My brother has bought a 2009 Kobelco SK170. It has hydraulic lines already on the stick not in use. Would this be for a breaker or could we add a hydraulic thumb off of that? Machine is not here yet and it has no owners manual. Just contemplating what it will take. Cleaning up around the farm. I work on all my stuff usually but this is beyond my AG experience.
Depends on the size of the hydraulic lines - small hose/ line- the hydraulic lines might have been for a hydraulic tilt bucket/ other attachment, hydraulic tilt hitch, hydraulic quick coupler lock etc large pipes/ hose- breaker, mulcher, compactor etc Usually best to put a newly purchased used machine (cleaned) into a shop to get it properly checked over, serviced- if necessary, repaired - if necessary, attachments added- if necessary before you start using it. http://www.excavatorthumb.com/ht1850-hydraulic-excavator-thumb.php
U will need to look at the auxiliary section if there a relief valve installed.. I am also looking to install a thumb to my machine..
IF I could offer. Company Wrench is your local KOBELCO dealer in both Charlotte and Smithfield. Based solely on the year model, it is not a Mark III but probably a Mark 8. If the machine has lines down the boom and arm, on the outside, it does have auxiliary hydraulics. Depending how you set the machine, it can handle both breakers and Thumbs. Parts are available for that machine. Good Luck