How to choose an excavator quick coupler

While completing a job, Contractors need their fleet to work efficiently without compromising productivity and safety. One of the best ways to do this is to optimize the current tools being used on-site; for example, adding a quick coupler to your excavator. Read on to find out how to choose an excavator quick coupler and learn more about the value they can add to your projects.

Increasing Productivity and Safety On-Site

Manufacturers are constantly discovering how to improve the tools that contractors need to work productively and safely. With curiosity and technology, what was originally done with handheld tools can now be completed with machines, saving valuable time and energy for workers every day.

Quick couplers are a prime example of this. These upgrades for your excavator significantly reduce the time needed to swap attachments by removing the need to manually switch mounting pins. In order to get the most out of your investment, there are many factors to consider when deciding which quick coupler to purchase for your excavator.

One Part Creates Multiple Machines

Without a coupler, your fleet may spend more time than necessary switching between attachments. These swaps can take upwards of 20 minutes, using energy that can be spent more efficiently, elsewhere. If your project requires different attachments throughout the day, a coupler is an investment that will provide an excellent return. Increased productivity, improved safety, and happier operators, to name a few.

While a coupler does add weight to the machine and depending on design, may reduce the breakout force, the workers on-site will significantly benefit from the ease this add-on contributes to their workday.

When it comes to considering how to choose an excavator quick coupler, your manufacturer likely has two configurations: hydraulic or mechanical. Both have advantages and disadvantages regarding ease of use, as well as safety features.

Safety Considerations

Most accidents occur within the first five seconds of connecting the attachment to the coupler, and unintentional drops do happen. Coupler-related injuries tend to be the result of an operator failing to secure the safety lock, some of which end in fatality.

According to OSHA, the best ways to prevent unintended coupler releases include ample training on installation and testing procedures, increased awareness of the hazards regarding attachment changeout, and ensuring that the pins are inserted and locked properly. The development of hydraulic couplers was a manufacturer response to minimize the risk of injury and fatality, especially as they relate to operator error.

While cost is an important factor in the purchase of any tool, safety should be a top priority when considering how to choose an excavator quick coupler.

Hydraulic Couplers

Hydraulic couplers offer the highest level of safety and efficiency for your machine and your operators. The attachment changeout process can be completed from inside the cab, with safety features that make them the better choice for preventing injuries on-site.

One of the safety features that has been added to hydraulic couplers include a wedge-locking system that requires the coupler to lock the attachment in two different places. The pressure that this creates will keep both pins and the attachment secure.

Another feature includes a safety knuckle that latches onto the first of the two pins. This eliminates the risk of unintended attachment drop, even if the operator forgets this part of the process. The safety knuckle works separately from the wedge that secures the second pin, meaning that even if the hydraulic system fails, that first pin will not be released. Operators switch attachments by releasing the wedge and securing the attachment on the ground before removing the safety knuckle.

In the event that an operator forgets the attachment is unlocked, some hydraulic couplers have a time-out feature. After about 5-12 seconds, the safety knuckle will re-engage itself if it is not safely removed, preventing an unintended attachment drop. This time frame is customizable to suit operator needs.

Mechanical Couplers

A mechanical coupler is a manual option and is the best recommendation for a job that doesn’t require multiple attachment swaps throughout the day. This is also the most cost-effective option if price plays a significant role in your choice.

While the cost is lower, the weight is lighter, and there are fewer components, there are some safety concerns. Two workers should be involved for the attachment changeout process, as operators need to leave the cab of the machine and use manual force to change the attachment. This takes more time and is more difficult.