In the Dirt: Schmidt Dirt Moving Puts the PLHT190 to Work
See how Schmidt Dirt Moving uses TAG’s Pro-Link Hydraulic Thumb 190 for tree clearing, storm cleanup, demolition, and demanding jobsites.
October 19, 2026
For this edition of TAG Manufacturing’s “In the Dirt” series, we’re heading to Ringwood, Oklahoma, where Schmidt Dirt Moving LLC is putting a TAG Manufacturing setup to work tearing out a treeline.
The excavator on this jobsite is equipped with a TAG Heavy Duty Bucket, Multi-Lock Hydraulic Coupler, and Pro-Link Hydraulic Thumb 190 (PLHT190). While the complete setup gives the machine plenty of versatility, the focus of this jobsite is the PLHT190 and how Schmidt Dirt Moving is using it to tackle demanding tree-clearing work.
We spoke with Schmidt Dirt Moving owner Shane Schmidt about his experience with the attachment, its current applications, and where he sees the PLHT190 going next.
Products in Use
The complete TAG setup on Schmidt Dirt Moving’s excavator includes a TAG Heavy Duty Bucket, Multi-Lock Hydraulic Coupler, and Pro-Link Hydraulic Thumb 190.
The PLHT190 is designed for excavators ranging from 14,000 to 120,000 pounds and is engineered with a 180–190 degree rotation range.
For Schmidt Dirt Moving, the setup provides the flexibility to dig, grab, move, and handle material with the same machine.
When asked what he likes about the TAG hydraulic thumb, Shane didn’t hesitate.
“Everything.”
It’s a simple answer, but the amount of work the thumb is already seeing helps explain it. From everyday tree clearing to disaster relief, the PLHT190 has quickly become a versatile addition to the machine.
Built for the Application
The PLHT190 is currently being used to tear out a treeline in Ringwood, Oklahoma, where Schmidt Dirt Moving is putting the thumb through its primary application.
When asked what he uses the hydraulic thumb for, Shane explained:
“Mostly tree clearing. 90% tree clearing.”
The ability to grab and control trees, branches, and other material makes the PLHT190 a natural fit for land-clearing work. But tree clearing isn’t the only application Schmidt Dirt Moving has found for the attachment.
When a tornado came through Enid, Oklahoma, Shane sent the machine out for disaster relief and debris cleanup.
“I sent it out for disaster relief out to Enid when they had that tornado come through. I sent it out there and a ton of people loved it out there.”
That experience showed Shane that the PLHT190 has potential beyond its everyday work. As Schmidt Dirt Moving continues to grow, the company is also looking to put the hydraulic thumb to work in more demolition applications.
More Rotation. More Possibilities.
One of the defining features of the PLHT190 is its 180–190 degree rotation range.
For Shane, the extra rotation isn’t simply a specification—it’s additional capability that can change how an operator approaches a job.
Reflecting on his previous experience in demolition, Shane explained:
“When I was in Demolition, just the capability of just being able to reach out and grab stuff.”
That additional range also allows the operator to work closer to the excavator when needed.
“Or I can be working right up beside my machine.”
Shane sees this as a significant advantage over a conventional thumb.
“A normal thumb limits you on how close you can work to your machine.”
Whether the job involves tearing out trees, handling storm debris, or eventually moving into demolition, the ability to position the thumb across a wider range gives operators more options.
More rotation means more ways to approach the work.
Beyond a Manual Thumb
Shane’s experience with excavator thumbs has primarily been with manual thumbs, making the transition to a hydraulic thumb a noticeable change.
When asked about his experience with hydraulic thumbs, Shane said:
“I can’t say I have had a lot of experience with a hydraulic thumb. I ran a lot of manual thumbs and it opens up a whole new world.”
The PLHT190 gives the operator the ability to control the thumb directly from the excavator, allowing it to be repositioned throughout the work cycle.
That means the operator isn’t simply working with a thumb fixed in one position. Instead, the thumb can move with the material and adapt to the task at hand.
For Shane, that added flexibility is especially valuable when working in applications where material doesn’t always cooperate.
Ready for What’s Next
The PLHT190 has already proven itself on Schmidt Dirt Moving’s current treeline-clearing work, but Shane sees even more potential ahead.
The company’s goal is to get the attachment involved in more demonstrations and demolition work, expanding its role beyond its current 90% tree-clearing workload.
The Enid tornado cleanup also gave Schmidt Dirt Moving an opportunity to see how the attachment performed in a different environment—and gave other operators the chance to see it in action.
“I sent it out there and a ton of people loved it out there.”
From tearing out a treeline in Ringwood to helping with disaster relief in Enid, the TAG Pro-Link Hydraulic Thumb 190 is already proving its versatility.
And for Schmidt Dirt Moving, this may only be the beginning.
More rotation. More control. More possibilities.
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