Procedure to Install Pro and Pro Plus Thumbs on 311D, 312D, 312E, 313D, 314D, 314E, 315D, 316E, 318E Hydraulic Excavators {0679, 6547} Caterpillar


Procedure to Install Pro and Pro Plus Thumbs on 311D, 312D, 312E, 313D, 314D, 314E, 315D, 316E, 318E Hydraulic Excavators {0679, 6547}

Usage:

311D LRR AKW
Excavator
311D (S/N: AKW1-UP)
311F (S/N: LZF1-UP; JFT1-UP; KCW1-UP)
312D (S/N: HCW1-UP)
312E (S/N: MJD1-UP)
313D (S/N: LBR1-UP)
314D (S/N: MFK1-UP)
314E (S/N: ZJT1-UP)
315D (S/N: BYK1-UP)
316E (S/N: WZY1-UP)
318E (S/N: WZS1-UP)
Thumb
THUMB (S/N: THC1-UP; THD1-UP)

Introduction

This Special Instruction is for installing the Pro and Pro Plus Thumbs on machines. Machines which have a thumb ready stick (TRS) or standard stick machines which requires a bracket and reinforcement plate to be installed.

Reference: Operation and Maintenance Manual, SEBU9015, "Hydraulic Hex Thumbs" .

Reference: Service Guide, SEBD0512, "Caterpillar Service Welding Guide"

Reference: Special Instruction, REHS1841, "General Welding Procedures"

Welding Requirements

Welding quality is critical to the success of the installation procedures. Welds must be smooth and continuous. Do not undercut the welds. No overlap is allowed. Grind the ends of the welds to a smooth radius.

Prepare the metal for welding according to the next section. Refer to the illustrations in this special instruction for welding symbols and specifications.

Be sure that all electrodes are dried. The electrodes can be dried by heating the electrodes to 300 °C (572 °F). The electrodes must be dried for at least 30 minutes.

Do not weld in windy conditions. Do not weld when temperatures are below 16 °C (60 °F).

Penetration characteristics may vary greatly depending on the following conditions:

  • Electrode diameter

  • Shielding gas

  • Welding current

  • Plate thickness

The following items also affect the welds:

  • Geometry of welded joints

  • Surface conditions

  • Composition of the base metal and of the electrode

For more welding information, consult the General Welding Procedures, REHS1841.

Preparing the Metal for Welding

------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury can result from flame cutting or welding on painted areas.

The effect of gasses from burned paint is a hazard to the person doing the cutting or welding.

Do not flame cut or weld on painted areas.



NOTICE

Before carrying out arc welding on the machine or on any equipment attached to the machine, disconnect all power and ground leads from the batteries in order to avoid possible damage to electronic components.


All grease, paint, and foreign objects must be removed before welding. Any of these materials will discharge gas which will cause porosity in the weld deposit. Water and rust will cause hydrogen embrittlement. Hydrogen embrittlement causes cracks in the weld deposit.

Remove foreign objects with a wire brush, a buffer, or a grinder. Shot blasting the appropriate areas will also remove foreign material.

Note: After welding, allow all areas to cool to room temperature. After the areas have cooled, paint the area with primer. After the primer has dried, coat the area with Cat 4C-4200 Yellow Paint.

Safety Section

------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury or death can result from sudden work tool movement.

Sudden movement of the work tool can cause injury to persons near the work tool.

To prevent injury or death, make sure that the area around the work tool is clear of personnel and obstructions before operating the work tool.


------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury or death can result from improper lifting or blocking.

When a hoist or jack is used to lift any part or component, stand clear of the area. Be sure the hoist or jack has the correct capacity to lift a component. Install blocks or stands before performance of any work under a heavy component.

Approximate weights of the components are shown. Clean all surfaces where parts are to be installed.


------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury or death can result from sudden machine movement.

Sudden movement of the machine can cause injury to persons on or near the machine.

To prevent injury or death, make sure that the area around the machine is clear of personnel and obstructions before operating the machine.


