Quick Hitch Solution
As you will all be aware, the production and sale of semi-automatic quick hitches has ceased following a Europe-wide agreement to gradually outlaw these product. This move was prompted by a series of accidents (and even fatalities) generally caused by the failure of the operator to insert the retaining pin in the prescribed manner.
However, these products remain intrinsically safe if used correctly; and the "ban" is not retrospective which means that there are literally thousands of semi-automatic hitches still in active use here in the UK.
But I have today been to see a company (based conveniently close to the new Resurgam House) called Quick Switch who have produced what appears to be an inspired alternative to outright replacement. They have developed an alarm system that sounds if the operator attempts to run the machine without the retaining pin (and the system can't be fooled by the insertion of a piece of rebar either). And priced at aropund £600 supplied and fitted, it is a low-cost alternative to the outright replacement of the hitch.
“We are currently trialing this equipment on a 20 tonne machine fitted with a semi automatic quick hitch and it is our intention to try it on a 30 tonner,” says Button-Linguard managing director, Roy Gibbons. If we are satisfied the equipment can stand the rigours of a demolition site, as opposed to ground work operations, we will look to fit it to all our excavators with semi automatic quick hitch equipment. Anything that has to potential to reduce accidents and more importantly save lives must be worth investing in.”
6th Apr 2009
ID: 1142
