Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/531852
I DA U N I V E R S A L M ay -J u n e 2 0 1 5 45 ough their name includes the word "mini", mini excavators still pack a big punch. ese machines have the power, stability and versatility – all wrapped in a smaller package – to tackle tough jobs in tight spaces. While normally outfi tted with a bucket, mini excavators have the potential to increase their versatility with diff erent attachments, including thumbs and rippers. Learning more about these attachments can help you decide whether or not it's the right fi t for you and your jobsite. Benefi ts and Common Uses One of the most popular attachments for mini excava- tors, a thumb attachment is primarily used for picking up materials, large and small, including rocks, stumps, steel, scraps, debris, etc. e thumb engages the bucket and uses it to pick up materials and easily transport them elsewhere. Take a look at your hand, and imagine picking something up without your thumb. Sounds diffi cult, right? It's the same for equip- ment. A thumb attachment allows operators to grasp and pick up objects much easier, maximizing a mini excavator's versatility. Another attachment for mini excavators, a ripper, is a giant steel, replace- able, single-point tooth that's primarily used for breaking frost and clay. Rippers are able to penetrate and scarify hard ground conditions, and can rip through tough, hard-packed and frozen materials with ease. Rippers are commonly used in a variety of projects, ranging from site prep, residential and utility work. Direct-link and Rigid Thumbs ere are two variations of thumbs that are avail- able for mini excavators: a rigid thumb and a direct-link thumb. A direct-link thumb uses hydraulics for pressure in grabbing materials, so direct-link thumb attach- grip it and rip it ments must be used with a two-way hydraulic system with hydraulic lines available on the machine. e rigid thumb does not require hydraulics; it is in a fi xed position. e operator grabs the material by crowding the bucket. An important thing to note when choosing a thumb is making sure it matches up with the pin-to-tip radius of the machine. You want to ensure the bucket and thumb are compatible, teeth and thumb tines properly integrate (proper spacing), and the thumb tines do not extend too far beyond the lip to avoid interference with the stick and cab. Rippers also come in a variety of styles and sizes, depending on the manufac- turer and size of machine being used. Attachments have the potential to expand the versatility of the already agile and fl exible mini excavator; however, both rippers and thumbs have the ability to increase your machine's productivity. ● www.casece.com