The Wedgelock QuickFlow Coupler is revolutionising excavation efficiency, automatically connecting hydraulic hoses and GPS on engagement
Imagine using an excavator coupler that not only connects to standard attachments but also automatically connects the hoses and electrical GPS instantly upon engagement of the hydraulic attachments.
The need to step out of the cab and carry out time-consuming manual hose connections is fast becoming a thing of the past with the innovation of the Wedgelock QuickFlow coupler now a reality, covering excavators from the 13-tonne weight class all the way up to the 120-tonne class.
Demand for fast changes
Over the past few years Wedgelock has been working with select customers in Melbourne, Australia where the use of oversized breakers in the drainage and civil construction sector is the norm for contractors breaking out the hardest rock in the country.
The demand for fast changes between the breaker and bucket, nearing 20 changes per hour, has driven the need for an efficient tool changer. Although automatically connecting hydraulic hoses with quick couplers is not new, the ability to use existing standard attachments is. The QuickFlow coupler enables the contractor to continue using their current fleet of attachments without the need to have them modified or to purchase new.
Wedgelock company director, David Calvert, explains further: “The challenge with fully automatic hydraulic quick couplers from markets like Europe is that they require the end user to change their attachments to suit the proprietary quick coupler pick up specifications. With the QuickFlow there is no need to modify non-hydraulic standard attachments, significantly reducing the entry cost of adopting this technology.”
Looking for a difference
With the continued success in Australia, Wedgelock is now embarking on developing solutions that meet New Zealand conditions for the local customers looking for a difference. One of those is Conrad Roberston, owner of RB Civil Ltd.
Servicing the greater Wellington region, Upper Hutt-based RB Civil specialises in civil earthworks, excavation, drainage and environmental services.
Conrad is always looking for an edge to tackle those tricky jobs. His constant desire to embrace innovative thinking is why he decided to invest in the QuickFlow technology. Fitted to his Hitachi ZX360, the QuickFlow Coupler enables rapid change between his hydraulic tilting bucket and rotating grab. The standard coupler pickup also allows for easy connection to his existing factory GP bucket, ripper and other ancillary attachments.
With the Wedgelock QuickFlow Coupler, the changeover takes seconds, and it keeps the excavator working efficiently. Beyond efficiency there are significant health and safety benefits, keeping operators in their cab reducing the risk of injuries from climbing in and out and eliminates the chance of hydraulic oil spills.
Wedgelock, known for delivering high quality safe couplers to the market, has equipped the latest model with its patented instant latching system and a secondary locking mechanism. Even in the unlikely event of hydraulic pressure loss, attachments remain securely fastened to the machine.
For more information, visit wedgelock.com