Harbor Freight Backhoe Thumb Installation

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[@jafquist27]

Great video, and nice job on the installation. I'm not too sure of my welding abilities, so I bolted mine on with four 3/8"-16x4" u-bolts and 1/4"-thick 1 1/2" angle iron for the plates. I drilled through the mounting plate, and was able to straddle the boom with the u-bolts. The machine is unable to dislodge it, at full clamping power. I am very happy with this thumb, and the backhoe as a whole. Great machine.

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

Nice job! I decided to bolt mine on instead of welding. I wanted to be able to remove everything because of the extra weight on dipper while towing.long distance. I was worried that the extra weight would stress the joints.

[@jonathannance8067]

how did the bolting method go? I saw your other video but couldn't tell if you ended up bolting or welding?

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

@@jonathannance8067 Works great, I used grade 8 bolts and have had no problems.

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Glad to hear it's been done already, but I could already tell there will be no problems when I bolt mine. Why they ignore the possibly is beyond me. I am so looking forward to mounting mine up. Also, I'm going to "store" it with a hitch pin of some kind, as opposed to tying/strapping/bungee etc..

[@flatoutautomotive]

or use the first pin to hold the arm and the thumb as its designed?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

IT actually doesn't fit and hold like you would hope it would

[@philliplawerence5784]

Big mistake using a weld-on thumb !! You should have got a bolt-on unit instead. Permanently adding about 30 or more pounds of dead weight to the crowd of a light-duty machine such as the Harbor Freight Towable Backhoe, especially so far away from the pivot point, significantly increases the amount of dead weight the cylinder must lift/drop each and every time it moves up or down. While the thumb can provide benefit when performing tasks that benefit from the thumb, ordinary digging and trench work DOES NOT USE the thumb, but yet that weight is still there, always reducing the effectiveness, reliability, and efficiency of the machine. Use of a bolt on thumb provides the same usability when needed, but the major benefit is that it can be removed when not needed, removing the extra dead weight from the crowd and restoring the usability of the machine.

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

I see using the thumb a bunch. I wouldn’t want to be bolting & UN bolting it so much anyways. However, I could see removing the two pinned pieces when it won’t be used for a while. Just an opinion.

[@johnafagerquist8235]

I'm bolting mine on. Drilling, tapping, grade 8 bolts. Two reasons: 1 - I don't know how to weld, and have a decent drill press. 2 - Although I'll be leaving the plate mounted 99.9999% of the time, I want to be able to remove it for some attachments I've designed to use the new holes. I hear you on the weight thing, but, realistically, I'll be using the thumb way too often to be taking it on and off. I bought the trencher as much, if not more, for picking up things, as I did for digging. Cheers.

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant video thank u 😍👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Mah3525]

Several below have asked below, did the thumb come from HFTools or where did you get it, and how much ? I don't see it on parts list ?

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Was the scoop bucket in the background for this unit too? I would like to have one.

[@livefreeandtoolon]

No that is for my tractor

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

Where did you purchase this: size,make, model, manufacture? I want to get one. I enjoy your programs. Keep up the good work.

[@jackman6256]

Where u get the thumb? Brand type

[@GogebicYooper]

I see that Titan does not make an 18". Are you happy with the 18" fit (length) with the Mophorn? Thanks for the video.

[@livefreeandtoolon]

The one I have works great it’s the perfect size for the bucket

[@GogebicYooper]

@@livefreeandtoolon Thanks for the video. I am going to weld mine on right now :-)

[@jackman6256]

I just got a 24 inch thumb from titan I will bolt mine on incase I decide to take It off so if I sell the harbor freight trecher Hoe like I've seen on other hf hoes on youtube

[@jtbro7644]

The welded on the bracket will not weigh that much to make a difference on the machine. Can always Un bolt the thum if need. I just fold up

[@gregkilgore7525]

Demo Please!!! Nice HAT

[@Jeff-nc3ld]

Where did you find the thumbnail that works on this unit?

[@livefreeandtoolon]

Check the description the link is there

[@kevincarter6569]

What size bolt on

[@normtheteacher5485]

Thanks

[@45ollila]

Nice job what size thumb is that ? I wont one for mine.

[@livefreeandtoolon]

18inch and fits perfect!

[@matrospupkin7794]

👍👍👍👍

[@Patriot3]

The CCP liked this video.