Choosing the Right Stick Length for a 34,000 lb Zero-Tail Excavator

[MikePhua]

Understanding Stick Length and Its Impact on Performance
In excavator design, the stick—also known as the dipper arm—is a critical component of the digging linkage. Its length directly influences reach, breakout force, cycle time, and machine stability. For a zero-tail swing excavator in the 34,000 lb class, the choice between an 8'2" stick and a 9'10" stick is more than a matter of preference—it defines how the machine will behave across different job types.
Zero-tail swing machines are optimized for tight spaces, urban excavation, and utility work. Their compact counterweight design allows rotation within the machine’s footprint, but this also places greater emphasis on balance and hydraulic efficiency. When paired with a hydraulic thumb—especially one weighing around 500 lb—the stick length becomes even more consequential.
Terminology and Mechanical Notes
- Stick (Dipper Arm): The hydraulic arm between the boom and bucket, responsible for reach and crowd force.
- Crowd Force: The force exerted by the stick cylinder to pull the bucket through material; also called stick breakout force.
- Progressive Link Thumb: A thumb attachment that maintains optimal grip angles throughout the bucket’s rotation.
- Pin Grabber Coupler: A quick-attach system allowing fast bucket changes; adds weight and shifts the center of gravity.
- Counterweight: A mass added to the rear of the machine to offset front-end attachments and maintain stability.
Advantages of a Long Stick
The 9'10" stick offers extended reach, which is beneficial for:

• Digging deeper basements or utility trenches without repositioning
  
• Demolition tasks requiring extended horizontal reach
  
• Loading trucks from a single position
  
• Reducing the need to reposition the machine in confined areas
  

However, the longer stick reduces crowd force due to leverage. The hydraulic cylinder must overcome greater mechanical disadvantage, which can result in slower cycle times and reduced digging power in compacted soils.
Advantages of a Short Stick
The 8'2" stick provides:

• Greater crowd force and faster breakout in dense material
  
• Improved stability when using heavy attachments like thumbs or couplers
  
• Reduced need for additional counterweight
  
• Tighter control in precision grading or stump removal
  

Shorter sticks are preferred in forestry, land clearing, and compact excavation where power and control matter more than reach. Operators can often reposition the machine closer to the work rather than relying on extended stick length.
Hydraulic Thumb Considerations
Adding a 500 lb hydraulic thumb changes the machine’s balance and hydraulic demand. With a long stick, the thumb’s weight increases front-end leverage, potentially lifting the rear tracks during aggressive digging. This may require:

• Installing an add-on counterweight
  
• Using a progressive link thumb to maintain grip geometry
  
• Upgrading hydraulic flow to support simultaneous boom and thumb operation
  

In one documented case, a Deere 160 equipped with a long stick, pin grabber, and thumb required a counterweight upgrade to maintain ground contact during demolition.
Manufacturer Trends and Platform Stability
Most manufacturers offer long sticks as standard on 160-class machines and optional on 135-class units. The 160 platform is inherently more stable due to its longer undercarriage and heavier frame. When outfitted with a long stick, it approximates the reach of a 200-class excavator but retains the maneuverability of a mid-size unit.
Sales data from 2010–2015 showed that over 60% of 160-class excavators were ordered with long sticks, reflecting demand for reach in utility and demolition sectors. However, in forestry and land clearing, short sticks remained dominant due to their superior breakout force and control.
Recommendations Based on Job Type
- Demolition, basement digging, truck loading: Long stick preferred
- Stump removal, land clearing, compact trenching: Short stick recommended
- Mixed-use with frequent attachment changes: Short stick with coupler and thumb, plus counterweight
- Urban utility work with limited repositioning: Long stick with progressive thumb
Conclusion
The choice between an 8'2" and 9'10" stick on a 34,000 lb zero-tail excavator depends on job profile, attachment configuration, and operator preference. While the long stick offers reach and versatility, the short stick delivers power and stability. With a hydraulic thumb in play, the balance shifts further toward mechanical efficiency. In excavator setup, every inch of steel carries consequence—and the right stick length is the first step toward mastering the dig.