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Is it possible to have a tilt rotator on with a hydraulic thumb?

roadbuilder6

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2011
Messages
103
Location
us
Hi guys. I was wondering if it is possible to have a tilt rotator on an excavator while already having a hydraulic thumb?, thanks, john
 

Per Eriksson

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 24, 2007
Messages
652
Location
Sweden
I don't see why that shouldn't be possible, it's a matter of how you choose to have it installed hydraulically.
 
Joined
Feb 7, 2012
Messages
15
Location
Canada
If I understand you correctly, it shouldn't be a problem. Just take it to someone who knows what they are doing when it comes to hydraulic installations. They should be able to work around with the existing hydraulic thumb. Are you installing it yourself or who are you taking it to?
 

rabia

Banned
Joined
Jun 7, 2012
Messages
120
Location
US
I think its matter of installation. Consult with some installer who can guide you in a more better way.
 

godofex

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2012
Messages
9
Location
ontario canada
In my opinion adding the weight of a tiltrotator to the extra weight of a hydraulic thumb would make for a poorly balanced machine. I also don't think you would want to use the 2 attachments together, you probably could but i dont think they would work well together.
 

excavator

Senior Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
Messages
1,450
Location
Pacific North West
I have a customer who has a tilt bucket on a 590D Deere and a 315c Cat and it works fine. The thumb is longer, the same as for any hydraulic quiktach system. What we did was to put 3 way ball valves in the thumb plumbing on the stick so that either the thumb or the tilt bucket is functional. I don't think you would want to use the thumb up against the tilt rotator setup. As far as machine balance, I've run the 590 and it's a very smooth operating machine. I would have to check for sure but I do think it has an extra weight hung under the counter weight.
 

godofex

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2012
Messages
9
Location
ontario canada
in my opinion any thing you add to the end of the stick changes the balance of the machine. If you have a hydraulic thumb, a tiltrotator, and a full bucket of dirt, any machine is gonna feel different then if you had only a bare stick and a bucket of dirt. I have run a tilt rotator for several yrs, We went to a shorter stick to compensate for the extra weight and length added by the tiltrotator. Buy a grapple for your tiltrotator and you'll never say thumb again! We also have that 3 way valve setup on a smaller machine, What a pain in the wazzue!
 
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