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

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

Brilliant ain’t he 👍🤣😂🤣

@timothydarrow9474

Жыл бұрын

Gotta love Mike's sense of humor.

@josephzickert4051

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

This is my new quote for the day.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.👍

A fella couldn’t have said it any better .Function over frivolity is the name of the game there Captain. You said it right you don’t need to have the latest and greatest,high priced, high tech and fancy pants looking machinery or attachments to get the job done, ie. using a rock to drive in a loose pin. The only thing folks need to ask themselves is will this get the job done.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

💪

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Definitely

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

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

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!!!

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

I live in Solsberry, Indiana (Hendricksville). I ❤ your videos…keep them coming. Southern Indiana is a great place to be 😊

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. 👍

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

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

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

Maybe add some homemade rubber bushings to add some stealth to the thumb...😂...maybe paint the thumb like a dinosaur head😂. Thank you for the great content!

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Good idea

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

Жыл бұрын

Well said

@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.

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 !!! 😂😁

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

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣 yeah they do

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

🤣

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

No kidding? Whos that?

It works it's in your budget well done 👍

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.

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

Great! As always, it's nice to watch!

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

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

I think so too!

I like it Cap!!!!! 👍

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

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate ya watching

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

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

Жыл бұрын

Was definitely excited

Well said Capt. ,I'm with you on you have to crawl before you walk an run. Like your thinking start small an grow.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

💪

Ouch, you broke my leg😮😢 😂😂😂

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

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

I’m sure you get plenty of suggestions, and I’m just an armchair quarterback. But I’ll throw it out there anyway. If you cut an old leaf spring in half, you could extend your thumb down to meet your bucket teeth. Just a thought coming from a fellow shoestring budget guy.

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

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

I bought a plasma machine from them that Rat Rod Bob recommended, it actually does great

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

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 ❤❤❤👍

Always good to get free stuff.

It works one good thumb 😊 Thumbs up 👍

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 👍

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.

Now your cookin' with Peanut Oil Mike. That thumb will make a huge difference.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Definitely!

Same with Rc bud some have the best of the best and the big expensive machines and trucks i get as good results as the more expensive with scratch built or cheap conversions or good cheaper machines 😀

Take it from a guy who designed Backhoes, you will be replacing that hose if you dont route it correctly. It needs to mirror the one on the other side from the head end of the cylinder. Maybe start using that thumb and you will agree. Thumb will be a game changer. As always, thanks for posting. Maybe some more youngsters will see how easy things really are to do.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

I have no idea what you're referring too. It has several hoses

@buttheadsmith7012

Жыл бұрын

@@CaptainKleeman The Estick hose you just replaced. Usually it flares away from the estick at a similar location to the top cylinder hose but on opposite side. If you reply with cylinder diameter and hose diameter (a picture from a service manual would be best but not required), I will see if I can scare up some parts for you to install. A close up of both sides of the stick in the top area would help my guys with specifics.

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

Your pretty good with that thing!

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

That should come in handy!

That seems to work well, great job!

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

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

💪

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Definitely 💪

As far as welding, I spent a lot of years repair welding and the single most important thing is that the weld holds and stays holding for the duration, as far as looking pretty, well it’s nice I will grant you that, but also know that it requires practice, practice, practice and more practice, stay the course you will get there. Nice job on the thumb install sir, I like it..thanks for the tag along vid.

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

Жыл бұрын

💪

6:15 Aha! I was wondering where my dish soap went!!!!!

here's a crazy idea find a junk snowpolw steal pump and cylinder to make thumb work , no hydraulic problems just run a hot wire to run pump

You should look into a foam cannon for your pressure washer. Fill it with soap or degreaser and attach it your wand. I got the cheapest at HD and it will shoot foam 25 feet.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

I'll look into it. Thanks

Mike, I agree about the thumb. It isn't like a hydraulic one, really, not even close, but it does help in a pinch. Pun intended. I have one on my sub compact tractor and have used it a few times. I bought a cheap wire welder and it works good on thin metal. I think you will enjoy that aspect of it. The one you have is more flexible with stick and TIG capabilities. Great Job, great video.

