Hydraulic Thumb Guide
The easiest and fastest way to get more capability from your excavator is to install a Hydraulic Thumb. With an AMI Attachments Hydraulic Thumb, your excavator goes from digging to complete material handling. A Hydraulic Thumb makes it easier to pick, hold and move awkward material such as rocks, concrete, branches, and debris that does not fit into the bucket. AMI Attachments offer two types of Hydraulic thumbs, the stick pivot and Pro-Link. This guide will help you understand the differences and decide which is right for you.
Features
Rotates On Same Pin As Original Bucket
Prevents material from slipping or grinding when rotating.
Tucks Up Tight Against stick
Stays out of the way when not in use.
Spherical Bushings
Prevents cylinder damage by aligning cylinder during uneven clamping pressure.
Cushioning Cylinder
Reduces machine shake by slowing motion at the ends of the cylinder stroke.
Progressive Link Thumb (pro Link)
AMI’s Progressive Link Thumb provides more constant pressure throughout the entire cylinder range. The thumb achieves more than 180 degree rotation which makes it easy to reach and pick up objects that are close to your excavator.
- Material Handling
- Site Prep
- Land Clearing
- Demolition
- Forestry
- Clean Up
- General Purpose
Works Closely To Machine
Picking and handling objects closer to the machine is easier which improves productivity, reduces repositioning and allows you to work in smaller spaces.
Stick Pivot Thumbs
The AMI Hydraulic Stick Pivot Thumb provides great functionality to your excavator and backhoe. Stick Pivot means the thumb rotates on the same pivot point as the original bucket pin, not a secondary weld-on pivot point. The hydraulic cylinder is also directly connected to the thumb, covering 65-75% bucket rotation. Since both the thumb and the bucket rotate on the same axis, the thumb tip and bucket teeth maintain constant grip on the load when rotating. Unlike thumbs that use a secondary weld-on pivot point, the AMI Stick Pivot eliminates scraping and slippage and reduces risk of release during rotation.
- Material Handling
- Site Prep
- Land Clearing
- demolition
- forestry
- Clean Up
- General Purpose
Covers 65 75% Of The Bucket Rotation
Graptor® Bucket
Built into the AMI Grapple Bucket is a rotary actuated thumb, allowing full bucket rotation without losing grip of your load.
Jawbone 4 In 1 Excavator Bucket
When multi-tasking is a must, the AMI Attachments Jawbone 4-in-1 Excavator Bucket responds with a multi-purpose design that digs, grades, grips and clamshells.
Excavator Thumb Feature Comparison Chart
| Pro Link Thumb | Graptor® Integrated Thumb Bucket | Jawbone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provides useful picking and holding capabilitits for dedicated machine applications. Thumb stores tight against stick allowing normal digging/ditching operation without restriction. | Provides strong holding force, efficient and safe demolition with minor digging bucket capabilities. Allows for quick disconnect and sharing between machines. | Provides broad versatility when multiple tools are required to complete routine tasks. When switching attachments becomes inefficient or not possible. | |
| Interchange Between Machines | No | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Load Through Full Bucket Rotation | Low | High | Medium |
| Non-Destructive Digging & Ditching | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ideal for Demolition | Medium | High | Low |
| Tines | 2, 3 or More | 4 | 0 |
| Bucket Edge | N/A | Tooth | Tooth & Smooth |
| Provides useful picking and holding capabilitits for dedicated machine applications. Thumb stores tight against stick allowing normal digging/ditching operation without restriction. | No | Low | Yes | Medium | 2, 3 or More | N/A |
| Provides strong holding force, efficient and safe demolition with minor digging bucket capabilities. Allows for quick disconnect and sharing between machines. | Yes | High | No | High | 4 | Tooth |
| Provides broad versatility when multiple tools are required to complete routine tasks. When switching attachments becomes inefficient or not possible. | Yes | Medium | Yes | Low | 0 | Tooth & Smooth |