Transforming a Backhoe with a DIY Budget Mechanical Thumb: Welding Magic!

[@mikesorg6746]

I’m dying laughing from the “your wife’s been bragging to her friends that you make good decisions don’t let her be right about that” 😂

[@nicoleking772]

As a wife I can attest to THE FACT that wives DON'T brag much about their men's good decisions. Unless their friends married an ever dumber knucklehead. Just A joke, Just A Joke Luv you hun

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Brilliant ain’t he 👍🤣😂🤣

[@timothydarrow9474]

Gotta love Mike's sense of humor.

[@josephzickert4051]

I love it that you are expanding your abilities. I have faith in you and your learning ability that you will be able to turn that thumb into a hydraulic one in time. We just have to patient.

[@denjhill]

This is my new quote for the day.

[@scottchisholm3622]

“We’re not sneakin’ up on anybody…”. Can’t breathe…! 😂 Genius.

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣

[@michaelmcclure8673]

Captain Kleeman, I know a guy who has a good cab for the Ford dump truck . 😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

No kidding? Whos that?

[@leoncolyer9420]

Hi DP, has some nice YELLOW PAINT at his place 😂😂😂 MBTS LEFT IT THERE 😂😂😂😂😂😂 From Victoria Australia 🇦🇺 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@jamessievers3899]

Your pretty good with that thing!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@dondwyer3679]

Hope this helps a bit...for the cause!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks Don!

[@davidoliver2826]

Great addition! Budget builds are better than nothing at all! Always enjoy your attitude about life in general! Keep being you!

[@Losttoanyreason]

I think that manual thumb is going to be a big help around the homestead. 👍

[@CaptainKleeman]

I think so too!

[@LloydJones-p7e]

YEA!!!! For the THUMB! Now enjoy! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Crewsy]

Part 🤏 of the reason your videos are so enjoyable and entertaining is because you aren’t running all the flashy bells and whistles. You be you Captain. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks! Appreciate the support

[@janieweyers6230]

Your endless positivity is what the shrink ordered today ❤ being able to see the wheels through the floor 😂

[@janieweyers6230]

Yay! Kleeman got a thumb!!!! 🎉 very happy for you.

[@billroberts3864]

Mike, the manual thumb is a great addition to the tractor bucket. Blessings to you.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@dougsmonsters4866]

those welding goggles look lik the glasses Jonny Depp wore in charlie and the chocc factory lmao........great build

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣 yeah they do

[@brackoncorbridge1966]

Adding more holes to bring down the thumb is a great idea plus having more options is 👌 great video.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@Skoalman]

Great addition to your backhoe Captain. You're a great example of a man that makes the best out of what he has. Run what you brung! Great video as always. Keep um coming!

[@CaptainKleeman]

I appreciate that

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Since the dawn of time, man has been limited to only two thumbs. Adam, Moses, George Washington… all great men. But, think how much richer their legacy would have been if they had three!!! Cap’n, you’ll do great things with this historic addition to the triple nickel. Who knows? You might even be able to squeeze in an episode on tripod repair… if you aren’t all thumbs!!!

[@wink9970]

budget content creator Got it

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@leol1682]

Enjoy the video ho i got welder its Ranger 8 and power my mig to .

[@kaoskrew8577]

Well that's cool but you know what I think is way cooler ....... each time you get in the backhoe and turn that key - it starts, just like that. I love that 😆

[@CaptainKleeman]

It's a great feeling

[@redbloodedamerican7130]

I like it Cap!!!!! 👍

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Mike. Glad you finally got a thumb. For as much logging as you do that's going to come in handy.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely 💪

[@2wwwilly]

Capt is very happy with a supportive wife behind him ..❤❤😂😂😅😅

[@jackgreen412]

I really like your budget wise approach to homesteading.

[@brendahubert7916]

Thank you so much for being honest and up-front with people about the various aspects of homesteading-it takes work. Love your energy and willingness to teach yourself.

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@raymundo7687]

I grew up on a backhoe, my first job with an excavator had a manual thumb. Hydraulic is the only way to go lol.

[@richardfittipaldi3331]

I am glad to see you put a thumb on the bucket. You really needed it to clear those trees.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Yup, definitely handy

[@timtaulu9914]

I feel that you will get every possible use for the 555. When you get a quick connect for your bucket it will be far more useful to you and it will be fun to watch you to come up with uses for the 555😎

[@lyleminyard2308]

The thumb works great the boom extension came in handy for that also good job K!

[@joycefuller9177]

Love your videos. Glad you have a thumb and you definitely have the skills to make it work for you.

[@williamhill9432]

Love the satirical commentary! Your humor adds to each video. Having said that it’s apparent to everyone watching that you have the skill and temperament to make things work on a limited budget. Keep the videos coming with the 755.

[@markrjones]

That thumb is a game changer for your place!

[@heatherlane9270]

In Australia we would call you 'a little Aussie battler' - making the most of what you have with minimal improvements. Making what you do a little easier.

