AGT L12 Mini Chinese Excavator with Hydraulic Thumb

Showing and using my new hydraulic thumb to move logs, rip out bushes and play around in the woods. If you like this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up. And by subscribing to the channel, you help support the channel growth and evolution of the content that I produce. Thanks for watching!

[@sgrams3578]

Thank You! I bought an AGT L 12 R and the day it was delivered it snowed and since then the ground has been frozen, I expect around March or April I will be able to begin using it, I look forward to working with it. I've been watching youtube videos and reading what I can about the jerkiness and I've heard keeping the engine just above idle helps to smooth out the moves, not so jerky.

[@stevejones5303]

Ok, thanks for the info, I picked up my new mini excavator yesterday, it’s the same model as yours, I bought the mini excavator with an attachment package, I added the hydraulic thumb and tilt bucket. I’m looking forward to trying it out! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos! Big shout out to you from Mississippi!

[@Saltbearer]

Did well pulling out those bushes!

[@YourMomsBoyfriend86]

Yes, it’s a handy addition for sure!

[@flatlandersfilms]

I own a L12 also and planned on putting this thumb on it so I would appreciate the modification video. Thanks and keep up the good videos.

[@vh2q]

Well I did it by carefully cutting out the center section of the bracket using a machine shop band saw, leaving two holes 10cm on center and then welding the bracket back together which worked as far as mounting the bracket ... BUT 1. This affects the swing geometry (moves the upper hydraulic cylinder pin closer to the bottom pin) so I can't retract the thumb much past the 90 degree mark; and 2. the factory grease nipple on the upper pin is not accessible and 3. there are no grease fittings on the other two pins/axles. I tried to fix point 2 by rotating the hydraulic cyl 180 about its axis but now the hookups are reversed and not sure what that will do, have not tested that yet. I will fix 3 by drilling and tapping holes for grease nipples in the appropriate places. There is no fixing problem no 1 but it remains to be seen how much of a problem this is. Best to have it completely out of the way when you don't need it, but I have seen other excavators where it rotates about the same as mine. There is an advantage at the other end of the arc ... I can close my thumb with the bucket extended more. Instead of washers, I got a piece of 1" ID DOM steel tubing with thick walls and cut spacers for the 4 pins that need them on the lathe. From memory, two were .700, four were .420, and two were .250 in length.

[@skywatcherranchswr]

I really like that model. Sometimes, i wish I'd gotten that over the qh12r. I have that same thumb, and it seemed long. After putting a quick coupler on, it made my bucket stick out farther, and the long thumb works much better. Nice video!

[@YourMomsBoyfriend86]

Thanks buddy!

[@normflickinger3117]

I bought an LGT l13R cabe model. Same issue, my neighbor had to machine a new bracket for the hydraulic thumb mount. Added a quick connect hitch that changes the length of the bucket mount, so the thumb falls short when closed. Over happy with it, better than renting a machine everytime I need one.

[@stevejones5303]

I’m looking at buying the same model, thanks for the info and video.

[@davidckimball]

Great video. i have a L12, and i’d like to see how you fabricated the thumb bracket.

[@Pixel_Page]

I also have an L12 and can't find a hydraulic thumb kit that will work out of the box. I wish someone would make a bracket with the correct hole spacing that we could buy separately. Good job making it work.

[@vh2q]

I have the same excavator and the same thumb. To fit the thumb support plate with 7cm hole spacing to the excavator bracket which has 5cm hole spacing, I plan to simply cut out the center hole and surrounding metal taking out 4 cm, and then weld it back together on all 4 sides. I will then have 2 holes 10cm on center. There isn't enough meat in the right places to weld up the top hole and drill a new hole 10cm from the bottom hole. Am I missing something?

[@YourMomsBoyfriend86]

Well, that’s exactly what I did. I filled in the 1st hole of the 3 hole support plate (closest to the hydraulic cylinder mount) with weld and ground it smooth. I then fit it to the machine with a pin in the hole farthest from the hydraulic cylinder mount. I marked where I would drill my new hole with it fitted to the machine. Drilled and painted. I considered doing it the way you have explained, this was pretty quick and easy and I’ve had no trouble with it.

[@stevejones5303]

Do you have any thoughts on adding a hydraulic filter or a hydraulic oil temp sensor?

[@YourMomsBoyfriend86]

I think both are a great idea and on my list of upgrades as well. I’m hoping to add both yet this fall. If I do, I will make a video.

[@stevejones5303]

Question, about what percentage rpm do you operate your mini excavator?

[@YourMomsBoyfriend86]

I usually operate between between 1/2 and 3/4 of the available throttle. This is adequate and I have never found a need for full throttle. The machine does not have a tachometer so I’m not certain on rpm’s. The machine is a great value for the cost. Thanks for watching 😁

[@vh2q]

ANYONE FIGURED OUT A BOLT-ON HYDRAULIC THUMB FOR THIS L12 THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE ENGINEERING?

[@denniselvy3528]

Money is what you spend. Value is what you get. chinese rubbish

[@scottfriends700]

What is the point? Do you have one? Seen one?

[@josephbenge8707]

The only thing rubbish is your comment.

[@SamBellantoni]

Yes all septics think the same 😅

[@SamBellantoni]

You want rubbish go to the US 😅

[@SCDeerAddict]

Use a proud shovel then.