Masterhitch Europe Ltd have redesigned the Masterhitch to comply fully with the Health and Safety Executive's requirements, following concerns over a number of recent incidents involving Semi Automatic Quick Couplers, none of which incidentally have been with a Masterhitch.

The new 'Auto Quadlock' Hydraulic Masterhitch is now fully automatic and requires no manual safety-locking device. The 'Auto Quadlock' has four separate internal safety locking devices fitted. Two of them are independent strong springs, one on each locking pin to hold the pins in the locked position. The other two are separate gravity locking plates which are constantly engaged on each locking pin, locking each pin in place while the Quadlock Masterhitch is in normal use.


The 'Auto Quadlock' Masterhitch complies with all current and proposed/anticipated Quick Hitch legislation and sets the standard for ultimate safety in quick hitch design. The principle of operation of the Masterhitch is that the hydraulic ram inside the hitch which operates the two lock pins is always under constant positive pressure while the machine engine is running and the self-locking activation switch in the cab is in the locked position. If there were to be a failure in the ram or hydraulic pipework this would immediately be noticeable by constant leaking oil and the failure of the hydraulic ram to operate the lock pins and the 'Auto Quadlock' would not release the bucket or attachment.

To release the bucket or attachment the dipper has to be fully in and the bucket ram fully open, (i.e. bucket fully closed). In this position only will the gravity plates release the locking pins. The four locking mechanisms are all inside the Masterhitch and are therefore protected from external damage and from site debris guaranteeing long-term trouble free operation.

(CD/KMcA)