Required Parts

Table 1
Bracket Kit 
Item  Part No / Description  Qty 
370-8614 Bracket As 
370-8617 Stop Plate 
Plate 

Installation Procedure

Prevent the machine from movement. Park the machine on a level surface.



Illustration 1g00104545

Note: If the stick is equipped with the mounting bracket and stop plate, disregard instructions for installing mounting bracket and stop plate. Follow all other instructions to install thumb assembly.

Attach a "Do Not Operate" warning tag to the start switch or controls before you service or repair the equipment. These warning tags (Special Instruction, SEHS7332) are available from your Cat dealer.

This procedure will require the use of a suitable lifting device or devices to hold the parts safely.

Procedure to Install the Pro Plus Thumb



Illustration 2g03030986
Typical example of a Pro Plus Thumb
(8) Thumb Assembly
(9) Hydraulic Cylinder
(10) Idler Link As
(16) Cap Plate
(19) Pin
(A) Cylinder Mounting Bracket


Illustration 3g03026276
(1) Grease Fitting
(2) Washer
(3) ID Plate
(4) Retainer
(5) Bucket Idler Link
(6) Spacer
(7) Pin
(8) Thumb Assembly
(9) Hydraulic Cylinder
(10) Idler Link Assembly
(11) Idler Link Assembly
(12) Link
(13) Pin Assembly
(14) Pin Assembly
(15) Pin Assembly
(16) Cap Plate
(17) Pin
(18) Shim Plate
(19) Pin
(20) Setscrew
(21) Nut
(22) Locknut
(23) Pin
(24) Hard Washer
(25) Bolt
(26) Bolt
(27) Bolt
(28) Bolt
(29) Locknut
(30) Bolt
(31) Hard Washer


    Illustration 4g03084757

  1. Support the thumb assembly on a flat level surface.

  2. Remove the new stick pin (19) from the thumb assembly (8) and place the new stick pin and shims to the side.


    Illustration 5g03041497
    Pin-on bucket adjuster cap replacement
    (D) Bucket adjuster cap

    Note: If the thumb is to be installed in a pin-on application. The bucket adjuster cap (D) on the existing bucket will need to be replaced with the new cap. This cap is provided with the new thumb.

  3. If the machine is equipped with a pin grabber coupler, remove the bucket from the coupler.


    Illustration 6g03041697
    Machine with pin grabber coupler, bucket removed
    (8) Thumb Assembly

  4. Arrange thumb assembly (8) beneath the excavator boom as shown in Illustration 6.

    Note: The excavator boom could prevent an overhead lifting device from providing adequate range of motion to arrange the thumb. The use of a sufficiently rated surface-mounted lifting device such as an engine hoist or suitable lifting device.



    Illustration 7g03041800
    Positioning for stick nose pin removal

  5. Arrange the coupler so that the coupler rests on a flat level surface. Arrange the stick directly above the coupler so the stick exerts no down pressure on the coupler as shown in Illustration 6.


    Illustration 8g03042136
    Stick nose pin removal

  6. Remove the main stick pin from the stick and bucket, or coupler.


    Illustration 9g03042157
    Pin alignment

  7. Align the pin bores of the thumb with the pin bores of the stick and bucket, or stick and coupler.


    Illustration 10g03042161
    Top view - thumb frame centering

  8. Center the thumb frame with the stick as shown in Illustration 10.

    Note: Shim left or right to center on stick.



    Illustration 11g03042180
    Stick nose pin insertion
    (19) Pin

    Note: The maximum allowable distance between the stick centerline and the thumb centerline is 4 mm (0.2 inch). Failure to properly center the thumb frame will result in an increased rate of wear.

  9. Install the stick pin retention components to secure the stick pin. See Illustration 6 for a reference.


    Illustration 12g03042202
    Arrange the thumb for linkage installation

  10. Support the thumb or lower the thumb to the same surface that the coupler (or bucket) is resting upon.

Installation of Thumb Linkage



    Illustration 13g03042297
    Bucket idler link

  1. Remove the existing bucket idler link


    Illustration 14g03042336
    Install new bucket idler link
    (G) Bucket idler link
    (M) Bucket cylinder pin

  2. Install new bucket idler link (G). Secure the link at the bucket cylinder pin (M) only.


    Illustration 15g03042436
    Preparing the idler link assembly (10) for the idler pin installation
    (10) idler link assembly

  3. Slide the right-hand idler link (10) outward to make free from the power-link pin ONLY. Doing so will allow the left-hand idler link to be manipulated more easily.

