Attending to their locking mechanism, which type of quick couplers exist?
The previous chapter of this guide explained how quick couplers can be classified according to their compatibility, but they can also be classified according to how their locking mechanism works, in other words, the method of operation it has, how the picking up and releasing of buckets and attachments is carried out. Explaining this other classification is the subject of this chapter.
In this regard, the three types of quick couplers that exist, depending on the operation of their locking mechanism, are the following:
Mechanical quick coupler
Basic coupler system with no requirement of hydraulic connection from carrier required. For locking and unlocking the coupler, manual power with tooling such as wrench required.
These are the most basic quick couplers, which do not require a hydraulic connection from the carrier. Therefore, for locking and unlocking the coupler, manual power is required.
Their operation is done, usually, by the use of tools, such as a wrench, at the coupler itself. Once the attachment has been connected the latching mechanism should be locked (for example, with a safety pin inserted manually) to prevent inadvertent disconnection.
With this system, the operator needs to leave the cabin to go to the end of the work equipment to release a bucket and to attach the next bucket to be used. When changing to use of a hydraulic attachment, both the mechanical locking and hose connection is necessarily to power the hydraulic attachment.
Hydraulic quick coupler
Traditional quick coupler system equipped with hydraulic locking systems that lock the attachment before use. When changing between hydraulic attachments such as breakers or grapples it is necessary to change the hose connection between machine and attachment.
Hydraulic quick couplers are those which are equipped with hydraulic locking systems that lock mechanical attachment e.g. buckets before use, which means that this part of the operation can be carried out quickly from the machine cabin.
Depending on the type of hydraulic coupler, after the hydraulic locking, the manual operation of the safety device may be necessary at the coupler itself to ensure that the bucket or attachment is safely locked. In this regard, if the quick coupler is of the type Forced Locked, there must be mechanical security.
When changing between hydraulic attachments with a hydraulic quick coupler, it is necessary to connect or change the hose connection between machine and attachment, as the hydraulic system of the machine is used to power the main attachment functionality.
Fully automatic quick coupler
Modern type quick couplers with integrated oil couplings (male and female) allow the coupler to switch between hydraulic attachment within seconds and without leaving the machine. Making it easy for operator to switch hydraulic attachment for the job.
Fully hydraulic quick couplers are a modern type of those with integrated oil couplings (male and female) that allow the coupler to switch between hydraulic attachments within seconds and without leaving the cabin of the machine.
They use the hydraulic system of the machine to operate the main attachment mechanism and have an internal safety device.
These systems usually have an indicator on the quick coupler so that the operator can verify from the cabin that the locking system is fully engaged.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above types?
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