1 hour ago
The Challenge of Dugout Cleaning with Standard Reach
In livestock regions where stock dams and dugouts serve as vital water sources, periodic cleaning is essential to maintain depth and prevent sediment buildup. However, operators often face limitations when using standard excavators. A common scenario involves leaving several feet of untouched material at the bottom of a dugout simply because the boom and stick can't reach far enough. This inefficiency not only affects water capacity but also reduces the quality of the cleanup.
One operator using a Caterpillar 235—a machine weighing approximately 85,000 pounds and equipped with a 48-inch digging bucket—encountered this issue while servicing a livestock pond. Despite the machine’s size and power, the reach fell short by about 8 feet, leaving a strip of sediment that couldn’t be removed without repositioning or entering the basin.
What Is a Parallel Link Stick Extension
A parallel link stick extension is a mechanical add-on that bolts to the end of an excavator’s stick, extending its reach by 8 to 10 feet. Unlike traditional long-reach conversions, which require replacing the entire boom and stick assembly, parallel link extensions preserve the original geometry and hydraulic routing. The “parallel link” refers to the configuration of the extension arms, which maintain consistent bucket angles throughout the digging arc.
Manufacturers like NYE Manufacturing produce these extensions with reinforced steel, integrated linkage points, and compatibility for smaller ditching buckets. The goal is to increase reach without dramatically increasing weight or compromising stability.
Impact on Machine Dynamics and Stability
Adding a stick extension changes the physics of the excavator. The longer reach increases leverage on the boom pivot, potentially reducing lift capacity and increasing stress on hydraulic cylinders. However, when paired with a smaller ditching bucket—typically 36 inches wide and designed for light material—the overall weight at the end of the stick remains manageable.
For a machine like the Cat 235, which was built for heavy-duty excavation and demolition, the additional reach is unlikely to destabilize the platform under normal conditions. The key is to avoid overloading the bucket and to operate at reduced swing speeds when fully extended. Operators should also be cautious when working on slopes or near water edges, where the extended geometry could shift the center of gravity.
Cost Considerations and Budget Alternatives
While a true long-reach excavator offers superior performance for pond cleaning and trenching, the cost of conversion or purchase can exceed $100,000. In contrast, a parallel link stick extension costs between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the manufacturer and customization. For operators with limited budgets or seasonal demand, this solution offers a practical compromise.
Some contractors have fabricated their own extensions using salvaged steel and custom weldments. While this can reduce costs, it introduces risks related to structural integrity and hydraulic compatibility. A poorly designed extension can cause premature wear or even catastrophic failure under load.
Operator Stories and Field Experience
A contractor in Manitoba shared his experience using a parallel link extension on a Komatsu PC300. After installing an 8-foot extension and switching to a 36-inch ditching bucket, he was able to clean out a 60-foot diameter dugout without repositioning the machine. The job took half the time compared to previous attempts and required no manual cleanup.
Another operator in Texas used a homemade extension on a Case 9050B. While the reach improved, the added weight caused sluggish boom response and increased fuel consumption. After two seasons, he replaced the extension with a factory-built unit and reported better balance and smoother operation.
Recommendations for Implementation
Before installing a parallel link stick extension, consider the following:
Caterpillar’s Excavator Lineage
Caterpillar’s 200-series excavators, including the 235, were introduced in the late 1970s and became popular for their durability and hydraulic power. The 235 was often used in mining, demolition, and large-scale earthmoving. Though no longer in production, many units remain in service due to their robust frames and rebuildable components.
The 235’s boom and stick geometry make it a good candidate for extensions, especially when paired with modern hydraulic upgrades. Caterpillar’s legacy in excavator design ensures that even older machines can be adapted for specialized tasks with the right modifications.
Conclusion
A parallel link stick extension offers a cost-effective way to increase excavator reach without committing to a full long-reach conversion. When properly installed and paired with a lighter bucket, it enables operators to tackle dugout cleaning, trenching, and slope shaping with greater efficiency. While not a universal solution, it’s a valuable tool for contractors seeking to expand capabilities without expanding budgets. With careful planning and operator training, the extension becomes not just an accessory—but a strategic upgrade.
