thumb meshes properly with the bucket edge and teeth. There is a shorter version for folks without the quick-on bucket connect. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@davidsmith-ri3fi]

Haven't read all the comments . But that quick hitch is on backwards .

[@DIYMyWay]

No it is not. That’s the way they were designed then, but I have noted that they switched which end has the hooks on the newer versions.

[@unclebuck5051]

@@DIYMyWay I just installed a brand new Bxpanded quick hitch yesterday and it went on the same as yours per the instructions. I also have the OEM 16" bucket. Perhaps it's different on other Kubota models or other manufacturers? Can't say for certain. Keep up the awesome videos.

[@kelliefarr3559]

Where did you iget the quick connect

[@DIYMyWay]

From BXpanded. Thanks for watching!

[@JW-us7qh]

That thumb looks very aggressive compared to the OEM thumb. Should be able to grip ahold of an object with ease.

[@DIYMyWay]

Exactly! I find the curved jaw is especially good at gripping logs tightly and keeping them under control. That is very oblivious in the video. Thanks for watching!

[@pbiele68]

What size is that bucket?

[@DIYMyWay]

16". Thanks for watching!