The Quick Coupling Sector Never Rests
Published: 24/7
Quick couplers for the easy and swift changing of boom mounted attachments are for many contractors the very key to success. For contractors who work in demolition and recycling, the ability to quickly change hydraulic tools is a prerequisite for being competitive and delivering the right quality of the demolished and recycled material, with the systems being developed so that the operator does not have to leave the machine cab.
Fully automatic quick coupling systems were developed and launched in the early 1990s by OilQuick of Sweden. Since then, several other makes of fully automatic quick coupling systems have appeared on the market with other manufacturers. Here are some of the latest developments in this product sector.
Arden’s new quick hitches
Three new quick hitches from French manufacturer Arden Equipment were launched in April at the Intermat show. The Arden QA quick hitch system enables and simplifies the quick change of different attachments on a hydraulic excavator. These self-locking quick couplers e designed to fit all excavators from 0.8t to 12t and meet all current safety standards. The QA05H and QA Series 3 hydraulic quick couplers are equipped with a safety pad on the front axle. Benefits include compactness, removal of excess play, compatibility with reversible buckets and have lifting eyes. Arden’s fully automatic AIO quick coupler is an all-in-one quick coupling system for excavators from 12t-30t. The range automatically connects all hydraulic and mechanical attachments from the cab, enabling safe and quick switches between different attachments.
Engcon simplifies the retrofitting of ‘EC-Oil ‘through a new machine bracket
ngcon’s new improved machine mount for excavators in the 12t -19t size is available now. In addition to making the machine mount stronger, retrofitting with EC-Oil blocks will be easier because the new machine mount no longer contains hoses and minimises the risk of leaks and has bene designed to provide increased hydraulic flow. “Thanks to our innovation driven work with a focus on the end customer, our customers can trust that engcon always delivers state of the art technology,” says Martin Engström, product manager at engcon. “Our package must be the comprehensive solution and the premium product that our customers want, now and in the future” Later this year, engcon will launch the S70 machine mount for machines between 20t and 30t.
Rototilt product development leads to minimised daily operational disruption
Hampus Jonsson, Rototilt sales director Europe, says the customer is the center of every new product the company develops. “Users’ ideas and wishes are both a source of inspiration and a driving force,” he adds. That’s was the based for Rototilt’s QuickChange, which offers automatic tool changes that both reduces downtime and meets the growing need for flow capacity. In the latest iteration of QuickChange, Rototilt states that it has minimized daily operational disruptions while boosting the product’s overall capacity. Innovations such as a specially developed nose seal, low heat generation in the hydraulic system, and an enclosed spring, demonstrate the aim to minimise leakage and safeguard the hydraulic system from contamination.
The system’s impressive capacity for high flows and low pressure drops has been substantiated through independent testing of machine couplers and tiltrotators of attachment size QC60-5 by Sweden’s research institute and innovation partner, RISE. “Our couplings deliver greatly improved flow performance, which is particularly valuable in heavy duty demolition tasks,” says Hampus. “Thanks to high flow rates and a halving of pressure drops, we are able to cater for demanding work tools, such as hammers, while at the same time saving fuel.”
In an expansion initiative, Rototilt is introducing a new robotic welding facility that integrates handling robots and welding robots. This strategic investment aims to enhance customer value by improving delivery times and overall quality. The construction project includes a factory expansion spanning 11,625 ft2 (1,080m2) over two floors, with the new welding section scheduled for final inspection in May 2024.
Another important factor for Rototilt’s continued development of fully automatic quick coupling systems is the fact that the manufacturer is now expanding capacity at its factory in Vindeln, northern Sweden. The facility is powered by fossil-free energy and features an advanced system for energy recovery. The heat from the welding process is recovered via the ventilation system, thereby reducing energy use and climate pressure. The factory’s main heat source comes from local biofuel.
A leap in safety with Steelwrist’s LockSense technology
Safety is paramount and with XTR20 Steelwrist takes a new leap in terms of safety solutions, preparing for the future with LockSense. Steelwrist was first to introduce the Front Pin Lock system already in 2012 and this time again takes the lead in the technology development with the new LockSense system. The XTR20 features Steelwrist’s patented LockSense technology, a state-of-the-art sensor system for secure work tool locking. The innovative LockSense solution has the necessary features to be aligned with anticipated changes in safety regulations. The wireless solution eliminates the hassle of delicate cables in exposed positions with a battery life time of approximately five years.
Operators receive both visual and auditory confirmations, ensuring that every work tool change is secure and reliable, and that every job site is as safe as it is efficient.
OilQuick and Hagaberg in new partnership
News from OilQuick is that the manufacturer has announced a new partnership with Hagaberg to boost sales and expand product awareness throughout Europe. With this partnership, Hagaberg gains access to the entire OilQuick OQT product range, a quick coupler system for forklifts. Hagaberg is known for its expertise in fork positioners and related system solutions, sharing OilQuick’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers. The company’s extensive network and dedication to customer satisfaction align perfectly with OilQuick’s core values.
