Excavator shims are vital for ensuring a secure connection between your quick hitch, buckets, and attachments on your excavator.
What are Excavator Shims?
Excavator shims, also known as shims or shim washers, are thin mild steel pieces designed to eliminate gaps between excavator components. This prevents slack, movement, and premature wear. They are primarily used to secure buckets, attachments, and quick couplers to your mini digger or excavator dipper end. A snug fit is crucial; otherwise, slack can cause attachment hangers or quick couplers to shift during operation, potentially leading to wear, control issues, or safety risks.
When should you use Excavator Shims?
Understanding when to utilize shims is essential for achieving proper fitment and minimizing unnecessary wear on your excavator and its attachments. Common scenarios for shim usage include:
1. Alignment Correction
During installation or maintenance, components may not align perfectly due to manufacturing tolerances or wear. Shims can fill gaps between the bucket hanger and excavator end, optimizing performance and preventing premature wear.
2. Wear Compensation
As components wear unevenly over time, movement can occur in the hitch or attachment. Inserting shims between the bucket hangers and dipper end compensates for this wear, extending equipment lifespan and restoring optimal operational performance.
4 Tips to Choose the Right Shims
Choosing the right shims for your excavator is a critical task that goes beyond mere size and fit; it requires a comprehensive understanding of your machinery's specific needs and the conditions in which it operates. Here are essential considerations:
1. Identify the Equipment Specifications Consult your excavator's manual for detailed specifications regarding shim size, materials, and compatibility. Each model has unique requirements that must be met to ensure optimal performance.
2. Assess the Operating Conditions Evaluate the environment in which your excavator operates. For example, equipment in abrasive settings like sand or gravel may necessitate pins with higher hardness ratings to mitigate wear, while operations in wet conditions may require shims that resist corrosion.
3. Quality of Materials Select excavator shims constructed from high-quality materials. Superior materials ensure that components can endure the demands of heavy use and adverse conditions without compromising performance.
4. Compatibility with Attachments If your excavator utilizes various attachments, verify that the shims are compatible with these components. A proper fit is vital for maintaining the functionality and safety of both the primary machine and its accessories.
Installing Shims the Right Way: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve understood what shims are and when to use them, let’s walk through the process of properly installing them on a quick hitch. Installing a quick hitch on your excavator or machinery involves more than just connecting the components; it requires attention to detail to ensure precision, reduce wear, and enhance safety. A key aspect of this installation process is the proper use of shims. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how to efficiently and correctly shim and fit a quick hitch.
Step 1: Pre-Fit the Hitch to Save Effort
Begin by lowering the machine’s arm into the quick hitch and temporarily inserting a pin through it. This initial step is designed to simplify the alignment process and minimize strain on your back, ensuring a more ergonomic approach as you position the components.
Step 2: Check for Gaps and Assess Shim Needs
After lifting the hitch off the ground, you may observe some movement between the bucket link and the hitch assembly. Examine the rear side of the bucket link to identify any visible gaps or "daylight." This observation is crucial, as it provides insight into the required shim thickness necessary to eliminate excessive play in the assembly.
Step 3: Choose the Right Shim Thickness
Prepare a selection of shim sizes, with 1 mm and 2 mm being the most commonly used options. The appropriate shim size will depend on the specifications of your machine and other relevant conditions. Start by testing with the 1 mm shims, assessing how snugly they fit. In most scenarios, using a 1 mm shim on either side of the bucket link will achieve the desired alignment and stability for the quick hitch.
Step 4: Installing the First Set of Shims
Begin by sliding a shim onto the pin. Next, reinsert the bucket link back into the hitch, ensuring that the pin, shim, and link holes are aligned. This alignment process may require several attempts, particularly if the hitch is tightly fitted. Once the first side is secure, repeat the procedure on the opposite side by sliding the second shim into position and aligning the bolt holes at the rear. Upon completion, there should be minimal movement, resulting in a snug fit of the hitch that significantly reduces wear on both the hitch and your machinery.
Step 5: Secure with Cap Screws
To ensure that everything remains in place, insert the cap screw by hand or utilize appropriate tools for a more secure fit. This step is crucial as it guarantees that even if the hitch appears to be firmly positioned, there is no risk of movement during operation.
Step 6: Shim the Front Pin Area
At this stage, remove the front pin, allowing the hitch to swing away naturally. Repeat the shim-checking process as previously outlined. It is worth noting that the dipper arm side may exhibit slightly more play compared to the bucket link. A combination of a 2 mm shim on one side and a 1 mm shim on the other may prove effective, though the specific shim size will depend on your machine and its unique conditions. While using equal thickness shims on both sides is ideal, it is not an absolute requirement. If your digging accuracy is within millimeters, you are undoubtedly an accomplished operator.
Once again, follow these steps:
A.Slide the shim onto the pin
B.Align it with the dipper arm
C.Insert the pin
D.Add the second shim
E.Insert the front cap screw
Final Checks: Tight, Secure, and Ready to Work
After installation, conduct a thorough check for any lateral movement. If the assembly feels tight and exhibits no play, your quick hitch is now properly shimmed and secured. Ensure that all cap screws are tightened to confirm that the entire setup is safe and ready for operation.
