Does you coupler allow attachments to swing on the front pin?
February 8th, 2010If so, be informed, read on…
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;
- NOT be able to release the bucket/attachment.
- 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