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Excavator Thumb – The Definitive FAQ Guide

This FAQ guide is intended to help excavator operators, dozer operators, and other heavy equipment operators understand an excavator’s thumb.

This guide contains information on excavator’s thumb, excavator thumb cost, maintenance requirement, the difference between hydraulic and manual thumb, the material used in manufacturing, and much more.

1.    What is an excavator’s thumb?

An excavator’s thumb is an attachment on many hydraulic excavators used to grip or prevent the material from falling from any excavator attachment.

A lever in an excavator operator cabin enables an excavator operator to control the entire grip force, together with the excavator’s thumb, and use precision attachments to carry out several tasks.

The thumb of the excavator can rotate more than 180 degrees. This makes it possible for the machine to grab objects nearby without any trouble.

In addition, the extra linkage extends the range of the thumb and makes it possible to grip or hold anything that’s in the bucket, including when it’s fully developed.

The excavator’s thumb is operated by a hydraulic cylinder, enabling an excavator thumb to rotate or move in the permissible degrees.

2.    Can you put a thumb on an excavator?

Yes, you can attach it to the excavator. The thumb has been designed to connect to the excavator’s arm to help create a range of motion that will stop the arm from going in too deep or on objects.

The thumb can rotate 180 degrees. However, the range of rotation or motion varies depending on the model of the excavator’s thumb.

This range of motion is possible because of special couplers that connect the thumb to the excavator’s arm.

By using quick attach/quick connect couplers, it allows for fast and easy connection and disconnection.

A clamp-on excavator can turn it into a versatile tool. This attachment is a vital part of an excavator, making it more productive and flexible.

3.    How do you fix a thumb excavator?

To install excavator thumb on your excavator, you can do it in two ways, first through a professional technician or by yourself.

First, arrange the tool kit compatible with installing an excavator thumb on your excavator’s arm.

Now align your excavator’s arm and lower it, then turn off the excavator engine. Take your excavator thumb assembly close to your excavator’s arm.

Put the hole of the excavator’s thumb and arm coupler adjacent and hammer the linking rods inside.

After that, connect the hydraulic lines of the excavator with the excavator’s thumb hydraulic cylinder and screw the bolts to an optimum amount of torque.

After fixing all the excavator thumb components to an excavator, start your excavator and test the excavator thumb to perform its intended function optimally.

4.    How does an excavator’s thumb work?

Excavator fingers and thumbs are used to load and unload items from the end of a hydraulic arm. They help an excavator to perform tasks that would be impossible with an average arm.

Excavator’s thumb works following the principle of hydraulics, and the pressurized fluid is transferred through the control valve of the hydraulic cylinder from the hydraulic pump using hydraulic lines.

This fluid causes the piston of the hydraulic cylinder attached to an excavator’s thumb to move to and fro.

This motion is then transferred to your excavator’s thumb causes it to extend or retract at the desired amount of degrees.

An excavator’s thumb is the rotating arm that supports a bucket or similar attachment at the end of a hydraulic cylinder on an excavator.

5.    What is a manual thumb for an excavator?

A hydraulic excavator’s manually operated thumb is a toggle-bolt mechanism at the end of an excavator’s arm that allows excavator operators to hold or control the material within any excavator attachment.

However, it prevents the excavator boom and arm from tilting and raising itself at a very near extension or fully extended operations.

The main difference between hydraulically operated and manually operated excavator thumb is that the manual thumb remains fixed and cannot move.

You can move the bucket to ensure the optimum amount of grip on the material you want to move.

This thumb has fingers projected of the same length, but these fingers have saw-like teeth on end to firmly grip the material and prevent them from falling out from the bucket.

6.    How to measure for excavator’s thumb?

When you search for a new excavator thumb, measure your machine and make sure to get the correct length.

Pin Type or Weld Type:

You might want to measure your machine before choosing the style of the thumb attachment.

If you want to attach a pin style excavator thumb, you must take into account that it needs to be separated every time you isolate your bucket.

Length of Arm:

When it comes to Hydraulic Thumb attachments, sometimes the length of your arm is shorter than average.

This could make the required size for a thumb attachment different from what you had initially been planned.

If you think this applies to you, you might want to consider a shorter thumb instead.

Attachment Type:

The quickest way to attach the bucket to your excavator is by using a connection that allows you to swap out buckets easily.

This will give your bucket an extension, and you must use a thumb that has a longer length because it will work better than what the weight of the machine dictates.

7.    What are the types of excavator’s thumb?

There are several types of excavator’s thumb. Some of the main types are as follows:

Manual Under Arm Excavator Thumb:

You can install this type of thumb just below an excavator’s arm.

This piece has a strong base plate for extra stability. The pivot pin is resistant to bending, and it fits more than one type of bucket. The teeth on this piece are intended to mesh with teeth on the bucket.

Manual Through Pin Excavator Thumb:

This is the perfect tool for contractors who have a machine dedicated to thumb applications. Great for land clearing, demolition, and recycling, this tool features ears that straddle the bucket mounting ear group. A longer pin is supplied.

