#1 ATTACHMENT: Installing a Hydraulic Thumb on our Mini Excavator

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We're a DIY family building our "forever homestead" from 15 acres of raw undeveloped land in Tennessee. All of our content is family friendly and safe for everyone to enjoy.
In today's video we install a hydraulic thumb attachment onto our AHM / Creworks mini excavator. We also install a narrow bucket and try the machine in the woods moving logs!
#miniexcavator #ahmcorp #greenacrehomestead
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[@snowfire45]

Hi don't forget to grease your pins very often I have seen lots of the fail because of no or not enough grease I work on bobcats for about 10 12 years ! neat unit keep showing your family how to work on things ! Great 😊

[@michaelannetts5714]

I was just about to send the same message 😊

[@jasonelliott2055]

I love the big grin your son had as he was driving the machine. As my dad use to say he was grinning so big he was getting his ears wet. I love it when a young person has a big grin on their face. Keep it Dad!

[@gonfishn]

Sam, whenever you remove the pins or bolts remember to use a good ant-seize lube on them before reinstalling so they don't freeze up over time from moisture. You'll be glad u did!! Anti-seize will be your new best friend around the homestead on any of your equipment that has bolts or shafts. Nice little machine!

[@lorenmeyer5290]

Very nice and handy! DON'T FORGET TO GREASE THE MACHINE SAM!!!

[@wb2ire]

I think I saw a couple of small plugs that grease fittings could be installed. Frank

[@henrymorgan3982]

It is nice to see your kids get involved with your projects. That excavator is a small workhorse. Anyone who says it's too small can do the work manually!! Great video!

[@Og-Judy]

Cool beans picking the old felled trees. 👍😃

[@smokenjoe1194]

I love how you involve the kids. Keep it up. They are wonderful helpers

[@brendahogue5487]

May the lord bless and protect you Sam and your family and the on the homestead

[@robinsnyder8877]

Sam try this it will make more since after doing it for awhile. If you need to use the thumb for a period of time set the position of the thumb where it would be needed and don't move it when picking up logs, trees or what ever. Just move only the bucket by curling it in for clamping. Leave the thumb as a back stop so to speak. The very first thumbs on excavators were rigid not hydraulic. You had to un-bolt the thumb from it's stowed position and pin it in it's working position. That's why the control lever for your thumb is located a good ways from where your control levers are. The hydraulics saves time from stowed to working position without using wrenches or pulling pins. Trying to curl the bucket and close the thumb at the same time is not very easy to do when the lever is hard to reach. Above all have fun with your new machine. Robin in Philippi, WV.

[@terrysims4028]

The smile on you're son's face will be a life time memories for him

[@deannaoverstreet4146]

Thanks Sam! As always great channel!

[@MematheLion]

Wow Sam that works great!

[@dennismorgan2515]

I like the “this SIZE up” sticker 😂😂

[@emilasmith4279]

Great little machine! Impressive!

[@sharonromer6606]

Great assistance ❤

[@beckypage6041]

Awesome!!! Have a good weekend

[@jessiefair7391]

Awesome you are getting it done! keep it up we will keep watching .

[@abcxyz1797]

Very cool! It will come in very handy.

[@ralphfarmer7621]

Your helper was all smiles driving it back home

[@denisewilson8367]

To get full use of the mini excavator that thumb is mandatory. I'm glad you got it and you were able to find the tiny bucket like you wanted. Have fun with your new toy, Sam.

[@Hollybank5]

Sam, as someone who is totally not mechanically minded… you explain everything so well , I enjoyed it!!! You have a very good machine ! The wiggle jiggle in it is a bit scary to watch 😮, but if you feel safe on it , I’ll take your word for it ✔️ I have to say , watching Elijah helping you and learning from you is such a wonderful thing to see ❤ Please tell him , also - he’s rocking that haircut!!! Handsome young man ✔️

[@ginaandino6561]

Awesome! Nice job.

