I'm looking at an excavator with a hammer on it. Wondering if I can adjust the flow and run a hyd thumb off of the plumbing for the hammer or is it a whole seperate system needed for a thumb?
It has to be double acting circuit. I believe some aux systems are single acting which would not work with a thumb.
If it's set up for one way operation you can probably still use the plumbing. You'll need a different valve if there's not a two way valve for the auxiliary. You should be able to tell by looking at the number of ports and hoses on the valve.
Ok thanks. So worst case scenario, how much could it cost above and beyond a machine that is plumbed for a thumb?
That probably bea question for the parts guys. Might be as simple as running a second line or as complicated as a different control valve and whatever needed to operate it. What I know for sure its around $5000 to add two-way aux hydraulics to most any hoe.
It depends. If the machine has a double acting circuit then yes you can run a thumb off of it. If it has a single circuit, then you will not be able to. i would suggest looking at a machine that either already has the circuit for the hydraulic thumb, or one that already has one on it. For the work I do I wouldn't want and Excavator with out a hydraulic thumb, but since they are expensive, It is probably worth it to look at a less expensive machine with a thumb already on it.
A-what machine? B-follow the lines down the boom to the control valve area. one of those lines will return to tank. Does it tee into a line that goes to the control valve? C- 99% of excavators ive ever workedon have dual actinf auxillary circuits. Your setup may require as little as a pilot hose,work hose from the valve to the base of the boom and a little electrical lovin'
Ok thanks. I am looking at a case 160. I have not gone to see in person yet.
Cutting edge: can you look at my post in the thread "Kobelco hydraulic excavators"' please? You might have the answer to my thumb question.