Coupler Confusion
Why the changes and what are the facts?
At Miller, we pride ourselves in being a responsible manufacturer, working with our customers to design the best in quick hitch coupler technology and to ensure that the products we make provide the utmost safety.
Following the recent focus on the use of quick couplers in the industry, in particular semi-automatic couplers, it has become apparent through talking to our customers that there is still a huge amount of confusion surrounding the issue.
Some important facts to consider:
Miller's unique ABS safety system.
- All coupler manufacturers agreed to a voluntary ban on the sale of semi automatic couplers into the UK following a series of incidents occurring where the operator had not inserted the safety pin.
- Existing semi-automatic couplers fitted to machines can still be used and are safe providing the safety pin is used correctly.
- Some contractors have reviewed their own onsite policies and have announced further measures to improve site safety following meetings with all coupler manufacturers.
In order to satisfy our customers’ concerns about potential incidents that may occur through operator error, we have recently launched the new TwinLock 2 coupler. Evolved from an existing proven product, which is used on sites around the world, the TwinLock 2’s unique safety features have been immediately recognised as offering a new dimension to coupler safety. Individual contractors have also recently announced that they are introducing certain restrictions on their sites in a bid to improve site safety following discussions with various coupler manufacturers.
To address coupler safety on a worldwide scale, ISO 13031 is currently being developed to ensure that only safe couplers are put into the market in future. We have been invited to be part of the ISO working group to advise on coupler safety and to review current standards which may lead to changes in future legislation. You can therefore be assured that safety and compliance comes first in our designs.
The Miller TwinLock 2 Coupler on-site at WH Malcolms in Scotland.
ISO 13031 will not be published until 2011 but all coupler manufacturers will have to adhere to it.
Miller continues to be a world leader in pin grabber coupler technology and it is part of our company ethos to continually update our quick coupler range to meet the ever changing needs of the onsite working environment and to provide all of our customers with the very best value for money.
For further information on coupler legislation that may affect you, please download a copy of our
‘Confused about Quick Couplers’ fact sheet .
Alternatively, please call us on 01670 707 272 to discuss your concerns in person.