Hydraulic Thumbs
Open and close a compatible thumb for controlled material handling.
Excavator Auxiliary Hydraulics
Excavator Thumb Hydraulic Kits
Equip an excavator thumb or under-mount grapple with a complete two-way hydraulic system prepared for machine fit, controllable movement, efficient installation, and future support.
Discuss This Application
Thumb Kits
Reliable bidirectional control for grabbing and material handling.
HKX Thumb kits are built as coordinated systems rather than loose collections of hoses and fittings. Machine-specific tubing, manifolds, controls, hardware, instructions, and support help installers add a hydraulic thumb with a clear routing plan.
The published configuration is a double-acting circuit sized around a portion of one pump. The system is upgradeable and can support an excavator thumb or compatible under-mount grapple after the machine and attachment are confirmed.
Published HKX Specifications
Understand the standard configuration before final selection.
These legacy HKX values describe the standard kit basis. Final component selection and machine settings require application confirmation.
- Double Acting
- Hydraulic system: two-way oil
- 60% of 1 Pump
- Published sizing at approximately 30 FPS
- 5,000 PSI
- Published hose pressure rating
- Upgradeable
- Can support later system changes
Attachment Applications
Add controlled gripping capability to the excavator.
Thumb hydraulics provide two-way movement for common grabbing, sorting, loading, and placement work.
Under-Mount Grapples
Support compatible under-mount grapple applications after flow and fitment review.
Material Handling
Improve control when loading, placing, sorting, or clearing irregular material.
Upgradeable Routing
Begin with a complete machine-specific circuit that can accommodate future needs where applicable.
System Features & Options
See how the Thumb system comes together.
The published HKX configuration combines machine-specific routing with prepared controls, fittings, valves, clamps, electrical components, and installation guidance.
Configuration details
Controls
Foot pedal or standard joystick.
Recommended Options
Proportional joystick control.
Routing & Connections
Plumbing routes to the end of the boom with hoses and manifolds for the arm. Manifolds are plugged and ready for customer-supplied attachment hose.
Application & Installation Planning
Match the system to the excavator and attachment.
Accurate machine and attachment details help HKX identify the appropriate circuit, components, controls, routing, and installation support.
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01
Identify the excavator
Provide the manufacturer, model, serial number, current hydraulic equipment, and any relevant machine options.
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02
Define the attachment
Confirm the attachment make and model, required functions, flow, pressure, case drain, and connection requirements.
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03
Select controls and routing
Review operator controls, oil sources, component placement, boom and arm routing, and service-access needs.
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04
Prepare and support the installation
Use the packaged components and instructions, with HKX technical assistance available for installation and future parts identification.
Continue Exploring
Useful HKX resources for the next step.
Compare hydraulic kit types, browse product literature, or learn more about the engineering and support behind HKX systems.
Product Literature
Find flyers, brochures, and application-focused hydraulic product information.
Browse literatureHydraulic Kit Types
Compare common circuit configurations and attachment-focused hydraulic solutions.
Explore kit typesWhy HKX
See how application engineering, installation preparation, and long-term support work together.
Why equipment teams choose HKXFind the Right Hydraulic System
Tell HKX about your excavator and attachment.
Share the machine model, serial number, attachment details, required functions, and current hydraulic configuration. An HKX specialist can help identify the next step.