[@travisjohnston1923]

The double bolt holes for the thumb, looks like the same layout as the bucket attachment point. Could you hook up a second bucket there to get a double bite of gravel like the oh I don't know what to call it, a hinged bucket? Where it looks like two jaws... Just a random thought. Two grading buckets or if you can find buckets with teeth offset from each other...

[@loda9510]

Awesome machine to build the underground storm shelter!

[@mlm7598]

So awesome!!!!!!! I love machinery and this was so cool. Glad you got that little trencher bucket. We need that same thing here when we re-dig all our runs for water and power etc. Ours now digs about a 15 inche or more and we don't need that big for the smaller trenching. Also it would sure be nice to not have to back fill more dirt than you need to on our long runs. LOL I am so excited for you guys and Angela is going to enjoy it too I know. Good job and glad you got those two items......they are a must when owning some property and it sure saves your back and time!!! Blessings.

[@jamesharless5357]

Very nice!👍🏻

[@henrycarter7563]

Cool, looks like you will have loads of fun. But, DO NOT for get about the grease, or all the pins and joints will wear out fast.

[@lindaleach7954]

That mini excavator is an awesome machine. I think is will be enjoyable to use and save you a lot of work and time!

[@caroldesjean3485]

I just love how your son is right by you to lend a hand and also a great driver on that tractor

[@TheWoodHaven]

I like it.

[@TarheelTad64]

I was impressed with this little thing it handled those heavy logs purdy well

[@DeepSouthTechie]

Very nice! I like it 👍

[@portnuefflyer]

Those metric adjustable wrenches come in handy for sure! I always seem to have one that's the right size, unlike my socket set! I couldn't tell, but I'd want to make real sure the unthreaded portion of the bolt was taking the rotational loads such as they are.

[@patriciabeyer8029]

You are making good use of the digger. ❤❤

[@mikepetitt9624]

Sam….that little machine is really going to help you guys a lot! Its really cool!

[@brianshoemaker8393]

I was so glad to see you let those boys drive it. Thanks for the video.

[@karencary3312]

Love your new 👍 ❤❤❤❤

[@jackie6582]

That is a great little machine that’s going to be a great help for you guys👍

[@R94GC]

just posted a video to my channel of me testing one of these mini excavators with a TMK 150 tree sheer. I was mind blown how well it handled 5-6" diameter trees!

[@robinbowman2464]

Living the dream😊

[@CerberusOnFire]

The jiggle that you notice while driving is that the small wheels, at the bottom of the tracks, drop into the low spots on the tread. It's just the way all of these come. When you replace the tracks, you can get tread that is closer together and it will smooth out the ride.

[@rubberdc]

Good evening Sam, another installment watching a very interesting vlog.

[@edwincampbell7920]

I seen a few homesteaders have that thrum and they loved it too excellent for picking up long logs and I think u did too on the trying it out u and them sure have a lot of toys but guess y'all will use them have fun be safe

[@richardwadsworth4259]

The other hole on the boom and thumb is for if you just want to use bucket curl and leave thumb cylinder out

[@rmorris3722]

Nice bucket, has root cutters.

[@johnturner9561]

Great video Sam, as Snowfire stated grease the zerks often and if any area that doesn't have them drill tap and install. Trust me and don't ask how I know, be safe.

[@50spirithealer]

You’re going to have to put new grease fittings in the knuckle of those pins. There are just bolts in them that I could see.

[@jackiebinns6205]

So happy to see your so on that !😂

[@19Photographer76]

Wow Sam, I'm sure you'll be trying to resolve that 'bounce' issue, that's a back killer for sure. Especially for your boys.

[@robertblakely8489]

sam to check hyd fluid curl your bucket out extend the stick out and let your boom down this puts all the hyd fluid back into tank then see where your fluid is in the site glass.

[@musketbal]

On tanks, we called it neutral steer when it turned on its tracks.

[@kennetheugene6402]

nice to see you improving the homestead. quick note though brother when installing any bolts that you may need to remove later for maintenance its always a great idea to grease the bolt and contact surfaces and or use anti-seize on your attachments nuts and bolts..

