Miller TwinLock 2 - a genuine twin locking coupler with an independent mechanical backup system that locks both front and back pins and does not allow attachments to dangerously swing on one pin.

With all the recent press coverage regarding quick hitch couplers, the importance of ensuring that a coupler is SAFE and which manufacturers do/do not conform to European standards, it is not surprising that the market remains confused and somewhat bewildered over this issue?

It has also probably not gone unnoticed that the world’s number one quick hitch coupler manufacturer has been very quiet in terms of press coverage and advertising. There is a very simple explanation; Miller has been focusing its attention on developing the NEXT GENERATION of quick coupler designs – The NEW TWINLOCK 2 RANGE.

Jacqui Miller explains “We have refrained from placing adverts promising to deliver solutions to customers throughout this period of uncertainty and instead have done what we always do when developing a new coupler, we have not left any stone unturned and have focused our attention inwardly to ensure that we can provide all quick hitch coupler users and their customers the very latest in coupler design technology”.

“The Miller process is a very rigorous one and one that does NOT cut corners. We do not attempt to market our products by painting various components a different colour and in doing so fooling customers into a false sense of security, instead we invest in designing in-built safety features that we then subject to the most stringent testing process” Gary Miller added.

This includes an external review carried out by an independent assessor who ensures that our products meet the latest required coupler safety standards for Europe, namely EN474-1 and the UK Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

What does EN474-1 AND the Machinery Directive mean for quick couplers?

Attachments should not be released if engagement forces are lost.

Attachments that can swing on one pin are viewed as a potentially hazardous situation.

So, just what does it mean to coupler users who operate a coupler that does not comply with these standards?

Put simply, it means that if an accident occurs with a quick coupler an investigation will be carried out to determine whether or not the coupler installed to your machine conforms to the above standards, if it does NOT then the responsibility of this and all resulting actions will unfortunately be yours.

This is a very daunting prospect but one that is absolutely NOT necessary as long as you ensure up front that the coupler you chose conforms to the required standards. Miller intends to raise quick coupler safety standards nationwide and indeed globally.

“We feel a moral responsibility to ensure that we do everything within our power to deliver quick coupler solutions that not only meet all required legislation and UK contractor policies but surpass them. We want to ensure that you, our customers get what you deserve, a safe, reliable product and that all manufacturers raise their game and invest in their product to deliver to you products that meet the required standards” Jacqui Miller said.

To check if your coupler conforms, follow Miller’s simple guide or call our Customer Support department on 01670 707272 and ask for one of our sales professionals to call and talk to you firsthand on all options available for both the pre and post coupler sales process.

There has been a lot of emphasis in recent months on ensuring that quick couplers are safe and fit for purpose.It has been highlighted that in order for a quick hitch coupler to meet the legal requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EN474, it must demonstrate that in the event of a hydraulic failure or the operator inadvertently switching off the hydraulics that it MUST;

1. NOT be able to release the bucket/attachment.
2. NOT allow the bucket/attachment to swing on one pin.

Buckets swinging on one pin can lose their load, endangering workers below.

Attachments that can swing on one pin are viewed as a potentially hazardous situation.

What do the experts say

“Having examined and witnessed the operation of the TwinLock 2 coupler designed and manufactured by Miller and examined the instruction manual, I can confirm that in the opinion of Laidler Certification, Notified body number 0870, the coupler meets the requirements of EN474-1:2006+A1:2009(E)…..The equipment is also deemed to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive 98/38/EC”. Source: Laidler Certification

Our Solution

At Miller, we continuously strive to improve our product offering to meet the changing demands for safety onsite across the UK. Our expertise in quick hitch coupler development has enabled us to offer our customers the TwinLock 2.
Its unique features offer added protection of the independent mechanical backup system, the ABS (Automatic Blocking System) automatically secures both front and rear attachments pins in the event of loss of engagement forces. This revolutionary system also STOPS attachments from swinging dangerously from the coupler in this situation.

“I am of the firm opinion that the partial release of a bucket or attachment causing the same to swing on a single pin attachment would contravene the provisions of the 1998 Directive as the partial release may well cause death or personal injury to persons in the vicinity of the swinging bucket. The bucket itself could cause death or personal injury as could the release of any load in the bucket at the point of partial release”.Source: Ward Hadaway Law Firm

TRUST Miller – The world leaders in coupler technology.

The Flannery fleet fitted with the new Miller TwinLock 2 quick hitch coupler.

