Quick, easy, and safe.

Some inventions and innovations for the construction industry are interesting and they do add something to the value of existing products, but the quick coupler has produced dramatic change in the efficiency and profitability of all those machines that dig and load. With quick couplers, the operators of excavators, loaders and backhoes find their work easier and faster. “I can’t believe what a difference it makes,” comments Keith M., who’s been running an excavator for more than 20 years. “It certainly saves my back and muscles, having that coupler for my machine.”

Remember when it took two or three workers to move and position some attachments? Today, most attachments (even heavy buckets) can be mounted without having to call for help from other workers at the jobsite. It has been the quick coupler that has enabled that dramatic improvement in site conditions. It’s a simple device, one of those that many of us wonder why we didn’t think of it first. It can appear under different names, because companies like to give descriptive names to their new attachments, but the quick coupler is basically a device that lets you attach (or detach) an attachment by maneuvering the machine to accept it. Ask your supplier to tell you which machines the quick coupler will fit, because it is possible that an attachment may be compatible with several of the machines in your yard. Call the engineers at USA Attachments (800-870-3610) to find out your best arrangement for quick couplers on your machines.

Safety is a critical aspect of quick couplers and should play a major role in your selection of the right coupler for your equipment. There have been accidents involving these devices, when there has been the unexpected release of an attachment. A few of those accidents have involved serious injury, amputation or even death for the injured person. It is vital, then, that the operator makes sure that the quick coupler is correctly attached. Investigations have shown that careless mounting is the main cause of any coupler accident; the coupler must be correctly engaged and locked. A locking pin is a must. Today’s quick couplers are designed specifically to avoid the unexpected release of the attachments. Some engineers and contractors maintain that the advantage of a manual quick coupler over hydraulic versions is that, with the manual configuration, the operator can better verify that the locking pin is in place for full engagement. You’ll need to teach your operators how to do that. It’s simple, but they should still be taught to do it the right way.

One of the most common uses for a quick coupler is for the excavator which digs holes of different sizes, some for foundations, perhaps, some for trenches. Even on the same job, operators like to change between a big bucket and a smaller one, to get the excavation perfect. In the shortest possible time. With a quick coupler, that changeover from one size to another is simple. The same excavator could also use a jackhammer or tamper, all thanks to the quick coupler. If you do not use quick couplers for your machines with attachments, you should definitely consider doing so, for speed, efficiency, and safety.