Coupler Safety Awareness Statement from Keith Miller

It is now more than 20 years since my brother Gary and I first developed the concept of a Pin Grabber Quick Coupler for the UK market and in the last 10 years alone we have sold over 200,000 units worldwide. We have continuously spent a large part of our R & D budget on further developments and innovation to make these products as safe as possible, as well as being simple to use and effective in operation. Today, we have a number of models available to meet the specific needs of all users and are very proud to be the only major supplier to most of the construction equipment manufacturers (OEMs) world wide.

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