Quick Hitch Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Coupler for Your Excavator

What is a quick hitch?

A quick hitch — also called a quick coupler, quick release, or hitch coupler — is a mechanical interface that connects to the end of your excavator's dipper arm. Its purpose is straightforward: it lets you swap attachments quickly without stopping work to manually repin.

Without a quick hitch, changing from a digging bucket to a hydraulic breaker typically requires an operator to leave the cab, manually remove the two dipper pins that hold the attachment, fit the new tool, and repin it. On a busy site, this can take 20 minutes or more per change. A quality quick hitch can reduce that to under two minutes.

The productivity argument for quick hitches is clear. But safety is equally important: a poorly designed or maintained coupler can allow an attachment to fall without warning, with potentially fatal consequences. That is why the UK Health and Safety Executive has issued specific guidance on quick hitch safety, and why choosing a reputable, compliant product matters.

Types of quick hitch

Quick hitches fall into three broad categories. Understanding the differences will help you match the right type to your working environment.

Dedicated (system-specific) quick hitches

Dedicated couplers work only with attachments manufactured to the same pin geometry. The machine-side hitch and the attachment-side adapter are engineered to work together — there is no guesswork about compatibility.

• Higher safety: the attachment can only connect if it is genuinely compatible
• No secondary pin or tool needed for locking on most designs
• Consistent, predictable operation across your fleet
• Attachments must be purchased or converted to the same system

Harford's Safelock is the leading dedicated quick hitch in the UK market and is particularly popular with plant hire companies managing mixed fleets.

Mechanical quick hitches

Mechanical couplers (sometimes called pin-grab or manual hitches) use a lever or wrench-operated locking mechanism to grab the attachment's existing dipper pins. No auxiliary hydraulics are required.

• Compatible with most standard-pin attachments without modification
• Lower upfront cost — no need to convert your attachment fleet
• Requires a secondary locking check after connection
• Suitable for machines without auxiliary hydraulic circuits

The Pro-Lok is Harford's mechanical quick coupler, featuring a double-locking mechanism for additional security.

Hydraulic quick hitches

Hydraulic couplers are operated directly from the cab using a dedicated circuit. Locking and unlocking is controlled via a dashboard switch or joystick button — the operator never needs to leave the seat.

• Fastest attachment changes — ideal for high-frequency swaps
• Full cab control with no need to exit the machine
• Requires auxiliary hydraulic ports on the machine
• Higher initial investment; additional plumbing may be needed
• Safety interlocks are essential — ensure any hydraulic hitch has them

The Uni-Lok is Harford's hydraulic quick hitch, available for machines from 0.75 to 14 tonnes.

Safety standards for quick hitches

Operators should ensure they are using a quick hitch that meets the standard. Using a non-compliant hitch can result in damage or personal injury.

EN474-1

EN474-1 is the European standard for earth-moving machinery. It sets out requirements for the design and testing of quick-release attachments. Products that meet this standard have been tested to withstand the forces generated in normal machine operation without releasing unintentionally.

All Harford Attachments quick hitches are designed in compliance with these requirements. When evaluating any coupler, ask the supplier for documentation confirming standards compliance.

Sound Advice for Operators

• Inspect the quick hitch visually before each shift — look for cracks, wear, or damage
• Confirm the secondary lock has engaged fully before lifting any attachment
• Follow the manufacturer's lubrication and maintenance schedule
• Do not use a quick hitch that has been modified or repaired without authorisation
• Ensure all operators using the machine are trained in the specific quick hitch fitted

Compatibility Check Table

Harford manufactures three core quick hitch product lines, each suited to different operational needs. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide.

Frequently asked questions