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engcon FAQs

Why is the Q-Safe one of the world’s safest quick hitch locks?

Q-Safe cannot be opened with the tool off the ground. The bucket must be in contact with the ground in order to disconnect* it. In other words, it's impossible to drop the bucket through unintentional opening of the quick coupler lock.

Furthermore, Q-Safe enjoys threefold safety through:

  1. Monitoring functions with audio and visual alerts to warn the operator if the bucket is not correctly connected.
  2. Powerful springs and hose burst valves in the locking cylinders maintain the lock function in the event of a ruptured hose. This unique design feature makes it impossible for the bucket to dislodge, even if the locking cylinder or other hydraulics should fail.
  3. Preventing full excavator use, unless the bucket or tool is properly connected, by activating slew limitation* or boom lift limitation*.

* Accessories

What should I consider when deciding my excavator specification?

Despite the increasing popularity of tiltrotators, many excavator manufacturers do not yet sell 'tiltrotator-ready' machines on certain markets. There are two main considerations when buying a new excavator for use with a tiltrotator - dipper length and hydraulics. Ideally, a shorter dipper should be chosen to take into account the build height of the tiltrotator. For example, if the standard dipper length is 2500mm, choose one 2000mm long so that the extra reach resulting from the addition of the tiltrotator still falls within the manufacturer's safe working range and that there is no chance of the bucket or other attachment hitting the cab when fully crowded.

The standard machine hydraulics can often be used for tiltrotator operation, but the machine controls may not be sufficiently sophisticated to fully exploit the capabilities of the attachment. Tiltrotators are usually supplied with so-called fully proportional control systems. These allow the hydraulic power to be gradually increased according to the needs of the attachment and the task to be completed, for example when pouring type 1 or concrete into a narrow area or using grabs or pallet forks. Non-proportional, or on/off systems which are generally button-operated do not allow the delicacy of control necessary for many tiltrotator operations.

If the excavator has two dual-acting proportionally controlled hydraulic circuits, then basic tiltrotator operation should be possible using the excavator's controls. A third, non-proportional circuit will be required for the tiltrotator hitch. Where a single, dual acting circuit is fitted, it is often more cost-effective to use engcon's DC2 control system which manages the hydraulic switching and flow proportionally within the tiltrotator, rather than have additional circuits fitted.

What is ePS?

ePS stands for engcon Positioning System and is engcon's solution for connecting the excavator guidance system (e.g. Leica, Topcon, Trimble, etc.) to our tiltrotators. The customer selects the excavator guidance system that suits him best (including tilt sensor). Engcon will then adapt the tiltrotator selected (EC206–EC233) to a rotation sensor, the cab harness and a cab module. The cab module is then docked to the selected machine control system (always check with your excavator guidance system supplier to ensure compatibility with ePS).

A single excavator guidance system makes it easy for the operator to excavate correctly and with ease. It's more efficient and saves time and materials.

What is a tiltrotator?

A tiltrotator is connected between the excavator's arm and the bucket and can be compared to a wrist that allows the operator to tilt (up to 45 degrees) and rotate the bucket or other tool infinitely in both directions. If you need extra help, you can select the grapple accessory that provides the tiltrotator with extra functions in the form of material handling. The hydraulic quick hitch beneath the tiltrotator allows you to connect any bucket or tool from the operator's position.

What is Q-Safe?

Q-Safe is the umbrella term for engcon's safe quick hitch and associated products.

What is EC-Oil?

EC-Oil is an accessory that consists of a hydraulic manifold with hydraulics, electrical and central lubrication connections. Because EC-Oil is installed on the Q-Safe quick hitch, the combination provides fully automatic connection of hydraulic tools such as a tiltrotator, grapple, sweeper, compactor and so forth. This means the operator does not have to leave the cab to connect the tool.

S-type vs PUP/Universal hitches?

engcon recommend this use of S-type couplers for several reasons: Firstly, S-type couplers are designed for tiltrotators (bracket angles, digging geometry, etc.). With an S-type, or symmetrical coupler, the digging forces are distributed through the coupler frame, regardless of angle and rotation of bucket and not through the locking mechanism as is the case with conventional pin-grab type couplers. Also, unless a separate and continuous hydraulic feed is supplied to the locking mechanism on these couplers, which will in turn cost more to install, the rotational and angular digging forces can cause the bucket to become loose, increasing wear and risk of accidental detachment.

engcon’s Q-Safe S-type coupler incorporates the latest safety standards, which include pin position and engagement detection, safety valves and additional mechanical spring locks to hold close the hitch in the event of hydraulic failure, positive ground pressure required for hitch operation, audible and visual warning during hitch operation, and (optional) boom and slew restriction when the hitch is open. EC-Oil – engcon’s automatic hydraulic coupling system which allows hydraulic attachments to be connected and disconnected from the cab without depressurising the system is only available on Q-Safe.

Furthermore, the build height of a S-type coupler is much lower (around half) and it weighs much less than alternative coupler systems. Because of this, S-type coupler systems cost less than the alternatives.

Is the DC2 proportional system suitable for all excavators?

In addition to remote support, what else can I do with my smart phone connected to DC2?

How does the tiltrotator work?

The tiltrotator is connected directly to the excavator's arm or beneath the excavator's quick hitch. The tiltrotator is then connected to the excavator's hydraulics and electrical system. Depending on the excavator's extra hydraulics, control is adapted to suit different types of control system. The most common connection takes place via a single or double-acting extra outlet on the arm and the tiltrotator is controlled by a proportional control system known as DC2. The actual control unit is located in the cab (cab module) and the tiltrotator's functions are controlled using our MIG2 – joysticks with rollers that allow the operator stepless control of the tilt, rotation and grip functions if a grapple has been selected for the tiltrotator. Signals from the joystick and the control unit are received by solenoid valves on the tiltrotator thus controlling the function selected.

How do I make a warranty claim for an engcon product?

How do I know which tiltrotator suits my excavator best?

Can Q-Safe be used on all excavators? Together with other products from other manufacturers (e.g. buckets, tiltrotators etc.)?

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