Contents:
- What is a Manual Quick Hitch?
- How does a Manual Quick Hitch work?
- Should I fit a Quick Hitch to my Mini Digger?
- Benefits & Negatives of a Manual Quick Hitch
- Can I retrofit a Manual Quick Hitch to my existing excavator?
- Does using a Quick Hitch reduce breakout force?
- Stand-out Features of Rhinox Manual Quick Hitches
- Purchase your Rhinox Manual Quick Hitch
What is a Manual Quick Hitch?
A manual quick hitch, or spring-type quick hitch, is a device that attaches to the end of a mini digger or excavator arm. It allows the operator to switch buckets and attachments without manually removing the bucket pins each time. The manual quick hitch can be referenced to by multiple names, including manual quick coupler, mechanical hitch and bar hitch, but all refer to the same type of spring hitch. The main purpose of a quick hitch is to make switching between excavator attachments faster and simpler. They work using a simple latch and safety pin system that allows the operator to securely lock and unlock attachments without the need to manually remove the attachment pins each time. Although not as fast as a hydraulic quick coupler where you can change attachments from inside the cab, a manual quick hitch is a reliable and cost-effective choice - especially for operators who change digger attachments several times throughout the day.
How does a Manual Quick Hitch work?
A digger manual quick hitch is designed to speed up the time it takes to change attachments, but how does the manual quick hitch mechanism actually work? It's fairly simple. All spring-type, manual quick hitches feature an internal spring that controls the latch. When this spring is compressed, the latch opens. To operate this, a lever bar is inserted into a hole on the top of the quick hitch and pushed downwards towards the ground. This action temporarily opens the latch - the latch will only stay open while the lever bar is pushed down. With the latch open, the back pin of the digger bucket or attachment can swing free from the quick coupler. Once the back attachment pin has been released, the lever can be removed and the front hook of the hitch can be uncoupled from the front attachment pin by curling the excavator arm away from the attachment.
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To reattach and secure an attachment, start by hooking the front pin of the attachment into the quick hitch’s front hook. Once this is done, curl the quick hitch towards the digger to allow the back attachment pin to rest above the closed latch. Reinsert the lever into the hole on top of the quick coupler and push it down to open the latch, allowing the back attachment pin to drop into the latch. Remove pressure on the lever to secure the pins in place. The lever can then be removed from the manual quick hitch. Safety tip: Always confirm your attachment is securely mounted before use. The most reliable method is a ground test: extend the excavator arm in front of the machine and press the attachment into the ground. If the attachment remains firmly in place, you're safe to proceed. |
Should I fit a Quick Hitch to my Mini Digger?
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Fitting a quick hitch to your mini digger is a smart investment, especially if you regularly switch between buckets or other attachments. A manual quick hitch significantly speeds up attachment changes, reduces downtime on site and eliminates the hassle of constantly knocking pins in and out by hand, while also protecting your machine from unnecessary wear and tear on pins, bushes and linkage components. For many operators, a manual coupler gives the perfect balance between cost and convenience, offering improved efficiency without the higher price tag of a hydraulic hitch. Even though some may argue a quick hitch isn’t necessary for mini diggers because the buckets are relatively small and can be manhandled into place, this is not advised. For example, a 36” grading bucket weighs around 45 kg, and according to HSE statistics, 30% of all injuries during manual handling occur with loads over 25 kg. If your mini digger is used for varied tasks throughout the day and you value quick, safe and simple attachment changes, fitting a quick hitch is definitely worth considering. |
Benefits of a Manual Quick Hitch |
Negatives of a Manual Quick Hitch |
Speeds up attachment changesOperators may change attachments up to 30 times a day - quick hitches keep downtime low and maximise time in the cab. |
Connection failure due to misfitIf the latch doesn't fully engage, the attachment won't be secured—posing a serious operational hazard. |
Low-profile option availableRhinox manual quick hitches (MQX) have a low-profile design to reduce added length and limit breakout force. |
Slight reduction in breakout forceDue to added length at the end of the dipper arm, potentially reducing digging power. |
Reduces wear and tearEliminates repeated pin removal, helping protect pins, bushes, bucket links and tipping links from excessive wear. |
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Cost-effective solutionAvoids the higher cost of hydraulic couplers while still improving productivity. |
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Can I retrofit a manual quick hitch to my existing mini excavator?
Yes, you can retrofit a manual quick hitch to your existing mini excavator, as long as the hitch is compatible with your machine’s make, model, and pin dimensions. Most manual quick hitches are not universal because pin sizes and spacing can vary between machines, so manufacturers typically offer hitches designed for specific models. To ensure a proper and safe fit, it's essential to check key measurements such as pin diameter, pin centres, and dipper gap. The installation process usually involves removing the current attachment, fitting the quick hitch to the end of the dipper arm, and securing it with the correct excavator pins. Although retrofitting is generally straightforward, it’s always a good idea to refer to the quick hitch user manual for any additional guidance or safety information provided by the manufacturer.
Does using a quick hitch reduce breakout force?
