Configurator | Powered by Kramp: how to create custom pins, bushes, and shims
Pins, bushes and shims are essential to the joints on small earth moving vehicles. But they’re also the first parts to wear out. That’s because these components are exposed, collect dirt fast, and move constantly.
When pins wear down, you feel it. There’s more play. Movements lose precision. Operating the machine becomes more frustrating. And ultimately, it can affect how quickly you can complete your construction project – especially if it means your machine has to stop for maintenance.
If you run a workshop, supply parts, or manage a rental fleet, these problems are familiar. Quick repairs, less downtime, and low total cost are priorities. That’s where Kramp’s custom pin configurator can help. It lets you create a custom pin, bush, and shim set to match your exact needs – without relying on original parts or waiting for long lead times.
What’s possible with the custom configurator?
Our configurator lets you create the part you need, without starting from zero. With the configurator, you can:
- Design a hardened steel pin.
- Choose your base material.
- Enter the length, diameter, and whether it needs a locking plate.
- Add holes and internal channels for greasing.
- Select matching bushes and shims directly in the same tool.
You decide what fits your application. You get a PDF with part numbers for easy reordering. And you can place the order directly through the Kramp web shop. After that, your parts will arrive on the delivery date you choose.
Configurator vs. kits: when to choose which
If all pins on a machine are worn, it’s better to use a standardised kit. Kramp offers pin and bush sets for the dipper end of many mini excavator brands. And you can also look for the right kit by searching for the Make and Model of your vehicle.
If you only need to replace one pin, the configurator makes more sense. It’s also useful if your machine has a non-standard setup or if the existing bush has been modified or welded. It gives you control over dimensions and lets you adjust for wear, damage, or upgrades (like an after-market quick coupler bucket).
How to use the configurator
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Two common misconceptions
First, if you’re buying a hardened steel pin and bush, you might think it makes sense to match these with a hardened steel shim. But that’s not always true.
Hardened shims, for example, can cause wear on more expensive parts like buckets or quick couplers. In most cases, it’s better for the shim to wear out first, because it’s cheap and easy to replace.
Second, you might be surprised that our custom pins have a black surface. This colour results from our induction-hardening process, which increases the pin's hardness to HRC 58–60. While original equipment pins are typically polished and shiny, polishing is purely cosmetic and adds cost without improving performance or durability.
Conclusion: A smarter way to keep moving
The pin configurator offers a practical solution to repair machines with less delay. It saves time, simplifies complex repairs, and offers a quick turnaround – all while avoiding the cost of OEM parts and the headaches of fabricating the part yourself.
This means your machines spend less time standing still and more construction projects can be completed efficiently and on schedule.
