Leading Edge Attachments,
Inc. is proud to offer the “ Wedgelock Quick Coupler”
system. Couplers are available in mechanical latching and remote
hydraulic latching versions. Models are available to fit most
excavators from 16,000 to 240,000 lbs.
The
Wedgelock product
range is based around the Wedgelock Quick Coupler that is available in
both manual and hydraulic versions. Wedgelock has manufactured this
proven design in New
Zealand since 1989. Many years of
product development and refinement has led to a design that is
superior to most other types of Quick Couplers that are available
anywhere. All Quick Couplers come complete with Installation and Safe
Operation Manuals.
Quick
Couplers are fabricated from a proven combination of materials. All
structural components at the top (machine side) are Grade 350 steel
that is 40% stronger than mild steel while all components that are in
contact with the bucket or attachment are manufactured from High
Tensile Steels. Additionally, maximum rigidity is built into the quick
coupler through no fewer than five individual lateral cross plates.
Wedgelock Quick Couplers have been known to continue operating
effectively in tough conditions for over 10,000 machine hours.
Wedgelock
Hydraulic Quick Couplers
Wedgelock
Hydraulic Quick Couplers are used extensively throughout New Zealand, the Pacific Islands,
Australia and UK
and are widely accepted as a product of high quality, both robust and
reliable. Safety with all Quick Couplers is of paramount importance and
Wedgelock Hydraulic Quick Couplers have more safety features than most.
The Wedgelock Hydraulic Quick Coupler is one of only a handful of Quick
Couplers that exceed stringent OSHA regulations in Australia.
Additionally, the Wedgelock Quick Coupler has met stringent CE
Certification requirements for the European market.
A
wedge shaped locking tongue plate is actuated by a Hydraulic Cylinder
which maintains constant locking force on the attachment pins, at the
same time adjusting for wear as it is used. Because Wedgelock
Hydraulic Quick Couplers have minimal moving parts, they are easily
maintained and consistently withstand over ten thousand hours of
trouble free use.
Safety
Features – Wedgelock Hydraulic Quick Coupler
All Hydraulic versions
of the Wedgelock Quick Coupler contain double acting cylinders and
pilot check valves that add to the safety of the Wedgelock locking
mechanism. A pilot operated check valve ensures oil pressure is
locked into the cylinder at all times while in use.
The
additional safety feature built in to the design is the Mechanical
Wedging effect created by the tongue plate on the attachment pin.
Field-testing of this safety feature has been very conclusive to the
point where attachments have stayed secure on the Quick Coupler with no
oil pressure in the cylinder.
It
is recommended that Wedgelock Hydraulic Quick Couplers be connected to
the Mains pressure pumps through a factory set pressure-reducing
(1800PSI) valve. The electrical circuit incorporates a switch and
audible warning buzzer to indicate when the tongue plate is unlocked.
This feature further removes the possibility of an attachment
disconnecting from the Quick Hitch inadvertently.
Additional safety
features in the design for the USA market, includes a
visual indicator bar and a mechanical “Drop Lock” for ultimate safety
in the extremely unlikely event of an attachment disconnecting from
the quick coupler.
Safety Features – Wedgelock
Mechanical Quick Coupler
As
with the Hydraulic Wedgelock Quick Couplers, the mechanical version has
a fully adjustable locking device. The wedge-shaped locking tongue
plate is actuated by a large threaded actuator which maintains constant
locking force on the attachment pins, at the same time adjusting for
wear as it is used. The threaded actuator is simply adjusted up tight
against the attachment pin with a ratchet spanner. The locking action
of the actuator ensures that all movement is eliminated, minimizing the
possibility of wear problems. A sealed capsule covers the threaded
actuator to protect it from damage, and it is greaseable in several
places.
Also
featured in the design is a Patented anti – loose locking nut that
controls the rotational friction of the threaded actuator to stop any
backing off. This anti – loose locking nut can easily be adjusted with
a couple of tools as part of the routine maintenance check when and if
required in future.
For
use with
severe vibration attachments such as rock-breakers, a removable locking
tab can be fitted to eliminate any loosening of the wedge-locking plate.
And now we are also proud to now also offer the new
“I-Lock" Quick Coupler by Wedgelock!
Wedgelock Hydraulic Quick
Couplers
Image on the right was taken in the shop of our affiliate partners,
Wedgelock LTD, of New Zealand,
of a new PC1000 Wedgelock Coupler mounted on a
Wedgelock manufactured Multi-Ripper, ready to ship to a customer