Yes, using a quick hitch can slightly reduce the breakout force of a mini digger or excavator. This is because the quick hitch adds extra length to the end of the dipper arm, which increases the distance between the bucket and the machine, leading to a slight reduction in the digging power. Breakout force refers to the amount of power delivered through the arm and into the ground - basically how effectively the machine can dig or break through materials. While the reduction in breakout force is generally minimal when using a quick hitch, operators should still be cautious when crowding in, as the added length increases the risk of the attachment coming into contact with the machine - especially when using larger tools like a hydraulic breaker. To help minimise this issue, some manufacturers, like Rhinox, offer low-profile quick hitches designed with a smaller overall height, helping to preserve as much breakout force as possible.
Stand-out Features of Rhinox Manual Quick Hitches
When it comes to choosing the right manual quick hitch for your excavator or mini digger, quality, safety, and efficiency are key. At Rhinox, our manual quick hitches are engineered with a range of premium features designed to make your work easier, safer, and more reliable. Here’s a closer look at what makes Rhinox manual quick hitches stand out from others on the market:
Variety of Sizes - Available for 0.75 to 4 ton
Whether you're running a compact micro digger or a 4 ton excavator, Rhinox has you covered. Our manual quick hitches are available in a wide range of sizes to suit excavators from 0.75 to 4 tons, making them an ideal solution for a variety of applications, from landscaping to utility work. This flexibility ensures you get the same quality and performance, regardless of machine size.
Supplied with Full Fitting Kit - Simple & Rapid Install
Rhinox manual quick hitches come supplied with a full fitting kit, making installation simple to help you get up and running quickly. Everything you need to securely and correctly fit the quick hitch to your mini digger is included. Your Rhinox manual quick hitch is supplied with:
- Set of Greased Pins to mount the hitch to the excavator
- Set of Shims (1mm, 2mm & 3mm) to ensure the hitch is securely fitted to your digger
- Quick Hitch Lever Bar & Lever Bar Holder. Secure the bar inside the cab to reduce the chance of misplacing during operation.
- Operation Manual & Maintenance Guide. Ensures the operator has comprehensive guidelines for proper operation and maintenance.
- Declaration of conformity - to certify your hitch is manufactured to the correct regulations and LOLER tested.
- Operation Guide Sticker for inside the Cab. Provides a quick reference to the essential operational and safety guidelines.
- Dipper Arm Safety Sticker. Provides a constant visual reminder of crucial safety protocols.
Compact Design - Improved Breakout Force & Stability
The Rhinox manual quick hitch (MQX) features a more compact and low-profile design than others on the market, which offers several operational benefits. By keeping the coupler as small and lightweight as possible, the hitch helps to minimise the loss of breakout force, allowing your digger to maintain its digging power. The reduced size also lowers the load centre, keeping the load centre closer to the machine. This improves overall stability, reduces wear on components and helps deliver better handling and control during operation.
Captive Safety Pin - Never Lose Your Pin Again
Safety is paramount when working with heavy machinery, that’s why every Rhinox quick hitch is equipped with a Captive Safety Pin. The safety pin is a critical component that must be used to lock the latch in place before operation. Being ‘captive’ means the pin is permanently secured to the hitch, so it can’t be fully removed or misplaced on-site. This eliminates the ability for the hitch to be used without the safety pin, ensuring your attachment is always safely secured.
Captive Die Spring - Secure & Reliable Spring Retention
To maintain consistent performance and safety, the die spring inside the hitch is captive. This means there is a rod that sits inside the spring to retain in within the coupler. This prevents it from coming loose during operation, even under heavy vibration or repeated use. It’s a key feature that ensures the latch mechanism continues to function reliably and safely over time.
Hi-Vis, Greased Latch - Safe & Smooth Operation
The latch mechanism in the Rhinox manual quick hitch is finished in a high-visibility yellow, allowing the operator to clearly see whether the latch is fully engaged with the attachment pins. This visual confirmation adds an extra layer of safety during operation. Additionally, the latch is greased to operate smoothly, helping to reduce friction and prevents premature wear, so your hitch performs reliably day after day.
LOLER Rated Lifting Eye - Compliant & Certified
Every Rhinox manual quick hitch features a LOLER-rated lifting eye, designed to suit a 12mm D-shackle and rated to a 250kg Working Load Limit. Each Rhinox manual hitch also comes with a Declaration of Conformity, certifying it is manufactured to the correct regulations and LOLER tested - this is a feature that not all manual quick hitches in the industry are supplied with. This ensures the hitch can be safely used for lifting operations on-site, provided you carry out regular inspections and have the hitch tested in line with LOLER regulations. The lifting eye is positioned centrally to the coupler to prevent uneven load distribution, protecting your excavator arm from potential damage.
Hardened, Curved Front Hooks - Safe Attachment Changes
The front hooks on the Rhinox manual quick hitch are curved to greatly reduce the risk of the attachment ejecting from the hitch during connection or disconnection. The front hooks are also made from hardened steel to help slow down wear over time, which is especially important when you're frequently hooking and unhooking attachments.
Purchase your Rhinox Manual Quick Hitch
Ready to upgrade your digger with a Rhinox manual quick hitch? Browse our full range online to find the perfect fit for your machine. All in-stock hitches ordered before 4 pm (Monday to Friday) are dispatched the same day for next business day delivery. If you'd prefer to speak with someone directly or need advice on the best option for your mini digger, our friendly team is here to help - contact us and we’ll help you find the compatible quick hitch for your digger.
