Guide to Excavator Hydraulic Quick Couplers
Mini diggers and excavators are only as versatile as the attachments they can use - and swapping between them efficiently can make all the difference on a job site. That’s where hydraulic quick couplers come in. These time-saving devices allow operators to change attachments quickly, safely and without leaving the cab. From digging buckets to landscaping rakes and concrete buckets, a hydraulic quick coupler transforms your excavator into a multi-functional machine capable of handling a wide range of tasks with minimal downtime. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how hydraulic quick couplers work, how to ensure your excavator is compatible, and the standout features of Rhinox hydraulic quick couplers that make them a reliable choice for professionals.
- What is a hydraulic quick coupler?
- How does an excavator hydraulic quick coupler work?
- How do I know if my excavator is compatible with a hydraulic quick coupler?
- Features of the Rhinox Hydraulic Quick Coupler
- Dedicated Fitting & Installation Kits
- Inbuilt Safety Features - Twin-locking Mechanisms
- Strength & Durability - 2 Year Warranty
- Service, Maintenance & Lifting Eye Ratings
- Purchase your Rhinox Hydraulic Quick Coupler
What is a Hydraulic Quick Coupler?
An excavator hydraulic quick coupler is a tool that lets operators swap attachments on a mini digger or excavator quickly and easily. A hydraulic coupler uses hydraulic power to securely attach and detach excavator attachments, such as buckets, rakes and concrete buckets, without the need for manual intervention. Hydraulic quick hitches are designed to be operated from the comfort of your cab, enhancing safety by reducing the need for operators to manually handle or mount heavy attachments. Quick couplers also increase operational efficiency by minimising downtime between attachment changes, so you can spend more time 'doing'.
How does an excavator hydraulic quick coupler work?
Hydraulic quick couplers make mini diggers and excavators far more efficient by allowing operators to change attachments quickly and safely without leaving the cab. The hydraulic coupler connects to the excavator’s hydraulic system, using pressurised oil to lock and unlock the latch that secures the excavator attachments in place. With the push of a button or switch, the hydraulic force activates the internal locking mechanisms, opening or closing the latches to secure the hitch firmly onto the pins. Built-in safety features like secondary locking systems, often referred to as a “deadlock” latch, helps ensure the attachment is properly secured before use.
How do I know if my excavator is compatible with a hydraulic quick coupler?
To check whether your mini digger or excavator is compatible with a hydraulic quick coupler, start by confirming the make and model or pin dimensions of your excavator - the coupler must match these measurements exactly to fit securely. You’ll also need auxiliary hydraulics available on the dipper arm, as hydraulic quick couplers require a dedicated hydraulic line to operate the locking mechanism from the cab. It’s important to verify that your excavator’s hydraulic pressure and flow meet the coupler manufacturer’s requirements. In some cases, additional hoses, electrical fittings or an in-cab control switches may be needed if they’re not already installed. Checking your machine’s specifications or consulting a coupler supplier like Rhinox, can help ensure everything is compatible before purchase and installation.
Learn more about fitting a hydraulic quick coupler:
Stand-Out Features of the Rhinox Hydraulic Quick Coupler
Dedicated Fitting & Installation Kits
Excavators come in a huge variety of makes and models, and factory pipework can differ significantly from machine to machine. That means a standard, one-size-fits-all hydraulic quick hitch fitting kit often causes problems - hoses that are too long, components that don’t fit, or vital parts missing altogether. If you’ve ever started installing a hydraulic coupler only to realise you can’t complete the job, or been left waiting weeks or even months for replacement parts, you know how costly and frustrating that can be. That’s why Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler dedicated fitting kits are specifically designed for your excavator’s exact make, model and pipework. Every component is the correct specification, length and fit.
Each Rhinox fitting kit includes everything your machine needs for a smooth, hassle-free installation: hydraulic hoses, electrical connectors, fittings and any additional components like solenoid valve assemblies and pressure switches. All connectors are colour-coded and clearly labelled, so you always know which parts go together, reducing the chance of mistakes and saving valuable time on-site.
