How to Install a Hydraulic Mini Excavator Thumb August 27 2015, 0 Comments
Hydraulic Thumb Attachment Installation Instructions
Installing a thumb when done correctly can take no time at all. Many of our customers at www.miniexcavatorthumbs.com have found that our instructions are easy but just incase you need something to look at we have provided the directions and a diagram for installing your hydraulic thumb to your mini excavator or backhoe arm.
STEP 1 – Install Bottom Mount Plate To Mini Excavator
A. POSITION THE BUCKET IN FULL CURL AND LOCATE THE MOUNTING PLATE AS SHOWN IN F2. (ALLOW 1” INCH CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE MOUNTING PLATE AND THE BUCKET.)
B. CLAMP OR TACK WELD THE MOUNTING PLATE IN PLACE. (MAKE SURE THE TACK WELD OR CLAMP IS STRONG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE MOUNTING PLATE AND THUMB IN PLACE.)
C. INSTALL THE THUMB TO THE MOUNTING PLATE
D. CHECK MOUNTING PLATE AND THUMB POSITION AS SHOWN IN F1.
E. POSITION THE THUMB 90 DEGREES TO THE FLAT PART OF THE STICK AS SHOWN IN FIGURE D2. ( THUMB MOST CONTACT BUCKET CUTTING EDGE OR TEETH). THE BUCKET MUST ONLY CONTACT THE THUMB IN THIS AREA. WHEN THUMB CONTACTS BUCKET IN ANOTHER AREA MOUNTING PLATE IS TO BE MOVED BACK ON STICK TO REMOVE CONTACT AREA.
STEP 2 – Install Cylinder Top Mount Plate
A. INSTALL CYLINDER (TOP) MOUNTING PLATE TO A COMFORTABLE WORKING POSITION AND TACK WELD IN PLACE. ( TACK WELD SHOULD HOLD MOUNT PLATE, THUMB AND CYLINDER)
B. MOVE THUMB TO MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CYLINDER STROKE, CHECK THAT CYLINDER IS FREE AND THAT THERE IS NO CONTACT THAT COULD DAMAGE CYLINDER.
C. FINISH WELDING MOUNTING PLATES TO BOOM USING 70-18 ELECTRODE.
D. THUMB IS READY FOR USE.
We always like to advise our customers to properly test the new hydraulic thumb attachment to ensure that it is functioning properly. Once again this is a seemingly easy install for those that know how to weld however if your uncertain of your welding ability we suggest giving your local on site welder a call.