How can the different types of quick couplers be classified?
“Pin Grabber” / “Pin to pin” / Universal
“Pin grabbers” (also known as “pin to pin” and universal quick couplers), are the oldest type of quick couplers. They can be both, manually or hydraulically, operated. They were created with the goal to be able to pick up the original bucket with a quick coupler (+ pin kit) instead of having the bucket fixed mounted on the arm.
Accordingly, they have great flexibility in use in that a machine owner can use a variety of buckets and attachments without changing the quick coupler or buying an adaptor as they attach to the standard pivot pins on the bucket/attachment.
However, they also present the problem that the original radius of bucket/attachment movement is altered, due to the built-height of the quick coupler, as well as they are very heavy.
Dedicated/Specific
Within the dedicated quick couplers type there are the following two sub-groups:
- Proprietary: Its patent belongs to a specific brand and only they can manufacture it.
- Open: Their design is open to the public and any company can manufacture them if they wish. It means their design is not patented anymore, or it was not patented in the end.
Propietary
The dedicated quick couplers (also known as specific quick couplers) are specific to a particular machine or series of attachments. This type of quick couplers was created with the goal to only allow a bucket following the same dedicated standard to be picked up.
The original bucket or attachment geometry of the machine is generally maintained, with the characteristic that specific buckets or attachments with matching engagement lugs must be used with the system. The particular advantages of dedicated couplers depend on their individual design but they often include better performances and smaller size.
It must be noted that proprietary standards tend to diverge over time as manufacturers make variants, as this may affect compatibility.
Open
This type of dedicated quick couplers have a design that is open to the public, therefore any company can manufacture them if they wish. That its to say, their design not is patented anymore or patent at the end.
Within this type of quick couplers, due to their widespread implementation in many areas of Europe, the most outstanding one is the Symmetrical Quick Coupler standard for excavators (also known as S-Standard), which was created and designed by the Swedish Machine Suppliers organization (Maskinleverantörerna) in the year 2000 to solve the problems derived from the fact that during the 80s and 90s a huge variety of quick couplers were used in the Nordic markets.
For this reason, the standard was developed, with the main objective of having a competitive and open industry standard that is not controlled by a single producer but instead controlled by a recognized and independent industry association. It is a safe and user-friendly standard, which is harmonized with international standards such as EN 474 and ISO 13031.
However, it should be noted that the symmetrical S-Standard is a Nordic defacto standard, not an official EN or ISO standard, and applies only to mechanical tools.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each of the above types?
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