An automatic quick hitch for an excavator

摘要

An automatic quick hitch (1) for an excavator comprises a body with side members (2) that each define front and rear engagement recesses (3, 4) for engaging front and rear pins (5, 6) of an excavator attachment. The engagement recesses (3, 4) having openings (8) adapted to be located over said front and rear pins (5, 6) prior to engagement. Front and rear claws (9, 10) are mounted between the side members (2) and are movable between open positions wherein the engagement recesses (3, 4) are open and capable of receiving the pins (5, 6) of the attachment and closed positions wherein the engagement recesses (3, 4) are closed off to trap the pins (5, 6) within the recesses 3, 4). A ram (15) is connected to both the front claw (9) and the rear claw (10) to move the claws (9, 10) between their open and closed positions. The ram (15) is mounted between the claws (9, 10) via a lost motion coupling (16) whereby one of the claws (9) commences movement into its closed position prior to the other claw (10). Preferably, the lost motion coupling (16) comprises a connecting arm (19) that at one end is adapted to engage in and to travel along a slotted aperture (20) defined by said other claw (10) and that at its other end is connected to one claw (9).