Ok. So the snazzy googles and the wire brush need to be delivered to MBTS!!!! That could be some epic content!!! 😂😂😂😂 whatever you build, it must be taken to Kevin @ C&C to be painted!!

I really like your budget wise approach to homesteading.

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

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

"The Swiss Army knife of tractors." Absolutely true. As to those guys with all the bells and whistles? I don't watch those guys. Pretenders. I always wonder where they got the money for a mil and a half of equipment. More fun watching the guy in a buget. Cheap is good. Free is better. If I need to repair something? That is what all those hand tools I have collected over the years are for. That thumb may not have all the bells and whistles. And there might be a learning curve involved but, it IS better than no thumb. And, after all, it IS on a Swiss Army knife...

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Well said

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

It gets you by Mike and that’s all that matters, the backhoe will do it all it just might not do it as fast! It gets you by on the homestead brother, that’s the thumb I was thinking about but I wasn’t going to say anything about it because I figured you knew about it as long as you have been operating equipment! I was also thinking about homemade forks that quick attached to the bucket so you can do most of everything with one machine! Just a thought Mike! You’re doing great my friend!

Hi captain, loving the channel One little tip on welding stick, start at the bottom and weld up. It looked like yu were going down, if not I apologise. Keep up the good work.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

It was uphill 👍

Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍👍

Looks like it works fine!

Thanks!

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

A good old bungee cord could help reduce the clanking of the thumb when it is retracted.

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Definitely a possibility

@gwbuilder5779

Жыл бұрын

@@CaptainKleeman Spring washers on the pins will take up a lot of the space as well.

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

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Appreciate the support

Just stumbled across your stuff. Not only isn't that thumb long enough, you welded it in the wrong place. Check out Camarota's tutorial on thumbs. You effed up.

@CaptainKleeman

7 ай бұрын

Been using it for months and it works perfect. Nice try though 👍

As your not a welder and I am can I give you a tip for vertical stick? After you've done the root pass straight up, weave the next passes moving up in a small crescent shape as if you were drawing little smiles non stop side to side gradually going up, try and keep your rod pointing up hill about 40 deg off vertical.

When I first started watching dirt perfect and captain was on there. I really did not like him but the more watch him the funnier he is to watch. I have to say he comes up with some strange things to do like his concrete boat. But when he took on rebuilding that backhoe, I thought man is this guy making a big mistake but I got a hand it doing. He did a really good job and the budget friendly thumb seems to be working pretty good

Looks like you could swap out that diagonal brace for a hydraulic cylinder as a fairly inexpensive upgrade. So that was a good way to go.

[thank, you for youre great helpful video]👍

If you have a back hoe without a thumb it looks like this is a value addition. When I get a back hoe I will have a thumb. mb. THanks a lot.

👍 I like it hey Mikey

Your welds don’t look that bad !😊

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Next time, try welding uphill. It’s easy, and you can see what you are doing, better penetration, hold more better 😂. I was a welder, but don’t currently have a machine 😢. Jealous that you have two 😅. Always enjoy your practical process to getting it done 😊.

@wrstew1272

Жыл бұрын

P.S.- old rubber- inner tube, sidewall of tire, etc will cushion the thumb assy to lessen the noises.😊

@wrstew1272

Жыл бұрын

P.S.S., sweat equity is what you were searching for….you are correct (and I commend your explanation!) in trading time and effort for new. It’s like 85+ grand for shiny clean digger. Clint couldn’t make a profit fixing it, did you a righteous by transporting, and saved it from the scrap pile. Win-Win. Couple of thousand hours more with occasional hose replacement. Paint optional, doesn’t make it more efficient 😂. You are doing exceptional 😊

great build you can add hyd cyl on that prety easy that has open center hydraulic,s so adding nother valve downstream of main valve block would be one way another less deseriable would be to add diveter vale in like extendahoe circuit

Thanks for the video.

I can count on two thumbs the number of times I've been right and the wife has been wrong. Probably the reason I still have my other fingers :D

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

🤣

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

Жыл бұрын

That's gonna be awesome

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

@CaptainKleeman

Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣

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

Жыл бұрын

Appreciate the support!

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

Love this channel. You are an inspiration to all of us with hard work, common sense and your folksy comments. Will you be going to next Louisville show?🚜