Caterpillar Presents Pro Series Hydraulic Thumbs (USA)

Cat® Pro Series Hydraulic Thumbs expand the versatility of Cat hydraulic excavators in the 311 through 329 model range and deliver high performance and exacting compatibility with today’s Cat excavators, buckets and couplers.

Pro Series thumbs mount on the bucket pin and move along the same arc as the bucket edge, providing solid grip and precision as the bucket curls. The operator controls the thumb independently of the bucket to position it as needed for precise picking, sorting and material placement.

Two different Pro Series Hydraulic Thumbs are available to match the requirements of the job—whether it’s land clearing, site preparation and clean-up, forestry or residential demolition. Pro Plus thumbs cover the bucket through 100 percent of its rotation, and Pro thumbs cover as much as 70 percent of bucket rotation. The Pro Plus thumbs add load control at the extremes of the machine and bucket working ranges, which can be needed for tasks such as building high rock walls or loading high-sided trucks, or when working below grade close to the excavator.

All Pro Series Hydraulic Thumbs enable the thumb teeth to move with the bucket edge, which enhances operator control. Additionally, the thumb frame spans the width of the bucket for good control of longer, wider loads—such as limbs or poles. The inner curve of the thumb frame naturally cradles material, and serrations help hold material firmly.

Thumb frames are field proven to last in a wide range of demanding applications. Cat buckets, quick couplers and thumbs form an integrated system.

[mappress]

Press Release, April 23, 2013