Essex pioneers automated quick hitch technology

Essex Engineering claims the addition of Auto-Latch, a secondary backup quick hitch, to its pre existing Lock-Hitch, increases quick hitch safety to unprecedented levels.

The unit employs seamlessly-integrated technology that utilises the existing operating and safety system of Lock-Hitch, and contributes an additional, automatically-actuated secondary backup device.

The Lock-Hitch system has just one moving part, a one-piece, machined steel component that utilises a wedging action to effectively engage and isolate the implement pin. This prevents backloads affecting the primary hydraulic cylinder.

The rationale behind the decision to develop an automatic backup system was that a manual one could only provide an administrative level of risk control, versus an engineered one.

One of Essex's essential priorities in developing Auto-Latch, was to eliminate the need for the operator to leave the cabin to execute or engage a secondary backup function. That is because studies of reported work-site injuries suffered by operators, indicated that most incidents occurred when the operator was either entering or leaving the cabin.

Fuelling another essential priority of the Auto-Latch development, was the widely-accepted statistic that in most unintentional disengagement incidents involving a quick hitch backup safety device, the safety pin was not fitted.

So in order to address this issue, it was critical that the backup system be automatically actuated.

In addition, the Auto-Latch has been purposely designed to provide the unique ability to monitor the health and integrity of the primary hydraulic cylinder. This gives the operator the capacity to detect cylinder seal bypass, check valve malfunction or internal componentry failure, that could affect the performance of the primary cylinder.

This means that in the unlikely event that the primary cylinder should experience seal bypass, check valve malfunction or loss of pressure, the Auto-Latch will not allow the Lock-Hitch to release the attachment. This ensures the secondary backup system is never used as a primary means of attachment.

By utilising the existing hydraulic system to the Lock-Hitch, the Auto-Latch does not require any additional plumbing or valving. Auto-Latch is a mechanical backup system incorporated in the hitch assembly and located in an area protected from any interference from the external environment.

Essex currently offers the Auto-Latch Lock-Hitch for 7 to 30t machines with the development of a mini Auto-Latch system currently in the design stage.

More information: Essex Engineering p/l, 11 Glastonbury Avenue, Unanderra 2526, 02 4272 1830, fax: 02 4272 1829, essexeng@bigpond.com.