Hook-Mounted Manipulator for Excavator Panels

A construction equipment manufacturer needed a flexible and ergonomic solution for installing over a dozen different body panels across multiple excavator models. They required a system that could handle varying panel sizes and shapes, be easily moved between workstations, and allow the hoist to be quickly repurposed for other tasks when the manipulator wasn’t in use.

We developed a custom hook-mounted manipulator designed specifically to meet these needs. The manipulator tooling is capable of handling 10+ body panels sizes with weights up 60 lbs. The adjustable vacuum cups can be manually adjusted in/out and angled to accommodate each unique panel shape.

To streamline workflow, the tool can be transported on a dedicated cart, allowing operators to easily move it out of the way when not in use and bring it back into position when needed. A quick-disconnect pendant adds to the system’s flexibility, enabling the hoist to be available other operations without hassle.

With simple controls and a straightforward pick-and-place operation, this solution delivered the versatility and ease of use the client needed while keeping a strong focus on safety and ergonomics.