With today’s advanced automatic quick coupler systems, hydraulic tools can be changed in a few seconds without the operator even having to leave the machine cabin. But news of developments this year have not exactly been pouring in. The market seems very quiet and there isn’t that much real news to report. Could it be that the mega trade fair bauma is only a few weeks away, and that manufacturers are choosing to wait until then to release their news to the market? That said, we do have some interesting developments to tell you about.

New automatic coupler for small machines from Steelwrist

Steelwrist is expanding its ‘SQ’ technology to include the SQ40 automatic coupler (patent pending) for excavators under 7t. The SQ40 enables quick changes of high flow powered work tools even on smaller excavators, providing the same efficiency as larger SQ couplings. This makes changing powered work tools easier and safer, as it can be done without leaving the cab. Considerable development effort has gone into the design of the new SQ40 automatic coupling, with very critical criterion being used to ensure the flow required to drive demanding hydraulic work tools is present. The SQ40 coupler is optimised to achieve a flow of 70l/min thanks to a new and innovative coupling that provides 40% more flow area compared to a standard coupling.

Thanks to a modular design, with a significantly reduced number of components, it is easy to upgrade machine couplings, tiltrotators and work tools from ‘S’ to SQ. The ‘Han-SQ’ couplings on the work tool are integrated into the shaft and by replacing the shaft, the upgrade can be done in a very simple way. This also makes the hose routing very flexible and can be adapted to a wide range of hydraulic work tools. The SQ40 follows the symmetrical standard of the S40, which means that existing work tools with this interface are compatible and the customer can use them directly without any expensive adaptations.

At bauma, Steelwrist will be showing two excavators equipped with the SQ40. One machine is equipped with a Direct Fit X07 tiltrotator and one with a Direct Fit XR7 rotor coupling, both with the SQ40 interface. The two excavators will be shown demonstrating live where they will share a wide range of work tools between them. This will illustrate the efficiency and versatility that can be achieved by equipping a compact excavator with the SQ technology.

www.steelwrist.com

Rotar launches fully integrated ‘ROQ’ adapter at bauma

Rotar will be launching a number of new products at bauma with one focus at the trade fair being on the inhouse developed fully integrated adapter. This provides many advantages as the operator does not have to do any work themselves, as the new ROQ adapter has a ‘plug & play’ solution that is ready for immediate use. It not only offers a flatter design, an optimised load centre of gravity and a lower weight, but the internal direct flushing also ensures an optimised hydraulic oil flow and thus lower fuel consumption. The adapter also significantly shortens the service time of the tools. The cover of the service opening, through which all important components of the rotating head can be accessed, is easily removed with just five screws. This makes the time consuming dismantling of a conventional adapter plate with 18 screws unnecessary. Especially important in times of limited resources, this solution is significantly cheaper than the previous solution with conventional adapter plates and is available for ‘OQ’, ‘SQ’ and ‘VL’ systems. Rotar will be showing this and many other future oriented solutions for demolition and recycling at stand C5.337 in Munich.

www.rotar.com

Klac Industrie releases the ‘K-tiltrotator’

A tiltrotator is not a fully automatic quick coupler, but it is well worth mentioning in this context. The French company Klac Industrie is now releasing its new K-Tilrotator as part of its ‘Klac’ system range. The K-Tiltrotator allows the operator to tilt tools by 55° in both directions and rotate infinitely at the same time. These two functions provide easy and precise three dimensional positioning, thus increasing the operator’s efficiency and productivity. Its optimised working width makes it possible to attach narrower and lighter accessories. This reduces weight and makes the work more precise.

www.klacindustrie.com

Attachment manufacturer Indeco joins 

the Open-S Alliance which launches MiC 4.0-compliant electrical connector

The Open-S Alliance has announced a standardised MiC 4.0 compliant electrical connector for use between automatic couplers and work tools, including tiltrotators with electrical connections. This development will enable seamless interchangeability of machine couplers, tiltrotators, and work tools from any Open-S member, eliminating the need for brand specific connectors. At the same time, the alliance has grown further with Italian attachment manufacturer Indeco joining as an associate member.

Founded in 1976, Indeco is a leading Italian manufacturer of hydraulic hammers and demolition equipment. With a strong focus on innovation, Indeco revolutionised the industry with its patented ‘Smart Hammer’ and continues to expand its product range, including pulverisers, shears, compactors, and mulchers. Operating worldwide, Indeco has subsidiaries in Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia, providing cutting edge technology and comprehensive after sales support. The company remains family owned, emphasising quality, durability, and efficiency in earthmoving, demolition, and recycling solutions, making it a trusted partner for infrastructure and construction projects globally. Other members of Open-S are ACDE Europe, Agri Manutention, Construction Equipment Group, Craig Manufacturing, Daedon Engineering, KH Ma skin, Kinshofer Group, Pacific, JCB, Rotar, Rototilt, SMP Parts, Steelwrist, Volvo CE and Wacker Neuson.

www.opens.org

As was stated at the beginning of the feature, it’s been pretty quiet when it comes to news from other big players in the field of fully automatic quick coupling systems for demolition, recycling and material handling, etc, especially when the likes of OilQuick, Rototilt, Engcon, Cat Work Tools and Lehnhoff are included. However, a news item worth mentioning is that OilQuick has released two new sorting grapples that you can read more about elsewhere in the magazine.