In livestock regions where stock dams and dugouts serve as vital water sources, periodic cleaning is essential to maintain depth and prevent sediment buildup. However, operators often face limitations when using standard excavators. A common scenario involves leaving several feet of untouched material at the bottom of a dugout simply because the boom and stick can't reach far enough. This inefficiency not only affects water capacity but also reduces the quality of the cleanup.
One operator using a Caterpillar 235—a machine weighing approximately 85,000 pounds and equipped with a 48-inch digging bucket—encountered this issue while servicing a livestock pond. Despite the machine’s size and power, the reach fell short by about 8 feet, leaving a strip of sediment that couldn’t be removed without repositioning or entering the basin.
What Is a Parallel Link Stick Extension
A parallel link stick extension is a mechanical add-on that bolts to the end of an excavator’s stick, extending its reach by 8 to 10 feet. Unlike traditional long-reach conversions, which require replacing the entire boom and stick assembly, parallel link extensions preserve the original geometry and hydraulic routing. The “parallel link” refers to the configuration of the extension arms, which maintain consistent bucket angles throughout the digging arc.
Manufacturers like NYE Manufacturing produce these extensions with reinforced steel, integrated linkage points, and compatibility for smaller ditching buckets. The goal is to increase reach without dramatically increasing weight or compromising stability.
Impact on Machine Dynamics and Stability
Adding a stick extension changes the physics of the excavator. The longer reach increases leverage on the boom pivot, potentially reducing lift capacity and increasing stress on hydraulic cylinders. However, when paired with a smaller ditching bucket—typically 36 inches wide and designed for light material—the overall weight at the end of the stick remains manageable.
For a machine like the Cat 235, which was built for heavy-duty excavation and demolition, the additional reach is unlikely to destabilize the platform under normal conditions. The key is to avoid overloading the bucket and to operate at reduced swing speeds when fully extended. Operators should also be cautious when working on slopes or near water edges, where the extended geometry could shift the center of gravity.
Cost Considerations and Budget Alternatives
While a true long-reach excavator offers superior performance for pond cleaning and trenching, the cost of conversion or purchase can exceed $100,000. In contrast, a parallel link stick extension costs between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the manufacturer and customization. For operators with limited budgets or seasonal demand, this solution offers a practical compromise.
Some contractors have fabricated their own extensions using salvaged steel and custom weldments. While this can reduce costs, it introduces risks related to structural integrity and hydraulic compatibility. A poorly designed extension can cause premature wear or even catastrophic failure under load.
Operator Stories and Field Experience
A contractor in Manitoba shared his experience using a parallel link extension on a Komatsu PC300. After installing an 8-foot extension and switching to a 36-inch ditching bucket, he was able to clean out a 60-foot diameter dugout without repositioning the machine. The job took half the time compared to previous attempts and required no manual cleanup.
Another operator in Texas used a homemade extension on a Case 9050B. While the reach improved, the added weight caused sluggish boom response and increased fuel consumption. After two seasons, he replaced the extension with a factory-built unit and reported better balance and smoother operation.
Recommendations for Implementation
Before installing a parallel link stick extension, consider the following:
- Verify machine compatibility with manufacturer specifications
- Use a smaller bucket to offset added reach weight
- Inspect boom and stick pins for wear before installation
- Adjust hydraulic flow rates if needed to maintain control
- Train operators on extended reach dynamics and safety
Caterpillar’s Excavator Lineage
Caterpillar’s 200-series excavators, including the 235, were introduced in the late 1970s and became popular for their durability and hydraulic power. The 235 was often used in mining, demolition, and large-scale earthmoving. Though no longer in production, many units remain in service due to their robust frames and rebuildable components.
The 235’s boom and stick geometry make it a good candidate for extensions, especially when paired with modern hydraulic upgrades. Caterpillar’s legacy in excavator design ensures that even older machines can be adapted for specialized tasks with the right modifications.
Conclusion
A parallel link stick extension offers a cost-effective way to increase excavator reach without committing to a full long-reach conversion. When properly installed and paired with a lighter bucket, it enables operators to tackle dugout cleaning, trenching, and slope shaping with greater efficiency. While not a universal solution, it’s a valuable tool for contractors seeking to expand capabilities without expanding budgets. With careful planning and operator training, the extension becomes not just an accessory—but a strategic upgrade.
