The new coupler features Wedgelock’s patented instant latching system and is enhanced with an instant reset function
Wedgelock Equipment is halfway through its 30th year of making excavator hydraulic couplers, and despite challenging market conditions in New Zealand and globally, the future is looking bright for the company.
Wedgelock boasts a team of 11 full-time design engineers, all working on designing new hydraulic and quickflow coupler technology or upgrading the existing product offering.
This year, the company introduced two new products at New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays®, which will released to the market towards the end of the year. One of these products is their new hydraulic coupler design. This coupler will be aptly just called the ‘Wedgelock Coupler’.
“It won’t need any flashy brand name or tagline to help market it,” says CEO Matthew Calvert.
“Our new coupler is one that we’re extremely proud of and very eager to put our name on. After 30 years of making couplers, I can categorically state that this new coupler is our best yet. We’ve made it significantly stronger and more reliable than any previous version. Yet, we’ve also been able to make the design less complex while not compromising any of our renowned safety features.”
New coupler features
The coupler features Wedgelock’s patented instant latching system, and it’s also enhanced with an instant reset function so both engagement and disconnection of attachments will be instantaneous. It includes a built-in fully integrated secondary safety device that will promptly engage, if required, to keep attachments locked on, in the unlikely event of a hydraulic failure within the carrier machine.
“Our field trials have already put thousands of hours into testing our new couplers within New Zealand, Australia, and the US, and they have been operating in a multitude of conditions,” says Matthew, “all of which are performing exceptionally well They have exceeded even our highest of expectations.”
Support to Wedgelock customers
Significant investment in software technology will further support Wedgelock customers.
Lance Bower, Wedgelock’s Engineering group manager explains, “Wedgelock now has the ability to create step-by-step instructional videos for replacing components that may have become damaged. Part replacement can be assisted and completed in real-time by watching a customised video providing instructions on how to complete even the most complex of field repairs.”
Other recent investments Wedgelock boasts this year include opening a new office and warehouse facility in Brisbane, putting another robotic welder on order, and planning an automated sandblasting unit and paint booth upgrade.