Hydraulic Under Arm Excavator Thumb:

You can install this thumb under your excavator’s arm through the welding technique.

This type of thumb has a specialty that allows you to change it between digging and loading without moving through the cab.

Hydraulic Through Pin Excavator Thumb:

A great way to take care of your land clearing, demolition, and recycling needs is with this new hydraulic thumb. It has a 140-degree range, and the cylinder lets you switch from digging to loading without ever leaving the driver seat.

8.    What does an excavator’s thumb do to your bucket?

Excavator’s thumb provides excellent support to your excavator bucket. It enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of your excavator bucket in many ways.

The excavator thumb grips and prevent spillage of materials that you have placed in your excavator bucket.

It helps the transfer of more material in a single go that is inside the excavator bucket.

The irregular gripping on the undersurface of your excavator’s thumb causes it to slightly penetrate the material and keep it in its place even if you are performing your excavation operation on uneven terrain.

Excavator’s thumb helps you elongate the life of your excavator bucket as it reduces the cycle of rotations and allows them to an optimum range.

9.    What are the applications of an excavator’s thumb?

An excavator’s thumb has a wide variety of applications; some of the main applications are as follows:

An excavator’s thumb is a device used on some hydraulic excavators to assist in attaching loading buckets, pile hammers, and many other attachments.

Applications of an excavator’s thumb include excavating dirt from under a house, transporting it out of the scene, lifting piping and structural steel into place by attaching a tool to the end of the thumb, and hooking up hoses to a water source.

An excavator thumb can be used on various attachments, including excavator rake, excavator bucket, etc.

Excavator’s thumb helps you lift and transportation of wood logs from one place to another.

10.  Which material is used in making an excavator’s thumb?

Excavator’s thumb is made of various materials depending on the application.

Some essential factors are the durability, appearance, and the amount of pressure it exerts in excavation operation.

Some widely used materials in manufacturing excavator thumb include stainless steel, alloy steel, or high carbon steel.

These types of materials offer excellent resistance to wear and tear or abrasion.

With these materials, you have ensured a longer life span of your excavator with a high-efficiency operation.

No matter in which environment you are working, these materials can withstand harsh or demanding environmental conditions.

You can choose any of the materials mentioned above for your excavator’s thumb, and the cost related also varies depending on which type of material you use.

11.  How would you define the manufacturing process of an excavator’s thumb?

Excavator Thumb is an item manufactured using Hi-Tech manufacturing tools suitable for casting, forging, machining and welding. It is made of special alloy steel.

The manufacturing process starts with the header. The header contains the information relevant to the process, such as material, specifications, and quantity of excavator’s thumb.

Then the product moves into an inspection shed where the QC team uses different techniques such as dimensional measurement tools.

Afterward, it goes through a testing department that checks its tensile strength and other physical properties.

It is then sent to a heat treatment center for its tempering process and machining. The next step is where it is assembled into a complete excavator thumb itself.

This is a highly complex engineering and manufacturing process that takes place in multiple machines that are manufactured separately.

12.  What can the excavator’s thumb do for wood log?

An excavator’s thumb is used to position the wood log into the desired location and to twist and rotate it.

The thumb on a mechanical excavator consists of two extendable links and a universal joint axially mounted on them and driving a cylindrical hydraulic cylinder through a right-angle movement, with motion range in both vertical and horizontal planes.

The Thumb of an Excavator is mainly used for:

• Rotating the wooden log to align it for loading (pushing) onto a trailer or into the machine while preparing it for sawing;
• We are positioning a wooden log between a steel beam or concrete form.

13.  Which materials can an excavator’s thumb handle?

Excavator thumb can handle a wide variety of materials, and its primary purpose is to provide support to respective excavator attachment in the successful transfer of materials

The material which it can handle includes:

• Concrete
• Sand
• Cement
• Wood Log
• Bushes
• Rock
• Asphalt
• Stones

There is a lot more than an excavator thumb can handle. The material it can handle also depends on the type of material from which it is made.

If the excavator’s thumb is made up of high-quality material, the configuration of the thumb and fingers also greatly influence which materials it can handle.

The material thickness of the excavator thumb and weight also decide which types of materials it can handle.

14.  How much does an excavator’s thumb cost?

The cost of the excavator’s thumb is not affected by one or two things. Instead, the charge is decided by a lot of factors.

These factors include the thickness of the thumb, the material with which it is made, the total weight of the excavator’s thumb, excavator thumb specifications, and the warranty associated.

The cost of a mini excavator thumb having weight lies in the range of 150 kg to 1500 kg, and warranty within the scope of 6 to 12 months lies in the field of $300 to $3000 per piece.

The cost of dual hydraulic and manual thumb with a warranty of one year lies in the range of $1050 per piece.

As you know, when you increase the cost of purchase, the associated features also increase.

15.  How long does an excavator’s thumb last?

It will depend on the application, the environment, and how many hours are in operation.