Flannery first approached Miller last year with the intention to replace its entire fleet with fully automatic quick couplers. Having carried out detailed research into the existing coupler options available to them at that time, they decided that there wasn’t a coupler on the market that fully met their requirements. Flannery had a very specific request and wanted to ensure their next coupler of choice would fulfil this.

Martin Flannery, “We spoke to Miller initially as we wanted to fit our fleet with fully automatic hitches that would offer additional protection if the back pin was not correctly engaged during attachment”

As with all customer requirements, Miller strives to deliver the right product to meet the application and expectations and began to work on a new design to offer the best solution for this particular customer.

Jacqui Miller, Sales and Marketing Director “At Miller, we like to go one step further and ensure that when our customers work in partnership with us, they will receive added value, no matter their circumstances or working environment”.

The fully automatic TwinLock 2 coupler is based on a proven design, approved and branded by the world’s leading OEMs, which has evolved to keep up with the demands of modern working job sites.

Gary Miller, Technical Director “Our continuous improvement design philosophy allows us to push the boundaries of coupler design technology whilst still retaining functionality and versatility from existing products that we know work well and our customers endorse”.

Fitted with a revolutionary Automatic Blocking System, ‘ABS’ (patents pending), which is designed to automatically capture the front pin in the event that the rear attachment pin is not correctly engaged during the attachment process. It is also designed to only release a bucket or attachment when the operator intends to do so and in a safe and controlled manner. In other words it is designed not to drop a bucket or attachment by accident or through operator misuse.

The new TwinLock 2 coupler is another example of delivering solutions to customers to make a real difference to all.

Part of the overall design process includes significant testing of the coupler in all anticipated accidental and misuse situations before the product is launched into the market place. This includes FMEA and FEA analysis, destruction testing and field trials which Flannery has been involved in and provided valuable feedback.

As with all Miller coupler designs, safety is paramount when considering new design innovations and Miller will continue to offer ALL customers both UK and global with the best that is available now and in the future.

“Investing in a partnership with Miller is not just about purchasing one product, it’s about the changing the face of the construction industry and ensuring that our customers choose the right partner to support them through their challenges too” says Jacqui Miller.

Martin Flannery “We have worked very closely with Miller throughout the design process of the TwinLock 2 and are extremely happy with the end result. I believe it is a very important advancement in quick-hitch coupler safety and I am very proud to have been involved in the design process”.

The Miller and Flannery staff pictured with the new TwinLock 2.

Flannery Plant Hire continues to invest heavily in new machinery to ensure that they can offer their customers the latest in machine technology from the leading brands which in turn creates a safer working environment. They as a company are investing a huge sum in changing many of their couplers to the new Miller TwinLock 2 coupler system.

At Miller and Flannery Plant Hire, safety is of paramount importance, and as such we would like to take this opportunity to re-emphasise the importance of operating quick couplers correctly and always in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Miller continues to be a committed UK manufacturer with a foundation built on safety, integrity and quality and will always ensure we deliver fit for purpose innovative products that deliver REAL value for money – EVERY TIME.

All of us involved in this industry must be concerned at the tragic incidents that have occurred in recent months in the UK, where a coupler has been involved and an excavator attachment has been accidentally released causing injury and tragically death. Here at Miller I am determined to ensure that we do everything possible to help ensure that every user of a quick coupler – whichever manufacturer made it, is aware of what they need to do to be safe. Properly used, a quick coupler is by far the safest way to attach and release an excavator bucket or attachment.

For this reason I have asked our team to address this vital subject immediately as it is simply too important to wait. There are simple steps that every user can and should take, NOW! This is not just about Miller products.

Proposed legislation for the safe and proper use of quick couplers

As you would expect we have closely assisted in the drafting of this and have worked with the HSE and other bodies around the world as they do differ. We have also tested many of our competitors’ products including those with the latch over the front bucket pin and it is our opinion that unfortunately most of these will not meet the current standard EN474. (For your information, EN474 is the standard that coupler manufacturers should comply with) The official legislation wording and the proposed new drafting is available for you to read on the next few pages after this announcement: however put simply ‘loss of engagement force’ also means switching the hydraulics off as you would in a normal release position or this happening accidently or through a faulty part and in these unlikely situations the bucket or attachment will not release or fall off. We believe that the legislation is aiming to ensure that couplers have an ‘Independent’ backup system that forms part of the attach/release procedure of a coupler in service. For these reasons we urge you all to take advantage of our training program and the help offered, no matter what coupler type you operate. As the situation is changing frequently at the moment, we shall update our website whenever new information becomes available.

