Willie B
Senior Member
I've had a hydraulic thumb on a Case 580K many years. It was in part a repurposed half of log loader clam.
It was functional, but had shortcomings:
It was too heavy.
It wouldn't grip small logs.
The hydraulic cylinder wasn't well chosen. It was a 1-1/4" rod, 24" stroke. Pin sizes were too small, so it was prone to failure.
I want to start over. I want to pivot on the bucket link pin. Case doesn't offer a longer pin. They don't describe the pin diameter, but the bushings & seals it passes through they describe as 2" ID. I measure the pin at 1.75". I'll need a longer pin. Case doesn't offer a longer pin. I can make a pin, but there is a bit of machine work. I presume this is a stronger than common steel pin.
Are there sources for greasable pins ready made, If I have to make it, what is the steel called?