Get hitched with Geith
Leicester-based Mick Dann Excavations Ltd have opted for the Claw autolock quick hitch from Geith instead of the semi-automatic hitches on their new 14-tonne and 20-tonne Doosan excavators, supplied by Tag Plant Sales of Peterborough.
The change to the Geith automatic hitch was made in advance of major industry plans to ban semi-automatic hitches, following several fatalities caused by the incorrect use of safety pin semi-automatic hitches, and as a result of which many plant manufacturers are no longer supplying supply semi-automatic hitches on new excavators sold in the UK.
The Geith system has been specially developed to meet safety regulations demanded by different countries and organizations around the world as an alternative to semi-automatic hitches. For new excavators, the HSE is proposing that powered couplers have an automatic device, such as that in the Geith Claw quick hitch, to prevent the attachment from falling off in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
There must also be an indicator – similar to the one offered by the Geith system – which is viewable from inside the cab to show the device is secure.
Managing director Mick Dann commented: ‘The Geith hitch is a proven product – we wouldn’t be using it on our machines if it wasn’t well tested in the field. From a safety point of view, the removal of pins is a continuous problem on semi-automatic hitches and I welcome the move to outlaw their use for increased safety.’
The two new machines acquired by Mick Dann Excavations are part of a fleet of five Doosan excavators and a Doosan Mega 400 loading shovel, which are being used to load construction debris from sites across Leicestershire into the company’s crushing and screening equipment for commercial sale.
According to Geith, the Claw hitch offers the widest range of attachment interchange across different machine models of any coupler on the market.
Its patented safety features include a positively activated pin-lock that ensures safe release of attachments, providing advantages over gravity-operated systems where dirt and corrosion can cause jamming and malfunction.
The system’s hydraulic circuit incorporates two independent in-line check valves backed up by Geith’s patented over-centring pin retaining clasp, which prevents the accidental release of an attachment in the event of loss of hydraulic pressure.
The quick hitch is manufactured using both extra-high-strength and abrasion-resistant steels for maximum reliance and durability, as well as to ISO 9002 standards.
Geith International Ltd, Crown Business Park, Tredegar, Gwent NP2 4EE; tel; (01495) 723571; fax: (01495) 717064
The change to the Geith automatic hitch was made in advance of major industry plans to ban semi-automatic hitches, following several fatalities caused by the incorrect use of safety pin semi-automatic hitches, and as a result of which many plant manufacturers are no longer supplying supply semi-automatic hitches on new excavators sold in the UK.
The Geith system has been specially developed to meet safety regulations demanded by different countries and organizations around the world as an alternative to semi-automatic hitches. For new excavators, the HSE is proposing that powered couplers have an automatic device, such as that in the Geith Claw quick hitch, to prevent the attachment from falling off in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
There must also be an indicator – similar to the one offered by the Geith system – which is viewable from inside the cab to show the device is secure.
Managing director Mick Dann commented: ‘The Geith hitch is a proven product – we wouldn’t be using it on our machines if it wasn’t well tested in the field. From a safety point of view, the removal of pins is a continuous problem on semi-automatic hitches and I welcome the move to outlaw their use for increased safety.’
The two new machines acquired by Mick Dann Excavations are part of a fleet of five Doosan excavators and a Doosan Mega 400 loading shovel, which are being used to load construction debris from sites across Leicestershire into the company’s crushing and screening equipment for commercial sale.
According to Geith, the Claw hitch offers the widest range of attachment interchange across different machine models of any coupler on the market.
Its patented safety features include a positively activated pin-lock that ensures safe release of attachments, providing advantages over gravity-operated systems where dirt and corrosion can cause jamming and malfunction.
The system’s hydraulic circuit incorporates two independent in-line check valves backed up by Geith’s patented over-centring pin retaining clasp, which prevents the accidental release of an attachment in the event of loss of hydraulic pressure.
The quick hitch is manufactured using both extra-high-strength and abrasion-resistant steels for maximum reliance and durability, as well as to ISO 9002 standards.
Geith International Ltd, Crown Business Park, Tredegar, Gwent NP2 4EE; tel; (01495) 723571; fax: (01495) 717064