    Note: A suitable lifting devise is needed for the following procedure.

  4. Raise the linkage of the thumb until the left side bucket idler link can be positioned over the existing idler pin.


    Illustration 16g03042556
    Remove old idler pin and install new idler pin (13)
    ( 13) Idler Pin

    Note: Do not remove the lifting device until the thumb idler link installation is complete.

  5. Install the new idler pin by using the new pin to drive the old pin from the stick. Ensure that the new pin does not contact the right side bucket idler link. The new pin must pass through the right side bucket idler link. Do not push the new pin much past the right side bucket idler link.


    Illustration 17g03042603
    Right side idler link assembly installation
    (10) Idler link assembly.

  6. Arrange the right side thumb idler link (10) onto the pin.

  7. Push the pin through the idler link and retain the pin.

Installation of the Hydraulic Cylinder, Bracket Assembly, and Reinforcement Plate

Note: This procedure is not required for thumb ready sticks.

------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury can result from hydraulic oil pressure and hot oil.

Hydraulic oil pressure can remain in the hydraulic system after the engine has been stopped. Serious injury can be caused if this pressure is not released before any service is done on the hydraulic system.

Make sure all of the attachments have been lowered, and the oil is cool before removing any components or lines. Remove the oil filler cap only when the engine is stopped, and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.


Cylinder installation is the same for standard sticks or thumb ready sticks. When installing the thumb onto a standard stick, installation of the bracket and reinforcement plate will be needed.

Note: When installing the thumb onto a heavy-duty stick, the reinforcement plate will not be needed. Do not install this item.

  1. Arrange the machine so the bottom of the stick is accessible.

  2. Remove paint as needed for a clean welding surface.

  3. Center reinforcement plate (B) on the bottom of the stick as shown in Illustration 18.


    Illustration 18g02851385
    Close up of areas of the stick to be welded
    Follow instructions for mounting location of the Bracket As
    (A) Bracket As
    (B) Reinforcement plate
    (S) Stick
    (Y) Distance from the end of the plate of the stick to the reinforcement plate.
    (Z) Distance from the sides on the stick
    (W1) AWS A5.18ER70S-2 or equivalent

  4. Weld reinforcement plate (B) to the stick. Tack weld and finish the weld at final assembly. Refer to table 2 for corresponding model and measurements.

    Table 2
    Measurements for Reinforcement Plate Placement 
    Model  (Y)  (Z) 
    311D
    311F
    312D
    312E
    314D
    314E 
    185.4 mm (7.3 inch)  14 mm (0.55 inch) 
    315D
    316E
    318E 
    161 mm (6.3 inch) 


    Illustration 19g03044085
    Cylinder installation
    (A) Bracket Assembly
    (9) Hydraulic cylinder
    (14) pin
    (17) pin

  5. Using a suitable lifting device, arrange the cylinder (9) along the stick and pin the cylinder to the link assembly using pin (14). Lower the cylinder to a resting arrangement.

  6. Inspect the thumb stops to determine if the thumb stops are contacting the bottom of the stick evenly.

    Note: To minimize the possibility of deceased thumb and stick life, both stops must contact the stick evenly. If part of the stop has more than 1 mm (0.04 inch) of clearance, adjustments to the stops will be needed. If adjustments are needed, the technician will need to grind (no more than 2 mm (0.08 inch)) or weld (no more than 6 mm (0.24 inch)) to the stops for even stopping and full contact with the stops on the stick. Both, from front to back and from side to side.

  7. Pin the cylinder mounting bracket (A) to the cylinder using pin (17). Ensure the cylinder hydraulic tube is located on the left side of the machine.


    Illustration 20g03042684
    Required clearance between thumb and stick
    (H) 8 mm (0.3 inch)

  8. Fully curl the stick into the transport arrangement. Ensure that the thumb frame rests against the reinforcement plate on the bottom of the stick.