[@michaelmaker8169]

Ouch, you broke my leg😮😢 😂😂😂

[@billyhaddock5540]

Captain Kleeman, might be a good ideal to put-on some washers to tighten the Claw. no more Mr. Wiggles..

[@jafo9346]

At 23.58 in: "Listen...I don't know how to tell you this...but you had an accident." You always Crack me up.😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@outlawtruckinginc.5542]

I started with a thumb like that ran it for a 2 years and then upgraded it, get so much more done👍🙃

[@clarencewiles963]

It works one good thumb 😊 Thumbs up 👍

[@georgebridge4136]

It works it's in your budget well done 👍

[@stevenmarsh5158]

I think with a couple of extra holes, that thumb will work great. I like you showing everyone you can still get the job done with less money. Hard to bet the wobble sticks!

[@TGSamantha091]

OK I'll confess I watched your new video today before Dirt Perfects 🙃

[@CaptainKleeman]

🤣🤣

[@anderleof]

Always good to get free stuff.

[@likearockcm]

Forgot one advantage, makes that work way more FUN !!!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely

[@mcfwelding]

Hey a quick suggestion, Get yourself some 3/32" 7018 for the vertical passes. Run it at about 85 amps. much more controllable. but for teaching yourself how to stick weld that is a pretty decent job 👍

[@NAMCBEO]

I am a retired master mechanic and never owned a new car, truck or piece of equipment except for one lawn tractor and I still have it. --- It just didn't make sense for me but, I always told those with no skill sets "Your best buy is new with as much warranty as you can get and drive it till it drops !"

[@CaptainKleeman]

Well said

[@davidroberts3692]

Hey Cap when ya gonna put the grill and front weights back on? The weights would help with steering control and the grill would protect your hydraulic tank and hoses.Love your videos.👍

[@robinredman5192]

Mike, you, your wife and kiddos have what you have because you aren't afraid of hard work and jumping smack dab into something and learning how to do it along the way (real nice things included of course!). Y'all have that go to attitude that has made America an awesome place to live in, and that, my friend, deserves a great deal of respect. As always, may you continue to be blessed beyond measure. Thank you for putting a smile on my face and an out-loud chuckle in my home. John here, from the back-roads of Northeastern Tennessee.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate the support!

[@phillipdean9879]

Great work Mike! The thumb is a great asset! Think the 555 owes you nothing by now hey! 🇦🇺🍺🍺

[@baseball4697]

Thumb on the 555 … living the dream!

[@lionelgardiner4408]

Haha I wonder if the wife would be more than willing to give an opinion on "good decisions". I know mine sure would!! Excellent addition to the 555! That is going to make your life working around the property soooo much easier

[@retiredchiefcharlie]

Awesome budget friendly thumb for the triple nickel. They sure are handy! BTW, the run what you brung is the only way to go.

[@maxobara1496]

Slow and steady Captain, cleaning up nicely and Bones is getting stronger 💪👍🇺🇸

[@revo7721]

I hope you always stay in the run what you brung crew!

[@TokyoCraftsman]

That seems to work well, great job!

[@troyweatherford9874]

That should come in handy!

[@tdkrei]

Good thought process and that thumb is totally better than nothing. Keep on smiling.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Always!

[@Crewsy]

@24:00 I believe I said something about that happening to us and how a $24 tripod was better than a $100 tripod. There’s just something about us not thinking and putting ourselves into the line of fire. However we do get a great view of the action there.

[@johnunsicker7440]

Videos and channel like this one shows you that you don't need $$$$ to do something or high end equipment. You can do it with little $ and get the job done as well.

[@CaptainKleeman]

Definitely

[@alexosborne5629]

You get a "thumbs" up from me, Captain 😃 On this side of the pond, thumbs on any machine is not heard of..... even suggested to some operators to get one fitted.... and they didn't have a clue 🤷‍♂️🤣 Can see it is going to help you no end, extra holes down the shank will be a big help. And as for your baked on unique finish paint job..... awsome Sir !!! 😂😁

[@kirk467]

Rum Mike run! Stay safe brother! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@bruceduncan9065]

Your welds don’t look that bad !😊

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@Biggs58]

Glad to see you have the thumb for the 555.

[@Richard-C]

great video Mike,i taught it was christmas morning when you opened your packages you were like a little boy couldn't wait to play with your new toys 😁,you do have the talent and know how to make things work 👏👏👏👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@CaptainKleeman]

Was definitely excited

[@lincolnhaines6887]

Captain, your videos are always informative and mostly entertaining!! 😂

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks!

[@tomswindler64]

Great little video,few upgrades come in handy.just keep doing what your doing.kudos 👍👍👍😎😎😎👨‍🚒👨‍🚒👨‍🚒

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@stevelandwerth6648]

The thumb and small welder will make your life easier. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bman2020]

A game changer the thumb she be Will make a difference great watch Captain 👍👋🇨🇦

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@DunbarLandFarms]

Glad you got the thumb. When you drill some more holes, you’ll be able to pick up smaller items. I agree with you that some KZbinrs are buying the best and often.

