What are Mix & Match Quick Hitches?
If you work in the construction industry, you may have heard of the term 'Mix & Match Quick Hitch'. If you know anything about excavators and quick hitches then you may know that the pin dimensions of your digger and quick hitch must be the same so that the hitch can securely attach to your dipper end. This is the same as your bucket pins having to be the correct pin dimensions for your dipper end to directly mount your buckets and attachments. Learn more about quick hitches.
On a standard quick hitch, the hook and latch on the bottom of your hitch will only pick up bucket and attachments with the same pin dimensions as your excavator dipper end. But 'mix and match' quick hitches have mount to your specific excavator with one set of pin dimensions and pick up pin dimensions of a different machine make and model. For example a Kubota KX027-4 fitted with a mix and match hitch could pick up the buckets and attachments of a Bobcat E35.
Pros & Cons of Using a Mix & Match Quick Hitch
Pros of Mix & Match Quick Hitches
Versatility -If you already have a collection of buckets and attachments - perhaps from a previous machine or purchased at an auction - opting for a mix and match quick hitch rather than a standard quick hitch (such as a manual hitch or hydraulic quick hitch) allows you to use these items with your new excavator. For instance, if you have attachments designed for a Takeuchi TB216 but recently acquired a Bobcat E25, a mix and match quick hitch would enable you to utilize your existing buckets and attachments with the new machine, saving both time and money that would otherwise be spent on repurchasing them. |
Time Saving -
Another advantage, relevant to all types of hitches, is that a mix & match quick hitch significantly speeds up the process of changing buckets and attachments. Rather than manually inserting and removing pins, you can simply use a lever or press a switch to connect and disconnect your excavator attachments. This boosts efficiency and reduces downtime, allowing you to complete your jobs much quicker!
Cons of Mix & Match Quick Hitches
Availability -
Not all excavator attachment manufacturers produce mix and match quick hitches because of the complexities involved in designing a hitch that fits one machine while also accommodating attachments from another model. This can make it more challenging and time-consuming to obtain a suitable quick hitch for your machine, as there are fewer manufacturers that offer these solutions. Consequently, you may face longer wait times and higher costs due to the intricate production process required to customise the hitch to your specific needs.
Cost -As briefly mentioned above, a mix & match quick hitch can be significantly more expensive than other types, such as a manual autolock hitch, because it requires custom-designed parts to fit both your excavator and attachments. This can be a drawback for operators with tight budgets or those who only use a few buckets and attachments. In some cases, it might be more cost-effective to sell your old buckets and attachments and purchase new ones that are compatible with your new digger. This approach not only avoids the complexities of ordering a custom hitch but also ensures you get the full wear life from your new equipment. |
Should fit a quick hitch to your digger? Learn more above. |
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