JCB 3CX (1400B) Titan Thumb Install

[casey518]

So I ordered a 36" Titan thumb to mount to my JCB. The thumb seems very heavily built for one that is cheaper than dirt (literally cheaper than a load of dirt). JCB's extra dig design however poses a few installation challenges. I guess I have a few options.
The first is to weld the thumb bracket to the outer dipper as low and close to the bucket as possible. The outer dipper however does not come very close to the bucket so the bucket and thumb will not meet in a parallel fashion (see pic).
Not crazy about this setup but it uses the brackets as intended.
The second option Iv considered is to swap the long bracket for the shorter thumb storage bracket (same gage steel and width) so that I can get the thumb pivot much closer to the bucket pivot by welding it to the inner extending dipper instead. Sound like a good Idea or should I stick with the installation as Titan intended? Thanks

 

[franklin2]

You can still store it out of the way when you do version 2?

With version 1 as titan intended, your bucket curls more than in the picture correct? Is there some reason you want the thumb to pinch closed when the bucket is in that level position? It will pinch shut if you curl the bucket more correct?

 

[casey518]

For storage the tines could be moved to the upper bracket and then swung and pinned against the dipper.
Yes in version 1 the bucket would curl a bit farther to meet the tines but would still leave a very large gap. I'd like to close it up to be able to grab smaller branches.

 

[casey518]

Look here for more info.
https://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/threads/titan-weld-on-thumb-install.61675/page-7#post-943195