I am not trying to sell you anything, I do however want you to have factual information at your fingertips that will enable you to make an informed decision about what you need to do next. I know that some users have become confused by all of the information that is currently available and indeed may even have ceased to use perfectly serviceable and fully compliant items of equipment. Such action may be unnecessary.

Please visit the Safety section of this website for further information and help.

If you find that you need further assistance I am sure that we will be able to help you, please do not hesitate to contact us. My overriding concern is that you can operate your coupler safely.

Keith Miller
Chairman

Miller TwinLock Quick Hitch Coupler.

The TwinLock Quick Coupler was the outright winner in the Earthmoving category at the recent SED awards of excellence.

Mark Bresnehan, SED Exhibition Director stated that it “showed great innovation, thought, faultless design and will prove to be a real asset to the construction and related industries “.

The TwinLock, further expands the range of fully automatic quick couplers offered by Miller. In light of current concerns regarding semi automatic quick couplers, the TwinLock has been designed to enhance on-site productivity with optimum safety. It features a new shaped jaw and twin non-hydraulic safety devices in the form of a front latch and mechanical stops, designed to minimise the risk of operator misuse and maximise on-site safety during pick up, release and general operation.

The Miller TwinLock also carries the same functionality of the existing universal Miller quick couplers enabling it to operate with a variety of attachments from alternative machine brands as well as working with buckets in both backhoe and face mode.

Miller had a new, prominent stand location and saw the show as the ideal opportunity to launch its new ‘Award Winning’ TwinLock coupler to the UK market. The coupler was installed onto a Kubota KX91 machine, picking up the Miller Task Bucket range to provide a working demonstration throughout the day.

The crowds gather around the demonstration area.

This was also the ideal opportunity for Miller representatives to talk to customers about its fully automatic coupler offering. A lot of enquiries were received and the TwinLock was extremely popular with visitors.

As well as winning the innovation award Miller were also in the running for the showstoppers award due to a very impressive and eye catching stand. Missing out on this award did not dampen spirits and the show proved to be very successful.

The impressive and eye catching Miller stand.

Peter Beardsley played for Newcastle United during two different spells, in total he made 321 appearances and scored 117 goals. Beardsley was also a popular figure during his time at Liverpool playing in 175 matches and scoring 59 goals, he won two Division One titles and an FA Cup with the club. He was also a popular player with England supporters collecting 59 caps and scoring 9 goals.

Peter entertaining the Miller Team.

Peter arrived at Miller’s Cramlington facilities at 10am just after the company’s long service ceremony and was on stage for two hours, providing a thoroughly entertaining morning. Everybody was then treated to a buffet lunch where they had the opportunity to have their photo taken with Peter. Everyone was very grateful to Peter who was the perfect guest speaker, even the Sunderland supporters had to agree!

The image below shows the gigantic PC 4000 bucket, recently manufactured by Miller at its new Nelson Park facility in Cramlington, Northumberland. This is a bulk handling bucket and has been manufactured for Komatsu USA, the end user will be operating the bucket in a coal mine in Canada. This ground breaking bucket weighs a massive 31 tonnes, measures 4.3m wide x 3.95m tall x 4.05m deep and has a capacity of 31.34m³ (2.34m³ more than the EX 5500).

The Gigantic PC 4000 Bucket.

Gavin Townsend, Operations Director, said

This is another great achievement for the company and we want this kind of order to continue. We are using the physical benefits of the Nelson Park facility to allow us to manufacture buckets of this scale. Complementing our own internal skills and experiences with advice from a number of external experts we have used the most advanced manufacturing practices to ensure this bucket will be strong enough and durable enough to work in the hostile environment it is intended for.

On the move to Canada.

The above image shows the start of the bucket’s long journey to Canada. This example shows Miller’s ability to produce high quality manufactured to order products regardless of size or the location of the customer. Contact Miller if you have a bespoke request.

A recent example of Miller’s ability to manufacture high quality attachments for any where in the world was the production of an EC460C Volvo Grapple (shown on the image below). This Grapple was sent to a customer in Cuba and will be working in a rock environment.

Some of the team involved in the EC460C Grapple production.

Customers from all over the world are happy to specify Miller to manufacture and refurbish quality reliable attachments. With 30 years of experience you can trust Miller to enhance your on-site efficiency and productivity, contact Miller for a quotation.

Miller’s Nelson Park facility is in Cramlington, Northumberland and has the capacity and crane capabilities needed to cope with the demands of manufacturing large special application products, including buckets up to 31 tonnes in weight.