  9. Loosen the four bolts that hold the cylinder port cover on each side of the cylinder. Loosening the cover will relieve any pressure or vacuum trapped in the cylinder. Verify that the cylinder is fully retracted.

  10. Manually extend the cylinder 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) from being retracted.


    Illustration 21g03042820
    Cylinder bracket fitup on stick
    (E) Grind clearance on stick
    (F) Factory stick weld

  11. Verify that the cylinder bracket assembly (A) flush to the stick. There should not be more than 2 mm (0.08 inch) between the bracket and stick. If needed, grind or machine a groove in the bracket plate to have clearance for a factory stick weld. Must grind off sharp corners.

    Note: DO NOT GRIND FACTORY STICK WELD!

  12. Verify that the cylinder bracket assembly (A) is centered on the stick and with the thumb linkage.

  13. Mark the bracket arrangement location on the stick and prepare the stick surface for welding the bracket to the stick.

  14. Place cylinder bracket back onto the stick. Verify that there is 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) of stroke left in the cylinder (from being fully retracted).

  15. Tack weld the cylinder bracket to the stick.

  16. Attach machine hoses to the thumb cylinder.

  17. Arrange the stick as shown in Illustration 19 ( or as flat as possible).

  18. Slowly open and close the thumb four times to remove the air from the system. Do not apply significant force to the thumb at this time. Ensure that the cylinder barrel or links do not contact the stick or any part of the thumb at full retract and full extend.

  19. If the machine is equipped with a coupler, install the bucket. Refer to the coupler Operation and Maintenance Manual for the proper coupling procedure.

  20. Arrange the bucket in the full dump arrangement by retracting the bucket cylinder.


    Illustration 22g03042916
    Fully extended thumb

  21. Slowly close the thumb until the cylinder is fully extended. Do not apply significant force to the thumb at this time. Ensure that the thumb teeth contact either the bucket edge or teeth.

    Note: If the teeth of the thumb interfere with the teeth of the bucket, the work tools may become lodged together and damage can occur.

  22. Verify that clearance exists between the bucket hinge plate area and the thumb frame when the thumb is tight against the bucket.

  23. If the thumb frame contacts the bucket hinge plate area before thumb teeth contact the bucket edge, contact "The Dealer Solution Network"for guidance.

    Note: If the thumb frame hits the bucket hinge plate area before the thumb teeth hit the bucket edge, premature bucket and thumb damage will occur.



    Illustration 23g03042956
    Fully retracted thumb

  24. Carefully open the thumb until the thumb cylinder is fully retracted. Ensure that the cylinder barrel does not contact the stick or any part of the thumb. Ensure that the thumb frame contacts the bottom of the stick on the reinforcement plate evenly.

  25. Safely relieve all hydraulic pressure from the thumb and disconnect the hydraulic lines from the cylinder.

    Note: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "System Pressure Release".

  26. Remove the thumb cylinder from the mounting bracket.

  27. Using a suitable lifting device, remove the thumb cylinder from the thumb.

  28. Using a suitable lifting device, raise the thumb linkage of the stick.

Final Assembly

  1. Weld all around the perimeter of the bracket (A) using an 8 mm (0.3 inch) fillet weld.


    Illustration 24g02851402
    Typical example of a stick
    (A) Bracket As
    (B) Reinforcement plate
    (Y) Distance from the end of the plate of the stick to the reinforcement plate.
    (Z) Distance from the sides on the stick

  2. Weld all around the perimeter of the reinforcement plate (B) using a 6 mm (0.24 inch) fillet weld.

  3. Allow the welded area to cool. Prepare the welded area for paint application.

  4. Apply the rust prevention coat and the finish coat to the work area that has been completed. Use Caterpillar authorized paint.

