Mini Excavator With Hydraulic Thumb or Fixed? AGT H12R vs QH12R
The 1-ton AGT H12R and QH12R share every spec but the thumb, so the choice comes down to whether you need a mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb.
The AGT QH12R and the AGT H12R are both 1-ton gas mini excavators, and the real difference between them is the thumb: the QH12R has a fixed thumb, and the H12R has a hydraulic thumb. If you are deciding whether to buy a mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb or a fixed one, these two same-size machines make the comparison simple.
How do the QH12R and H12R specs compare?
The QH12R and H12R list the same working specs, including a 65-inch dig depth, 475-pound lift and 13.5 HP gas engine. Only the thumb is different.
| AGT QH12R | AGT H12R | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13.5 HP gas | 13.5 HP gas |
| Operating weight | 1 ton class | 1 ton class |
| Thumb | Fixed | Hydraulic |
| Bucket | 16 in wide, 1.06 cu ft | 16 in wide, 1.06 cu ft |
| Stick | 2 ft 8 in | 2 ft 8 in |
| Lift capacity | 475 lb | 475 lb |
| Max digging depth | 65 in | 65 in |
| Max digging height | 94.5 in | 94.5 in |
| Max digging distance | 118 in | 118 in |
| Max load height | 65.7 in | 65.7 in |
| Minimum rotation radius | 63.2 in | 63.2 in |
| Max climbing angle | 30 degrees | 30 degrees |
| Tracks | 7 in rubber | 7 in rubber |
| Blade | Backfill blade | Backfill blade |
| Auxiliary hydraulics | Plumbed | Plumbed |
| Packing size | 86.6 x 39.4 x 86.6 in | 86.6 x 39.4 x 86.6 in |
What is the difference between a fixed thumb and a hydraulic thumb?
A fixed thumb stays in one position, while a hydraulic thumb opens and closes on its own control.
With a fixed thumb, you curl the bucket up against it to pinch a rock, log or brush pile. A fixed thumb works, but you can only grab what fits the gap.
Because a hydraulic thumb moves on its own, you can clamp down on odd-shaped loads, pick up pipe, sort debris and set material where you want it. If you plan to clear brush, move rock or do demolition cleanup, the hydraulic thumb is the more useful setup.
Should you buy a mini excavator with a hydraulic thumb or a fixed one?
Buy the hydraulic thumb if you will be grabbing and moving material; if you mainly dig trenches and footings, the thumb barely matters, and the AGT QH12R and H12R do the same job. For brush, rock and debris, go with the hydraulic thumb on the H12R.
To compare the H12R with other machines, see our mini excavators page.
Questions on the right machine for the job?
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