USING QUICK COUPLERS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

More than buckets

Using quick couplers simplifies exchanging attachments, particularly when it comes to buckets. The sheer range of types of buckets compatible with each coupler style makes using a quick coupler an easy decision. Pin grabber couplers are compatible with a wide range of bucket types for different applications and uses and using a quick coupler furthers your ability to go from task to task in a matter of a few minutes.

However, these productivity boosters are not limited to use with buckets. You can use pin grabber couplers with multi-processors, primary and secondary pulverizers, hydraulic hammers, vibratory plate compactors, demolition and sorting grapples, mobile scrap and demolition shears, forestry mulchers, contractors’ grapples, thumbs, rakes and rippers.  Check out the Pin Grabber virtual product tour to learn more.

Minimal maintenance

One of the main benefits of quick couplers is saving time through quick attachment changes. With that in mind, choosing a coupler that offers minimum maintenance requirements allows you to spend more time working.

An eye on your assets

When quickly changing from attachment to attachment, you want to make sure you have a handle on their location. Using attachment tracking and recognition systems, such as the Cat PL 161 Attachment Locator — the most advanced OEM integrated solution — reduces misplaced or stolen attachments. You can view your attachments across multiple work sites, track working hours per attachment to help predict the need for parts or replacements, and view your attachments as part of the VisionLink™ full fleet management program.

Anatomy of a pin grabber coupler

Using quick couplers allows you to stay in the cab while changing attachments in seconds — sharing attachments between similar-sized machines for peak productivity gains. Always reliable, pin grabber couplers feature a redundant locking system made up of a primary wedge, secondary latch and two spring-loaded arms. This redundancy keeps your attachment in place in the event of the loss of hydraulic pressure.

Let’s take a closer look at the components:

• Primary wedge: The primary wedge is composed of abrasion-resistant steel, and acts as a deadbolt, which blocks pin movement. The wedge keeps the pin attached and secure, while allowing it to rotate within the coupler as needed.
  
  
• Spring-loaded arms: The hydraulic system keeps the internal components engaged, pushing the coupler closed. The coupler’s mechanism firmly holds the front pin in place. The spring-loaded arms make sure the secondary latch stays closed during operation.
  
  
• Cylinder: A compact cylinder with a lightweight design provides fast cycle times. The frame of the coupler absorbs the loaders, rather than the cylinder, which is kept closed by constant pressure.
  
  
• Secondary latch: The secondary latch shows the attachment is coupled and secure. Hinged so the pin pushes out and the latch is pushed closed to trap the pin in place, the secondary latch is the first to close and last to open during coupling and decoupling.
  
  
• Lift eye: The lift eye, integrated into the coupler’s frame, is centered for precise item placement. The internal shape prevents load shift, and the lift eye accepts a range of cable, chain and shackle sizes.

These components are designed to deliver not only reliability and strength, but also safety. The coupler’s design is weighted to handle big bucket payloads while maintaining breakout force and digging power. Visual and audible indicators in the cab keep you confident your attachments are connected properly from the time of engagement, throughout the job, until disengagement.

The greasing block on Cat pin grabber couplers provides an easily accessible primary grease point, so you spend less time on maintenance. The shield covers the coupler and helps to keep debris out, simplifying on-the-job maintenance and improving overall reliability.

With Cat couplers, you can save time and energy with convenient attachment changes. See the lineup of couplers or explore attachments to learn more about more work tools available to you.