To make installation even easier, each fitting kit comes with a clear, step-by-step fitting guide and technical drawing pack. These aren’t vague or hard-to-read diagrams - they’re fully labelled, showing exactly where each component should go and the best way to fit it. Alongside this, the fitting kit is organised into labelled bags corresponding to each step of the guide, so you never have to dig through a box hunting for the right part. For example, Bag 8 contains the complete solenoid valve kit - everything you need for that step, all in one place.
Every Rhinox HQX hydraulic quick coupler also comes with a user manual with inspection record sheet, in-cab instruction sticker, and two dipper arm safety stickers. And if you ever need replacement parts during fitting or servicing, all in-stock components are available for same-day dispatch with delivery in 1-2 business days, so downtime is kept to an absolute minimum. With a Rhinox fitting kit, you get the confidence of everything you need, perfectly fitted and ready to go. No guesswork, no missing parts, and no delays.
Inbuilt Safety Features - Twin-locking Mechanisms
For maximum safety during operation, the Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler has been designed and manufactured with numerous inbuilt safety features. The Rhinox hydraulic hitch features a twin-locking mechanism which secures the front and back pin of your attachment in place while in use. The locking rear latch locks the rear attachment pin into the latch, with the oversized coil spring providing a positive pressure on the latch when engaged to ensure the latch remains closed. The curved front hook features a 'deadlock' latch which is designed to lock the front attachment pin into the front hook to avoid unsafe ejection during operation. The curved front hook also features a pin pocket, which helps secure the attachment pin and minimises the risk of the attachment sliding away during connection.
"a twin locking coupler fully compliant to ISO13031 and EN474-1"
Your Rhinox hydraulic coupler is also fitted with a built-in, hydraulic check valve, which maintains pressure in the hitch in the event of a hydraulic system failure - such as a disconnected hydraulic hose. Without this feature, there's a higher chance that your attachment could disconnect unexpectedly, potentially leading to damage or injury to equipment or nearby groundsman.
Strength & Durability - 2 Year Warranty
The Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler body and latch are manufactured from heat-treated, cast-steel making it superior for wear-resistance. Your coupler will arrive ready to fit to straight to your machine with the pins supplied with your excavator. We understand the demands of your projects and we're committed to keeping your equipment running smoothly, that's why we're offering a 2 year warranty with every Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler. We stand by the quality of our couplers and want to provide you with confidence and peace of mind for every hour of operation.
Disclaimer - All Rhinox hydraulic quick couplers must be registered on our website prior to use to ensure your 2 year warranty is valid. If you've bought your coupler through a dealer, do not assume your coupler has been register for you. Register your Rhinox HQX quick coupler now.
Service, Maintenance & Lifting Eye Ratings
Keeping your downtime to a minimum is important which is why we have designed the Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler with a one-piece hydraulic assembly. This simple design keeps inspection and servicing times to under an hour with an assembly and disassembly time of around 15 minutes. This hydraulic system requires minimal upkeep and has no greasing requirements which makes maintenance quick and simple. Rhinox hold all required replacement servicing parts in stock for same-day dispatch (Monday to Friday only).
Alongside this, our hydraulic quick coupler range is manufactured with a centralised lifting eye which comes with a certificate of conformity to support the LOLER testing. The Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler is LOLER rated between 800kg and 5,000kg, depending on the size of your coupler. The working load limit (W.L.L) of your specific coupler will be outlined on the data plate, located on the inside of the coupler body. The lifting eye is centrally located on your coupler to ensure even load distribution and prevent uneven pulling on your machine.
Check out our videos below for more information about the Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler range:
Purchasing your Rhinox Hydraulic Quick Coupler
If the Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler is something you're interested in, order online on our website today or get in touch and one of our team will be happy to help you out! You can also purchase a Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler with your excavator when purchased through a machine dealer. To do this, contact your local excavator dealer and express your interest with them. We are collaborating with dealers across the UK to ensure that you can get your Rhinox hydraulic quick coupler as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you're unsure who your local dealer is, give us a call and we will help guide you in the right direction so you can get your HQX as quickly as possible.
