What are the Different Types of Excavator Quick Hitch?

Excavator quick hitches play a crucial role in the construction and excavation industry, enabling rapid attachment changes and enhancing operational efficiency. Understanding the various types of excavator quick hitches available is essential for selecting the right one for specific tasks.

In this article, we will explore four types of excavator quick hitches: manual pin-type, mechanical, hydraulic, and tilt or tiltrotator. By examining their features, benefits, and applications, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of these essential equipment components.

Manual Pin-Type Quick Hitch

The manual pin-type quick hitch is a commonly used attachment coupling system for excavators. It employs pins and a manual locking mechanism to secure attachments quickly. This type of quick hitch offers simplicity and reliability. With a manual operation, it allows operators to change attachments efficiently on-site. However, it requires physical effort and may take more time compared to other types. The manual pin-type quick hitch finds widespread use in general construction, earthmoving, and utility applications.

Mechanical Quick Hitch

The mechanical quick hitch utilizes a mechanical locking mechanism, typically operated with a lever or handle. It provides faster attachment changes compared to manual pin-type hitches. With a mechanical system, operators can engage and disengage attachments swiftly, reducing downtime. This type of quick hitch enhances productivity and versatility on construction sites. The mechanical quick hitch is often favored for applications involving frequent attachment swaps, such as landscaping, road maintenance, and material handling.

Specification – JT Mechanical Coupler

Please check the following specifications to choose the right mechanical quick hitch coupler model. Tell us the brand and model of your excavator, We are very glad to help you to select the right breaker.

Category/Model	Unit	JT-00	JT-01A	JT-01B	JT-02	JT-04	JT-06	JT-08
Length L2	mm	400	410	455	520-542	581-610	760	920-955
Width W	mm	240	280	295	260-266	265-283	351-454	450-483
Height H1	mm	185	250	258	312	318	400	512
A Arm open width A	mm	90-120	110-130	120-140	155-172	181-205	230-317	290-345
D Pins center distance	mm	90-130	140-180	190-230	220-275	290-350	350-400	430-480
Pin diameter	mm	20-30	30-40	30-40	40-45	45-55	50-70	70-90
E Cylinder strok E	mm	90-130	140-180	190-230	200-300	300-350	340-440	420-510
F Vertical pins center distance	mm	185	165	170	200-210	205-220	240-255	300
Weight	kg	24	32	37	50-75	80-110	170-210	350-390
Working pressure	kgf/cm3	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400
Necessary flow	l	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20
Excavator	ton	0.8-2	2-4	2-4	4-6	6-9	10-16	18-25

Hydraulic Quick Hitch

The hydraulic quick hitch relies on hydraulic power to secure attachments. It offers a seamless and automated attachment-changing process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. By connecting to the excavator’s hydraulic system, the operator can control the attachment engagement remotely. Hydraulic quick hitches deliver exceptional speed and convenience, enabling rapid transitions between various tools. This type of quick hitch is particularly advantageous in time-sensitive applications, including demolition, quarrying, and trenching.

Specification – JT Hydraulic Coupler

Category/Model	Unit	JT-MINI	JT-02	JT-04	JT-06	JT-08	JT-08S	JT-10	JT-14	JT-17	JT-20
Length C	mm	300-450	520-542	581-610	760	920-955	950-1000	965-1100	980-1120	1005-1150	1100-1200
Width B	mm	150-250	260-266	265-283	351-454	450-483	445+493	543-572	550-600	602-666	610-760
Height G	mm	225-270	312	318	400	512	512-540	585	550-600	560-615	620-750
Arm open width A	mm	82-180	155-172	181-205	230-317	290-345	300-350	345-425	380-450	380-480	500-650
D Pins center distance	mm	95-220	220-275	290-350	350-400	430-480	450-505	485-530	550-600	520-630	600-800
Pin diameter	mm	20-45	40-45	45-55	50-70	70-90	90	90-100	100-110	100-110	120-140
Cylinder strok E	mm	95-200	200-300	300-350	340-440	420-510	450-530	460-560	510-580	500-650	600-700
F Vertical pins center distance	mm	170-190	200-210	205-220	240-255	300	320	350-370		370-380
Weight	kg	30-40	50-75	80-110	170-210	350-390	370-410	410-520	550-750	550-750	1300-1500
Working pressure	kgf/cm3	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400	30-400
Necessary flow	l	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20	10-20
Excavator	ton	0.8-4	4-6	6-9	10-16	18-25	25-26	26-30	30-40	40-52	55-90

Tilt or Tiltrotator Quick Hitch

The tilt or tilt rotator quick hitch combines the functionality of a quick hitch with hydraulic-powered tilting or rotation capabilities. It allows attachments to tilt or rotate, providing increased flexibility and precision during operations. With a tilt or tilt rotator quick hitch, operators can adjust the angle or orientation of the attachment, improving maneuverability and accuracy. This type of quick hitch finds applications in tasks such as landscaping, excavation in tight spaces, and fine grading.

Specification – JT Tilt Quick Coupler

Category/Model	Unit	JT-00	JT-01	JT-02A	JT-02B	JT-04A	JT-04B	JT-06	JT-06S	JT-08
Tilt Degree	°	180°	180°	180°	180°	180°	180°	140°	140°	140°
Drive Torque	NM	930	2870	4400	7190	4400	7190	10623	14600	18600
Tilt Working Pressure	Bar	210	210	210	210	210	210	210	210	210
Tilt Necessary Flow	Lpm	2-4	5-16	5-16	5-16	5-16	15-44	19-58	22-67	35-105
Quick Coupler Working Pressure	Bar	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300	25-300
Necessary Flow	Lpm	15-25	15-25	15-25	15-25	15-25	15-25	15-25	17-29	15-25
Excavator	Ton	0.8-1.5	2-3.5	4-6	4-6	7-9	7-9	10-15	16-20	20-25
Overall Dimension (L*W*H)	mm	477*280*567	477*280*567	518*310*585	545*310*585	541*350*608	582*350*649	720*450*784	800*530*864	858*500*911
Weight	Kg	55	85	156	156	170	208	413	445	655

Safety Considerations when Using Excavator Quick Hitches

Safety should always be a top priority when operating excavator quick hitches. Operators and site personnel must adhere to safety standards and guidelines to prevent accidents and ensure a secure working environment. Proper training on the operation and maintenance of quick hitches is essential. This includes understanding the specific procedures for attaching and detaching various types of attachments. Regular inspections of the quick hitch and its components are necessary to identify any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. Any issues should be promptly addressed and repaired by qualified technicians.

Factors to Consider when Selecting an Excavator Quick Hitch

Several factors should be taken into account when choosing an excavator quick hitch. Equipment compatibility is crucial to ensure proper attachment fit and secure coupling. It is essential to consider the excavator’s specifications, such as weight capacity and hydraulic flow, to ensure compatibility with the chosen quick hitch. Operational requirements, such as the frequency of attachment changes and the nature of the tasks, should also be considered. Additionally, budget and cost considerations play a role in selecting the most suitable quick hitch while balancing performance and affordability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the various types of excavator quick hitches – manual pin-type, mechanical, hydraulic, and tilt or tilt rotator – offer distinct features and benefits for construction and excavation operations. Each type caters to different needs, providing varying levels of efficiency, convenience, and versatility. By understanding their characteristics and applications, professionals can make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate quick hitch for their specific tasks. Furthermore, prioritizing safety measures and considering factors such as equipment compatibility, operational requirements, and budgetary constraints contribute to optimal equipment selection and effective utilization of excavator quick hitches in the field.