A Comprehensive Guide to Installing and Using a Manual Quick Hitch on a Mini Chinese Excavator
The Quick Hitch Unboxing Experience
I picked up this quick hitch from Amazon, which is becoming a popular marketplace for such equipment. The packaging, though not perfect due to the weight of the metal parts, was wrapped in plastic to maintain integrity. This is an important consideration since heavy metal items often cause damage to their packaging during shipping.
Understanding the Quick Hitch Mechanism
The quick hitch I acquired is a manual type, featuring a screw mechanism to secure attachments. Here’s a breakdown of its components and how they function:
- Screw Mechanism: By tightening the screw, a portion of the hitch moves, clamping down on the pins or bolts of the attachment.
- Pins and Grease Fittings: The hitch includes greaseable pins with fittings, ensuring smooth operation and longevity. Greasing the pins and bushings is crucial for maintaining the hitch in good working condition.
Installation Process
- Grease Preparation: Before installation, I ensured all grease fittings were properly tightened and filled the hitch with grease.
- Attaching the Hitch: The AGT H15 quick hitch was easy to install. The pins fit well, though I had to adjust one of the bolts slightly.
- Securing Pins: The pins come with a cotter key, ensuring they stay in place during operation. It’s important to verify that the pins and bolts are secured properly to prevent any detachment during use.
Tools Required
The bolt on the hitch can be tightened using either a 21 mm wrench or a 13/16 inch wrench, with the latter providing a snugger fit. A set screw is also present to prevent the pin from coming out, though I didn’t need to adjust this during installation.
Operational Insights
Once installed, the quick hitch proved to be highly functional. Here are some operational tips:
- Positioning: I positioned the bolt towards the outside, making it easier to tighten or loosen with an impact wrench.
- Attachment Process: For heavy implements, you can use the excavator itself to lift and position the attachment by hooking the pin and curling it into place. This minimizes manual handling and utilizes the machine’s capabilities.
Practical Applications
With the quick hitch, changing attachments like buckets becomes a breeze. For instance, attaching an 8-inch bucket involved simply placing it in the grooves, lifting it over the top, and tightening the bolt.
Considerations with Existing Equipment
One caveat to consider is if your excavator already has a thumb (manual or hydraulic). Adding the quick hitch will extend the reach of the bucket, potentially misaligning the thumb. In my case, the teeth were now about 4 inches further from the thumb than before. This can be adjusted by welding extensions if necessary.