[@kennetheugene6402]

those caps bolts on the cylinder needs to be replaced with grease fittings.

[@kennetheugene6402]

also one quick farm hack you can add transmission fluid to hydraulic machinery its has similar cooling properties if not better then hydraulic fluid if you dont have any extra fluid on hand.

[@unforasteroenconquezuela7288]

Me gusta mucho la maquina no entiendo mucho el ingles un saludo desde Soria España

[@user-bs5nk9ud9k]

Did I see a couple places where zerk fittings needed the zerks added, also try curling your bucket when you lift. Put the weight on the bucket. Lastly center up the pins so the thumb is centered and will fit between the teeth

[@stephenreiner1523]

That's what I told you would need for trenching and getting through frozen ground which will never be an issue for you. Thanks Sam

[@xacresestate]

"This size up" haha

[@charlesmaxey9165]

How did it do as far as digging? Seem powerful enough?

[@1947maco]

I noticed when you installed the thumb @ least on the one end there was a plug on the end of the new hydraulic cylinder....Thinking there also would be one on the other end as well so it would be to your advantage to install grease fittings in them both !!

[@danielson101]

i always put a rag over cap when removing

[@sandramarshall7712]

How about some lubricant on those pivot points? Great video.

[@mtnviewtow88]

i seen they also make a log splitter thumb that goes on that i hope you get one so we can see you splitte wood with it!

[@richardscarlett7942]

I would recommenf that you put a spacer on that top ram bolt nut or at aleast a stack of washers to keep the bolt from oblonging the mounting holes out

[@ItsAllApsyop]

Where the heck is the thumb control? I just bought one. Can't find it. I got 2 joysticks and 4 levers.

[@nunyabusiness7405]

you should build or get a small single axle trailer just big enough for mini x and haul it around property with tractor, save much time getting from spot to spot

[@danielson101]

when relaxing hydraulics some bigger machines need key on but not started to do so

[@EngineersHomestead]

I was wrong, i wasn't expecting a hydraulic thumb option for thay little guy. I figured only mechanical thumb option. That smaller bucket should match the machine better too.

[@jhrsmail]

Guessing that's an antique hammer.. Dad had one just like it, the claw curves "early" towards the handle.

[@kristieandjeff2720]

New subscriber here 👋 love your videos and have been binge watching them for hours. i was wondering if you have a video regarding the mobile home skirting you decided to use? 👀

[@grovewalker8432]

That is one sweet machine! I think I will surprise my trophy wife and get her one for her birthday.

[@kenhall3159]

you will li9ke that 8" bucket for cutting firewood logs cus it enables you to cut the complete log without moving the bucket

[@mikeray-fo9zf]

when using thumb use it to hold what you are lifting dont add pressure with the bucket or you may bend the rod on thumb cylinder. Grease needed on pins (bolts) on bucket and thumb

[@paruggeri]

Where did you buy the excavator

[@danielson101]

i dont see any grease on those bolts when changing bucket?

[@user-zt3cj2yz9u]

Where did you buy this excavator and thumb

[@skipbaldwin7945]

How much more is the thumb addition?

[@ericjohnson1008]

I agree I'd have issues without a thumb. LOL

[@chuckbailey6835]

Hey idk about them Chinesium machines but on full size machines the pins for the bucket are hardend and they will shater litle pieces off when hitting them with a hammer. I have a freind thas blind in 1 eye from hitting a pin with out safty glasses. 1 time i was changing a 4ft bucket over to a 2ft i has no shirt on a piece flew off went right in to my chest like shrapnel had to squeeze it out. I dont always wear safty glasses but i dam well make sure my kids do

[@southernyankeehomestead3230]

I know it's been said but GREASE! Grease is a heck of a lot cheaper then getting someone in to line bore and resleeve!

