“Mecalac believes a machine that doesn’t make an operator’s life easier has no place on the jobsite,” said Peter Bigwood, General Manager for Mecalac North America. “The hydraulic thumb not only increases productivity, but it also keeps workers safer and makes their lives easier.”
The hydraulic thumb option permanently mounts to the bucket linkage where it is powered by the boom’s hydraulic cylinder. Unlike grappling buckets or other attachments that must be dismantled during other operations, the new hydraulic thumb can remain attached during digging work or other tasks. The thumb is composed of four teeth and is compatible with Mecalac’s CONNECT hydraulic quick coupler. When engaged, the constant pressure exerted on the thumb throughout the cylinders stroke ensures precise control of the load, allowing operators to efficiently move boulders, pipes and other cumbersome objects without leaving the cab or changing the attachment.
The new hydraulic thumb option is available on 6MCR and 7MWR models with Mecalac’s two-piece boom with offset and can be added to existing models with this boom, as well. This variation of Mecalac’s innovative boom design maintains the unrivaled range of motion and industry-leading lifting force. Additionally, positioning the stick cylinder above the boom, rather than underneath, provides a wider working angle, faster movement and a higher penetration force that is ideal for excavation and truck loading applications. Dimensions and work envelope remain similar to the standard boom, and attachments, such as loader buckets and pallet forks, are still compatible.
