Using hammer piping on excavator to operate hydraulic thumb

[autocol]

Hey folks,

I've got a Komatsu 12 ton excavator with hammer piping, but it's never going to run a hammer ever again. I'd like to use the system to operate a hydraulic thumb instead. I've heard many hammer systems only send fluid one way, which obviously won't work for a thumb that needs to retract as well.

Can anyone tell me how I would check what the capability of the existing controls/valves would be, and what I'd need to change in order to utilise as much of the existing system as possible to control a thumb?

I can get some pics of the valve block etc if that's helpful.

Thanks in advance for your help, much appreciated.

Col.

 

[Peter 315]

On our Komatsu at work you can change the valve to hammer or grapple ....

 

[autocol]

That's encouraging! How do you do that Peter? Is there something in the cabin or do you adjust it manually on the machine somewhere?

 

[Peter 315]

It's under the cover near the hyd oil tank...You just turn it manually...

 

[Peter 315]

Then you use the right foot pedal to operate it....pc60, pc 78... What model is yours?

 

[autocol]

It's a PC120, it has a foot pedal on the right. I think you are the bearer of excellent news! I'll head back out to the farm on the weekend and see if I can find a manual adjustment.

 

[Peter 315]

It should be by it self and show a picture of a hammer and grapple .. ours has a bent rod looking handle that locks into place....

 

[workinonit]

One thing I would recommend is to go on Ebay and buy a tech manual for your machine. I just sold my PC220 but when I got it I had a ton of questions that the tech manual cleared up for me. Hydraulic and electrical schematics are good quality. I think I paid $150 for it off of Ebay.