[@mw5905]

Strange to suddenly see the name "Vevor" twice in the same week. I bought a 12 ton porta power off Ali Express for $135. It shipped out of NJ came in four days for free. I've never seen the brand before and here it is again. Btw, the porta power is pretty freakin nice. 👍

[@andysukosd8177]

Absolutely love your videos, you keep it real on your channel. I Thank you for that.

[@tracywagoner4907]

I have a thumb similar to that one. I have made some additions and changes to it as well. Everyone says they are useless but man has it been a lifesaver and labor saver. Next up for me is adding a valve and turning mine hydraulic.

[@CaptainKleeman]

That's gonna be awesome

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Captain great video! You always find a way to get it done! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@CaptainKleeman]

Thanks 👍

[@cyndikarp3368]

Great Job, Well Done. Thumb is going to be an asset for the backhoe. Weld will work fine with the proper plug.

[@James_P60]

A Thumb is nice, that's the same one I bought for my backhoe, it is what it is.

[@peterhunt4919]

Love watching your videos, your personality makes a great watch Capt. Always have “LOL” moments

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate the support

[@katherinerose446]

Your spray painting is a lot like you full of personality,gotta love ya bud😅❤❤

[@edsecorr7812]

Great job you did a great job love your videos thank you

[@dfusit]

Looks like you got the hang of using the manual thumb just fine. Stay safe Captain

[@CaptainKleeman]

💪

[@jafo9346]

Nice work on the installation of the thumb, Capt. I'm fascinated by the 555 videos.

[@CaptainKleeman]

More to come!

[@pinwizz69]

Captain, tig welding is for thin metal and tubing. Stick welds are stonger than mig welds. At one pount in my life I was a certified Ironworker welder so I do know what I'm talking about. Nice that you'll finally have a thumb for pulling stumps, moving logs and brush. Anyway, thanks for another entertaining episode in the life of an off duty fireman working on his homestead projects.

[@ARyan-ln1db]

Great video captain. Love how you show things can be done on a budget. Anyone should just give it a go. Appreciated.

[@carloskawasaki656]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍

[@gilbertmick62]

Bonjour Mike tu as résolu le problème ils lui fallait des dents et le problème est résolu je le savais tu et le meilleur problème résolu trop fort Mike 🇨🇵🇨🇵🇨🇵🤗😘 De papy Gilbert de France bisous bisous ❤❤❤👍

[@harrytaylor6854]

It works so that's a good thing well done thanks for sharing

[@CaptainKleeman]

Appreciate ya watching

[@bobmoroney3643]

You have to quit having so much fun! Love your videos. Thank you

[@josephzickert4051]

I think many of us watch with bated breath to see what your imagination comes up with.

[@HogshooterHotrods]

Nice addition to the homestead backhoe, it is super nice to have a big piece of equipment to do the heavy lifting even if you have to work on it before you use it!!

[@CaptainKleeman]

It sure is!

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I was having quite a crap day but then I came home to a new Captain Kleeman video, I’m all good now 😁👍👍 Cheers Mike 👍Best wishes to you and your family, from Britain 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@CaptainKleeman]

Rock on!

[@leer-winnobbeefarms2131]

I was really wondering how a mechanic thumb worked. Much simpler than I imagined! Looking forward to seeing the new welder fired up. Great video, Mike! Lee

[@toddincabo]

👍 I like it hey Mikey

[@chrishelms1967]

That's definitely a couple great additions to the arsenal.......lots of sheet metal welding possibilities surround you daily

[@fhuber7507]

I have an idea: How about a coil-over shock (salvage from a Subaru maybe...) instead of the fixed length bar setting the thumb angle. Then over-curling the bucket won't bend the thumb.

[@stevecorey3399]

From my knowledge of welding, the stick welding gives you a deeper penetration into the metal which correlates to stronger joint!

[@kennethoblenesjr8493]

Enjoyed as always

[@CaptainKleeman]

Glad to hear it

[@jeffjansen5996]

Looks like it works fine!

[@AcesDman7]

Most operators started with a manual thumb. A lot can be learned using one, it will also enhance your use of the hydraulic one. Keep on trucking Captain. 👍

[@jerryoxley9556]

Hi Mike, Nothing wrong with that thumb eh? Looks like you got the hang of it real quick too! Great vid! Jerry...UK

[@brucehuff5566]

That's why we watch. I have the small Hobart welder because a customer gave it to me. Make it work. Stay safe

[@patrickcolahan7499]

That thumb is better than no thumb. Having points that lower the thumb farther towards the bucket will be even more beneficial. Enjoy what you have. Too many people are stuck in live thinking that life will be better if they only had this one thing or another. Make due with what you got and get on with it. Been doing without most of my life. Yes, I do dream of the nicer tools, or what ever, but I have been making do so long, when I do have the money, I most often won't spend it. Thanks for sharing.

[@garymessina1609]

Great video Mike great job it works just needs a few adjustments thanks