PRODUCT FOCUS
All Xcentric Ripper’s products are patented, as is this screener for sieving different
size aggregates.
versatility and decrease the need
for less physical manpower. Less
manpower on the jobsite equates to
a safer working environment. It can
be challenging as the manufacturer
to convince contractors to change
work habits and procedures. Some
contractors may be stuck thinking
the old way is the best way, when
technology and tools have come
along to help do more work in less
time,” says Martin.
He adds that owing to the
increased use of excavator
attachments, the US coupler market
has continued to grow year after
year. “Competition in this market is
tough, but as safety regulations get
stricter, it’s harder for manufacturers
to comply with their current designs.
In addition to staying up to date on
industry regulations, Kinshofer also
tests products regularly to ensure
quality standards,” he explains.
Heslop says quick couplers come
in two types, hydraulic and manual,
and explains the machinations:
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OCTOBER 2018
“The manual type is normally locked into
position with a wrench turning against a
heavy spring. It normally needs at least
two people to change an attachment
using the mechanical type. The hydraulic
type is activated by the operator from his
station in the cab. It functions electrically
over the machine’s hydraulic system.
The changing of an attachment can be
done by a skilful operator in the cab
without assistance on the ground,” he
comments.
Van der Merwe comments “Couplers
are mainly used by plant hire and civil
companies to change from one type of
attachment to another type, bucket to
ripper, crusher and so on, to be used
on the same carrier [excavator],” while
Gutzeit claims that Dezzi has a full range
of couplers for its full range of loaders.
“We call it a QC Chassis,” he says. “This
is the device that universally joins Dezzi
equipment to any attachment required —
and is done in under four minutes,” the
MD adds, with a degree of smugness.
He explains how it works. “Our QC
Chassis has a hydraulic cylinder that lays