  5. Install the thumb cylinder following the procedures listed above.

  6. Tighten all fasteners to the standard torque specifications.

  7. Start the engine of the host machine. Cycle the hydraulic controls and check for leaks.

Procedure to Install the Pro Thumb



Illustration 25g03055022
Typical example of a Pro Thumb
(5) Thumb Assembly
(7) Cap plate
(10) Pin Stick
(A) Hydraulic Mounting Bracket


Illustration 26g03028500
(1) Grease Fitting
(2) ID Plate
(3) Spacer
(4) Pin
(5) Thumb Assembly
(6) Hydraulic Cylinder Group
(7) Cap Plate
(8) Pin
(9) Shim Plate
(10) Pin
(11) Setscrew
(12) Nut
(13) Locknut
(14) Bolt
(15) Bolt
(16) Locknut
(17) Bolt
(18) Hard Washer


    Illustration 27g03084896

  1. Support the thumb assembly on a flat level surface.

  2. Remove the new stick pin (10) from the thumb assembly (5) and place the new stick pin and shims to the side.


    Illustration 28g03041497
    Pin-on bucket adjuster cap replacement
    (D) Bucket adjuster cap

    Note: If the thumb is to be installed in a pin-on application. The bucket adjuster cap (D) on the existing bucket will need to be replaced with the new cap. This cap is provided with the new thumb.

  3. If the machine is equipped with a pin grabber coupler, remove the bucket from the coupler.


    Illustration 29g03085198

  4. Arrange thumb assembly (5) beneath the excavator boom as shown in Illustration 29.

    Note: The excavator boom could prevent an overhead lifting device from providing adequate range of motion to arrange the thumb. The use of a sufficiently rated surface mounted lifting device such as an engine hoist or suitable lifting device may also be utilized.



    Illustration 30g03041800
    Positioning for stick nose pin removal

  5. Arrange the coupler so that the bucket rests on a flat level surface. Arrange the stick directly above the coupler so the stick exerts no down pressure on the coupler as shown in Illustration 30.


    Illustration 31g03042136
    Stick nose pin removal

  6. Remove the main stick pin from the stick and bucket, or coupler.


    Illustration 32g03073746
    Pin alignment

  7. Align the pin bores of the thumb with the pin bores of the stick and bucket, or stick and coupler.


    Illustration 33g03042161
    Thumb frame centering

  8. Center the thumb frame with the stick as shown in Illustration 33.

    Note: Shim left or right to center the thumb on the stick.



    Illustration 34g03073821

    Note: The maximum allowable distance between the stick centerline and the thumb centerline is 4 mm (0.2 inch). Failure to properly center the thumb frame will result in an increased rate of wear.

  9. Install the stick pin retention components to secure the stick pin. See Illustration 26 for reference.


    Illustration 35g03073746

  10. Support the thumb or lower the thumb to the same surface that the coupler (or bucket) is resting upon.


    Illustration 36g03073877
    Install new bucket linkage
    (G) Bucket idler link
    (M) Pin

  11. Install new bucket idler link (G). Secure all linkage for the bucket cylinder using the proper pins (M) as shown in Illustration 36.

Installation of the Hydraulic Cylinder, Bracket Assembly, and Reinforcement Plate

Note: This procedure is not required for thumb ready sticks.

------ WARNING! ------

Personal injury can result from hydraulic oil pressure and hot oil.

Hydraulic oil pressure can remain in the hydraulic system after the engine has been stopped. Serious injury can be caused if this pressure is not released before any service is done on the hydraulic system.

Make sure all of the attachments have been lowered, and the oil is cool before removing any components or lines. Remove the oil filler cap only when the engine is stopped, and the filler cap is cool enough to touch with your bare hand.


Cylinder installation is the same for standard sticks or thumb ready sticks. When installing the thumb onto a standard stick, installation of the bracket and reinforcement plate will be needed.

Note: When installing the thumb onto a heavy-duty stick, the reinforcement plate will not be needed. Do not install this item.

  1. Arrange the machine so the bottom of the stick is accessible.

  2. Remove paint as needed for a clean welding surface.

  3. Center stop plate (B) on the bottom of the stick as shown in Illustration 37.


    Illustration 37g02851385
    Close up of areas of the stick to be welded
    Follow instructions for mounting location of the bracket assembly
    (A) Bracket As
    (B) Reinforcement plate
    (Y) Distance from the end of the plate of the stick to the reinforcement plate
    (Z) Distance from the sides on the stick
    (W1) AWS A5.18ER70S-2 or equivalent

  4. Weld stop plate (B) to the stick. Tack weld and finish the weld at final assembly. Refer to table 3 for corresponding model and measurements.