The tip of an excavator’s thumb wears out due to the number of times it is rotated under load (agitation) over its working life.

How long those thumbs last is dependent on factors such as driving pressures, cylinder sleeve wear, and wrist bushings. A quality thumb will typically have a life span of well over 15+ years.

The average excavator thumb lasts for 15,000 – 40,000 hours of use, depending on the range of motion and the amount of pressure it bears.

The lifetime may also be affected by the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

16.  What are the maintenance requirements of an excavator’s thumb?

The maintenance requirements of an excavator’s thumb depend on the type of excavator in question. Each class is designed for different models of excavators.

The cylinder bushings may need to be replaced when there is excessive leakage from those cylinders.

Ensure the oil present in your hydraulic cylinder for an excavator’s thumb must be at an optimum limit.

Take a regular inspection of your excavator hydraulic thumb and replace the excavator thumb cylinder seals and bushings as required.

If you notice any looseness or vibrations, inspect if any bolt or screw may cause. If yes, then tighten it to the optimum amount of torque.

17.  Is noise associated with the excavator’s thumb?

Yes, excavator thumbs can generate excess noise. For instance, a popping sound may be produced from the third joint when working at high positions.

This is because the quick attach loop and ring can press against the side of the cylinder causing it to vibrate.

Another reason for this occurrence would be that there is not enough lubrication within the servo system of the range of motion or in the cylinder mounting bolts.

The noise associated with the excavator’s thumb is usually loud at its maximum speed. Most often, when an excavator operator notices elevated noise levels, the forward momentum of his excavator and the back and forth motions of his equipment or the arm are not synchronized due to poor timing with the controls.

18.  What type of oil goes into the excavator’s thumb?

When you’re talking about the kind of oil that would go into an excavator’s thumb, there are plenty of choices.

The basic formula is made up of a hydraulic fluid that can be synthetic or petroleum-based.

The oil is mainly used for the ends of the cylinders and some of the rotating joints.

Using an oil-based lubricant will prevent and seal any leaks and cracks that may appear in the device.

This lubricant keeps the systems inside the thumb running smoothly while simultaneously protecting them from all of the heat and dirt they encounter daily. This adds up to longer working life for your excavator’s thumb.

19.  What are the problems associated with the excavator’s thumb?

The most common problem associated with the excavator’s thumb is joint unloader failure.

The joint unloader is a hydraulic cylinder located inside the upper drum of the excavator and powers to swing the thumb downward and upward, moving the equipment arm forward and backward.

It’s critical for this system to work correctly for operators to have complete control over their equipment.

Another common issue that can develop from using an excavator with a worn-out or incomplete brace is joint slippage.

The other problem is that if the operator fails to understand the complex function, they will not be able to take full advantage of it. Hence its operation will be much more difficult.

20.  What characteristics are embedded in excavator thumb oil?

There are many characteristics embedded in hydraulic oil that is used in your excavator’s thumb. These characteristics are as follows:

Excavator thumb oil is used when direct contact with any fluid or metal part of the machine will not harm the equipment.

It can help protect these parts from abrasion and corrosion.

Such type of hydraulic oil helps to reduce the freezing of self-lubricating hydraulic oils to temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.

Excavator thumb oil should not be confused with gear lube or hydraulic fluid.

Moreover, it incorporates high-quality additives that maintain good wear resistance and can recover fully, especially in cold temperatures.

21.  How to choose an excavator’s thumb?

Excavator’s thumbs are available in many forms and materials. To choose a suitable excavator thumb, first determine what its function will be. Different procedures are required for other end excavator thumbs.

If you buy a hinge point excavator thumb, please pay attention to the following six aspects of it:

• The robustness of the excavator bucket
• The strength of the coupling
• The range of motion
• The flexibility of the excavator
• The quality of the hydraulic cylinder
• The installation conditions and environment

Manufacturer recommendations, size or capacity of the excavator, operating conditions, and machine loading are just a few factors when making the proper selection.

22.  Is friction associated with the excavator’s thumb?

Yes. Friction between the excavator thumb and hinge tube bushings (due to their inherent roughness) and between the excavator thumb and connecting rod bushings cause high wear rates.

Excessive use of alloy and unnecessary polishing of the bushings will only delay some of this friction. The best way to address this issue is to replace both damaged bushings.

You can also use hydraulic oil to eliminate this type of friction from your excavator.

Although friction is necessary to carry out the successful operation, in optimum amounts, if it exceeds the limit, this will damage your excavator’s thumb.

23.  What causes the failure of an excavator’s thumb?

The excavator’s thumb is a significant part of the excavator machine, greatly influenced by the working environment.

The failure of the excavator’s thumb often comes from lousy material selection, making it unreliable and easy to break.

At first glance, the broken excavator thumb seems to be caused by too much rotation.

But in fact, it is caused by the deformation of bushing and finger plate. All of these are affected by material selection.

Therefore, selecting material for the excavator’s thumb becomes a key factor when choosing an excavator. You need to find a material that can make a good performance in this part.