[@scottbyrd2157]

Sorry to say this Sam and in joking I say it. It’s a nice machine and I’m sure it will serve you well. Seeing you on it and then your son you don’t look comfortable and honestly it looks like a kiddie ride at the fair. It fits your son awesome. Get him trained on it. However, it seems to serve the purpose and gets the job done. I could put it to work for sure! Be careful and enjoying the videos!! 😂

[@rosenetgonzales8942]

I love to watch your channel. I am almost in my 70's... i like watching your channel becausr it is family oriented, it clean, i love all the projects you all do together. The only yhing is , i dont see Angela a the kids much. Plus, i don't see any cooking, backing, meals or your family ever doing anything FUN... what do you do for fun, other than wirking and buikding ?.Do you go on FAMILY VACATIONS. ?

[@mattsara2802]

Man that thing would be nice for cutting fire wood. It would save on the back for sure.

[@user-tr9ef7zr8r]

Sam where did u buy this thumb I need one too

[@stephenreiner1523]

You certainly don't want an injection injury. That is very serious and it's time to get to the hospital.

[@paruggeri]

What brand of watch you wearing I had one like it , but lost it . And I can't remember the name brand of it , if you don't mind me asking !

[@elainebuchka6533]

Can't wait to see what All You can do with Lil Minnie!!!😂❤😊

[@johnmason2596]

The cylinder on the thumb is only to put the thumb from storage position to work position. You should put the thumb’s second pin in to lock it in place then use the bucket to open and close. This will allow you to increase your clamping force and less likely to damage your thumb. Love your videos. Watch both channels and plan to watch the third.

[@chuckbailey6835]

The hydro cylinder is only to put the tumb into the work postion ! How did you come up with that theory?

[@kathleentressler9225]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@HalfAssHomestead]

Me being the size of Jared Crocker, that mini X, is going to be hurting my knees like he did...lol

[@timolson7005]

thumbs are SUPER useful. good choice, however, you can lift more than the machine can carry, so if you are carrying, keep the load as close to the carbody as you can, do not hold a load, like a log, ten feet out, you can tip over. as you get more skill you can feel the limit, just remember the machine will be very stable till it just flips over fast.. as far as hydraulic level.. most machines you check level with the bucket curled as far away from you as it can, the stick, clear out to the stop, and the boom, down.. there are a very few that are measured curled up tight to you - it IS important to figure out which because if you put in too much oil you will hydrolock the system and blow something somewhere - mess and $$$ the reason it occurs is as the cylinder comes in, gets shorter, the cylinder contains less oil because the rod displaces oil as it goes in. so typically the correct level is with the cylinders all pulled in as that is where the tank will show the highest level.. its super common for new operators to miss this, over fill, and blow oil all over when something breaks.. all of us who run these knew right away that you would not get any oil out of the thumb line, my humor for the day, thank you much.. "grin" - no pressure unless the valve is open.. keep it up, be carful and have a good day.

[@The1mybuddy1]

How does this dig through hard compacted soil?

[@GreenAcreHomestead]

Pretty good... check out this video. We used it for power line trenching and the soil was very hard and compacted. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iISkYnltl8t2rqc

[@jamestrinh867]

👍👍👍

[@bobbennett7195]

More toys for the boys.

[@jayroser9876]

I didn't know whether to trust the lock nuts when you tighten them down and yet they were still spinning.?

[@wymanhammond6466]

Sam how much will one of them units set a guy back?

[@wymanhammond6466]

Put some never seize on the treads of the bolts, it will help remove the nuts next time

[@paruggeri]

Grease the bucket pins

[@danielharsh7698]

My daddy always said never use force, get a bigger hammer.

[@dailylife6432]

How long did it take for you to receive you mini once you purchased it.

[@GreenAcreHomestead]

It arrived to our house in about a week.

[@dailylife6432]

@@GreenAcreHomestead cool thinking about ordering one. Did you have to do a money wire transfere or use a card

[@GreenAcreHomestead]

Their website is a Shopify store so you pay on there just like any other site. :)

[@dailylife6432]

@@GreenAcreHomestead ok thanks

[@chuckbailey6835]

Thats all litle machines the smaller they are the jerkier they are. The bigger they are the the easier it is to operate smothly the smaller they are the harder it is

[@scottfoster2487]

No wsher on those bolts is a bad idea being a pivot point.