    Table 3
    Measurements for Reinforcement Plate Placement 
    Model  (Y)  (Z) 
    311D
    311F
    312D
    312E
    314D
    314E 
    185.4 mm (7.3 inch)  14 mm (0.55 inch) 
    315D
    316E
    318E 
    161 mm (6.3 inch) 


    Illustration 38g03055079
    For reference only
    Cylinder installation
    (A) Bracket assembly
    (4) Pin
    (6) Hydraulic cylinder
    (7) Cap plate
    (8) Pin
    (17) Bolt

  5. Remove both thumb plate caps (7) by removing four bolts (17) on the side of the thumb frame.

  6. Remove cylinder pin (4) from thumb. The cylinder pin can be tight in the thumb frame. A long punch and hammer may be used.

  7. Using a suitable lifting device, arrange the cylinder (6) along the stick and pin the cylinder (6) to the thumb using pin (4). Lower the cylinder to a resting arrangement.

  8. Inspect the thumb stops to determine if the thumb stops are contacting the bottom of the stick evenly.

    Note: To minimize the possibility of deceased thumb and stick life, both stops must contact the stick evenly. If part of the stop has more than 1 mm (0.04 inch) of clearance, adjustments to the stops will be needed. If adjustments are needed, the technician will need to grind (no more than 2 mm (0.08 inch)) or weld (no more than 6 mm (0.24 inch)) to the stops for even stopping and full contact with the stops on the stick. Both, from front to back and from side to side.

  9. Reinstall both thumb pin caps (7) to the thumb frame.

  10. Pin the cylinder mounting bracket (A) to the cylinder using pin (8). Ensure the cylinder hydraulic tube is located on the left side of the machine.


    Illustration 39g03042684
    Required clearance between thumb and stick
    (H) 8 mm (0.3 inch)

  11. Fully curl the stick into the transport arrangement. Ensure the thumb frame rest against the reinforcement plate on the bottom of the stick.

  12. Loosen the four bolts that hold the cylinder port cover on each side of the cylinder. Loosening the cover will relieve any pressure or vacuum trapped in the cylinder. Verify that the cylinder is fully retracted.

  13. Manually extend the cylinder 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) from being retracted.


    Illustration 40g03042820
    Cylinder bracket fitup on stick
    (E) Grind clearance on stick
    (F) Factory stick weld

  14. Verify that the cylinder bracket assembly (A) is flush to the stick. There should not be more than 2 mm (0.08 inch) between the bracket and stick. If needed, grind or machine a groove in the bracket plate to have clearance for a factory stick weld. Must grind off sharp corners.

    Note: DO NOT GRIND FACTORY STICK WELD!

  15. Verify that the cylinder bracket assembly (A) is centered on the stick and with the thumb linkage.

  16. Mark the bracket arrangement location on the stick and prepare the stick surface for welding the bracket to the stick.

  17. Place cylinder bracket back onto the stick. Verify that there is 6.5 mm (0.25 inch) of stroke left in the cylinder (from being fully retracted).

  18. Tack weld the cylinder bracket to the stick.

  19. Arrange the stick as shown in Illustration 38 (or as flat as possible).

  20. Attach machine hoses to the thumb cylinder.

  21. Slowly open and close the thumb four times to remove the air from the system. Do not apply significant force to the thumb at this time. Ensure that the cylinder barrel or links do not contact the stick or any part of the thumb at full retract and full extend.

  22. If the machine is equipped with a coupler, install the bucket. Refer to the coupler Operation and Maintenance Manual for the proper coupling procedure.

  23. Arrange the bucket in the full dump arrangement by retracting the bucket cylinder.


    Illustration 41g03116022
    Extended thumb

  24. Slowly close the thumb until the cylinder is fully extended. Do not apply significant force to the thumb at this time. Ensure that the thumb teeth contact either the bucket edge or teeth.