Universal Process – No Matter the Quick Hitch Type
This shimming and installation process is universally applicable across various manufacturers and hitch styles, whether Hydraulic, Spring-type, or Ratchet-type. The primary distinction will lie in the sizes of the shims. FabHeavyParts.com offers a comprehensive range of shim packs, allowing you to select the most suitable options for your specific needs.
Q & A
Q1: What is an excavator shim, and why is it essential for my operations?
A1: An excavator shim is a precision-engineered thin metal spacer designed specifically to bridge the gaps between your quick hitch and various attachments, such as buckets. Its primary purpose is to ensure a snug and secure fit, which is crucial for optimal performance. By utilizing an excavator shim, you can effectively minimize wear and tear on both the hitch and the attachments, reduce unwanted movement, and significantly enhance safety during operation. This small yet impactful component plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of your excavator setup, ensuring that you can tackle tasks with confidence and precision.
Q2: How can I determine when to use shims on my quick hitch?
A2: It is advisable to use shims on your quick hitch when you observe any movement or noticeable gaps between the hitch and the attachment. This situation is particularly common after extended periods of use or when the components exhibit signs of wear or misalignment. Regularly inspecting the fit between your quick hitch and attachments is essential for identifying any potential issues early on. By addressing these gaps with shims, you can maintain a secure connection, prevent further wear, and ensure the safety and efficiency of your excavator operations.
Popular Shims at FabHeavyParts.com
1.
80*140*10mm Steel Large Bucket Shim Washer Spacer Kit for Excavator Loader Digger - Pack of 10
Inside diameter 80*outside diameter 140mm, *thickness 10mm.
This shim kit fits a variety of heavy equipment.
Shim washer kits make loose joints tighter, increase greasing intervals, and block dirt from entering bucket pins.
Makes loose joints tighter - from bucket to boom Increase grease intervals - stop losing grease from the gaps in loose joints.
Block dirt spillover from entering your bucket pins.
2.
110*210*2mm, Resin Large Bucket Shim Kit for Excavator Loader Digger - Pack of 6
Inside diameter 110*outside diameter 210mm, *thickness 2mm.
This shim kit fits a variety of heavy equipment.
Shim washer kits make loose joints tighter, increase greasing intervals, and block dirt from entering bucket pins.
Makes loose joints tighter - from bucket to boom Increase grease intervals - stop losing grease from the gaps in loose joints.
Block dirt spillover from entering your bucket pins.
3.
80*150*5mm Large Bucket Shim Washer Kit for Excavator Loader Digger - Pack of 10
Inside diameter 80*outside diameter 150*thickness 5mm.
This shim kit fits a variety of heavy equipment.
This shim washer kit makes loose joints tighter, increases greasing intervals, and blocks dirt from entering bucket pins.
Make loose joints tighter - from bucket to boom.
Increase grease intervals - stop losing grease from the gaps in loose joints.
Block dirt spillover from entering your bucket pins.
4.
85*140*2mm Steel Large Bucket Shim Washer Spacer Kit for Excavator Loader Digger - Pack of 10
Inside diameter 85*outside diameter 140*thickness 2mm.
This shim kit fits a variety of heavy equipment.
This shim washer kit makes loose joints tighter, increases greasing intervals, and blocks dirt from entering bucket pins.
Make loose joints tighter - from bucket to boom.
Increase grease intervals - stop losing grease from the gaps in loose joints.
Block dirt spillover from entering your bucket pins.
5.
50*90*3 mm Steel Large Bucket Shim Washer Kit for Excavator Loader Digger - Pack of 10
Inside diameter 50*outside diameter 90*thickness 3mm.
This shim kit fits a variety of heavy equipment.
This shim washer kit makes loose joints tighter, increases greasing intervals, and blocks dirt from entering bucket pins.
Make loose joints tighter - from bucket to boom.
Increase grease intervals - stop losing grease from the gaps in loose joints.
Block dirt spillover from entering your bucket pins.
6.
Pack of 12 Bucket Pin Shim Kit 65*130*5mm For Excavator Loader Tractor
Thickness 5mm, OD 130mm, ID 65mm
Material: Polyethylene
You get 12 pieces of bucket pin shims.
Easily to remove and install, less friction and less noise than metal shims.
Makes loose joints tighter from bucket to boom, keep dust out, increases grease intervals stop losing grease.
This Pack of 12 Bucket Pin Shim Kit is designed to keep dust out and grease in, extending the lifespan of your equipment. With an easy installation process, this kit provides a durable and reliable solution for your excavator, loader, or tractor.
7.
Pack of 12 Bucket Pin Shim Kit 45*100*3mm For Excavator Loader Tractor
Thickness 3mm, OD 100mm, ID 45mm
Material: Polyethylene
You get 12 pieces of bucket pin shims.
Easily to remove and install, less friction and less noise than metal shims.
Makes loose joints tighter from bucket to boom, keep dust out, increases grease intervals stop losing grease.
This Pack of 12 Bucket Pin Shim Kit is designed to keep dust out and grease in, extending the lifespan of your equipment. With an easy installation process, this kit provides a durable and reliable solution for your excavator, loader, or tractor.
FAB Heavy Parts Can Help With Your Needs
Welcome to Fab Heavy Parts' online catalog, where you can explore a delightful array of Shims. We have a diverse selection to cater to your needs. Our knowledgeable parts team is at your disposal, ready to assist you every step of the way.