Dispelling the Myths about Quick Hitch Couplers

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.