    Note: If the teeth of the thumb interfere with the teeth of the bucket, the work tools may become lodged together and damage can occur.

  25. Verify that clearance exists between the bucket hinge plate area and the thumb frame when the thumb is tight against the bucket.

  26. If the thumb frame contacts the bucket hinge plate area before thumb teeth contact the bucket edge, contact "The Dealer Solution Network" for guidance.

    Note: If the thumb frame hits the bucket hinge plate area before the thumb teeth hit the bucket edge, premature bucket and thumb damage will occur.



    Illustration 42g03116218
    Fully retracted thumb

  27. Carefully open the thumb until the thumb cylinder is fully retracted. Ensure that the cylinder barrel does not contact the stick or any part of the thumb. Ensure that the thumb frame stops contacts the bottom of the stick on the reinforcement plate evenly.

  28. Safely relieve all hydraulic pressure from the thumb and disconnect the hydraulic lines from the cylinder.

    Note: Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "System Pressure Release".

  29. Remove the thumb cylinder from the mounting bracket.

  30. Using a suitable lifting device, remove the thumb cylinder from the thumb.

  31. Using a suitable lifting device, raise the thumb linkage of the stick.

Final Assembly

  1. Weld all around the perimeter of the bracket (A) using an 8 mm (0.3 inch) fillet weld.


    Illustration 43g02851402
    Typical example of a stick
    (A) Bracket As
    (B) Reinforcement plate
    (Y) Distance from the end of the plate of the stick to the reinforcement plate.
    (Z) Distance from the sides on the stick

  2. Weld all around the perimeter of the reinforcement plate (B) using a 6 mm (0.24 inch) fillet weld.

  3. Allow the welded area to cool. Prepare the welded area for paint application.

  4. Apply the rust prevention coat and the finish coat to the work area that has been completed. Use Caterpillar authorized paint.

  5. Install the thumb cylinder following the procedures listed above.

  6. Tighten all fasteners to the proper torque specifications.

  7. Start the engine of the host machine. Cycle the hydraulic controls and check for leaks.

Procedure for Welding a Plate to Each Side of the Stick

Block Locations

    Note: The above information is for general reference and hard lines should be dry fit to locate blocks. Refer to illustrations 44 and 45.



    Illustration 44g02851377
    Left side
    (C) Plate


    Illustration 45g02851379
    Right side
    (C) Plate

  1. Remove paint as necessary for a clean welding surface.


    Illustration 46g02851383
    Close up of area for plate (C)
    ( C) Plate
    (R) 4 welds 30 mm (1.18 inch) minimum
    (W1) AWS A5.18ER70S-2 or equivalent

  2. Weld plate (C) on stick as shown in Illustrations 44 and 45.

    Table 4
    311D and 311F Machine 
    Stick Length
    (Meters) 
    J  K  L  M  N  P 
    2.8 m (9.2 ft)  1702.6 mm (67 inch)  1657.8 mm (65.3 inch)  177.7 mm (7 inch)  1702.6 mm (67 inch)  1651.8 mm (65 inch)  177.7 mm (7 inch) 
    2.6 m (8.5 ft)  1652.5 mm (65 inch)  1601.7 mm (63 inch)  179.1 mm (7 inch)  1652.5 mm (65 inch)  1601.7 mm (63 inch)  179.1 mm (7 inch) 

    Table 5
    312D-312E-314D-314EMachines 
    Stick Length
    (Meters) 
    J  K  L  M  N  P 
    3 m (9.8 ft)  1702.6 mm (67 inch)  1651.8 mm (65 inch)  181.1 mm (7.1 inch)  1603.2 mm (63.1 inch)  1552.4 mm (61.1 inch)  187.2 mm (7.4 inch) 
    2.8 m (9.2 ft)  1702.6 mm (67 inch)  1651.8 mm (65 inch)  181.1 mm (7.1 inch)  1603.2 mm (63.1 inch)  1552.4 mm (61.1 inch)  187.2 mm (7.4 inch) 
    2.5 m (8.2 ft)  1652.5 mm (65 inch)  1601.7 mm (63 inch)  181.1 mm (7.1 inch)  1563.1 mm (61.5 inch)  1512.3 mm (59.5 inch)  187.2 mm (7.4 inch) 

