by Kyle Molyneux | Tue 27 Oct 2020
Mecalac introduces hydraulic thumb
Mecalac Construction Equipment UK has launched a factory-designed hydraulic thumb attachment, suitable for its 6MCR crawler-skid excavator and 7MWR wheeled excavator with two-piece boom. Designed for a variety of handling applications, the hydraulic thumb (available now via the Mecalac configurator or as a kit: reference K7555081) makes it significantly easier and faster for operators to hold and move large or long objects. The attachment allows for precise operation and placement thanks to proportional control via the excavator’s right joystick thumbwheel.
The thumb is comprised of four stainless steel tines and has manual shut-off valves on both sides of the cylinder to isolate the attachment when not in use. Unlike the grapple, the thumb can be kept on the machine with no need to change tools, even when digging. Designed for use with a Mecalac Connect hydraulic quick coupler, the thumb is controlled via the first auxiliary line (high flow). Classified as a handling device, rather than a lifting device, it does not require safety check valves.
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