Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWfRJ8JFfBk (6 min)
Mike inspects incoming machines and checks one feature: the thumb.
WHAT CHANGED
- Earlier thumbs used a bolted-on plate. Under load the force could shear the bolt heads off.
- Rippa moved to a welded thumb: an individual welded mount for the thumb and a welded top bracket for the cylinder, two strong points instead of bolts. It started on the R57 and worked well, so the design spread across the line.
MODELS CHECKED
- R57, R32 (including the open-cab version), R18, R15 (R15-6) and R10 all arrive with a welded thumb and bracket. Mike says the weld quality looks very clean.
Mike's practice is to verify features when machines arrive instead of assuming the spec sheet is right, and he confirmed it on each unit.
Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.