    Table 6
    315D-316E and 318E Machines 
    Stick Length
    (Meters) 
    J  K  L  M  N  P 
    3.1 m (10.2 ft)  1962.6 mm (77.3 inch)  1912.6 mm (75.3 inch)  247.3 mm (9.8 inch)  1861.9 mm (73.3 inch)  1811.9 mm (71.3 inch)  245.1 mm (9.6 inch) 
    2.9 m (9.5 ft)  1962.6 mm (77.3 inch)  1912.6 mm (75.3 inch)  247.3 mm (9.8 inch)  1861.9 mm (73.3 inch)  1811.9 mm (71.3 inch)  245.1 mm (9.6 inch) 
    2.6
    2.6 m (8.5 ft) 
    1757.2 mm (69.2 inch)  1707.2 mm (67.2 inch)  243.8 mm (9.6 inch)  1656.6 mm (65.2 inch)  1606.6 mm (63.3 inch)  242.7 mm (9.5 inch) 

  3. Make a continuous extension of the root pass and fillet weld to a length of 30 mm (1.18 inch) (R) tapering to a 3 mm (0.19 inch) in height in that distance. Grind surfaces to flush at each end.

  4. Allow the welded areas to cool.

  5. Prepare the welded areas for paint.

  6. Apply a rust prevention coat and a finish coat.

Circuit Installation

Required Hydraulic Circuit Installation

The hydraulic excavator must be equipped with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit. This circuit will connect the thumb to the attachment spool of the main valve on the hydraulic excavator. This connection will allow hydraulic pressure to flow to and from the thumb. This circuit must be a one pump, two direction flow circuits.

Setting Flows and Pressures

  1. Refer to the host machine maintenance manual for the proper procedure to adjust the flow and pressure on the machine.

  2. Release all air from the hydraulic system.

  3. Test and adjust the maximum flows and pressures of the auxiliary hydraulic system as needed. Refer to Table 7 below for the maximum allowable pressures and flows for the thumb circuit.

    Table 7
    Maximum Flow and Pressure Settings 
    Machine  Maximum Extended Cylinder Pressure  Maximum Flow  Maximum Retracted Cylinder Pressure 
    311D and 311F  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  117 L/min (30.9 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    312D  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  127 L/min (33.5 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    312E  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  127 L/min (33.5 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    314D  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  127 L/min (33.5 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    314E  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  127 L/min (33.5 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    315D  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  150 L/min (40 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    316E  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  150 L/min (40 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 
    318E  20500 kPa (3000 psi)  150 L/min (40 US gpm)  20500 kPa (3000 psi) 

Air Evacuation Procedure

Note: Without proper air evacuation cylinder dieseling occurs which has lead or may lead to the deterioration of seals.

All cycling of hydraulic cylinders is to be done at engine idle speed. All cylinders shall be cycled while the rod unpinned and properly supported allowing unrestricted rod travel until all air is fully purged from the cylinders. Never move the rod forward or backward rapidly direction during the first ten complete cycles.

Note: Do not allow the rod to snub during the first two extend and retract cycles. When the rod is in the fully extended position, extreme pressures are achieved in the cylinder. These extreme pressures cause a great degree of vulnerability to dieseling.

  1. The process starts with the cylinder fully retracted on the vehicle . The rods shall be extended to 1/2 to 3/4 of the full stroke. A minimum of a 4 second pause must be executed before beginning to change rod direction.

  2. Repeat Step 1 for the first two consecutive cycles.

  3. For the next eight cycles, the rods shall be extended to full stroke. Wait a minimum of 4 seconds, pause then fully retract the rod.

  4. Once in the retracted state, wait another 4 seconds must be executed before changing the rods direction of movement.

    Note: Do not allow the relief valve to open during the first 10-cycles. Care must be taken throughout the entire 10-cycle process.

Every cylinder must be subjected to this same procedure to eliminate dieseling. Upon completion of this procedure, no further special handling is required.

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