Weldco-Beales Mfg. (WBM) recently announced the newest addition to its suite of excavator couplers: the patented HL (Hydraulic Lock) Series Hydraulic Wedge Coupler. The new HL Series Coupler maintains similar features of the previous Hydraulic Wedge Coupler with an additional hydraulically activated safety-locking feature that effectively eliminates the need for a manual safety lock to be installed after hooking-up to the attachment.
The Evolution of the WBM Wedge Style Coupler System
WBM’s Wedge-Style excavator coupler systems (or quick couplers) allow operators to quickly change between attachments in the same machine class. The WBM manual coupler made its debut back in 1987 and the first WT-QC hydraulic coupler was released in 1993 for a JD 790D. WBM wedge couplers and wedge-lugged attachments quickly became the industry standard for dealers and their end users by offering superior breakout force retention while giving operators the flexibility to quickly and safely change attachments in the field. The new HL Series Hydraulic Wedge Coupler is the latest evolution of their flagship product.
The HL Series Coupler utilizes a double-acting hydraulic cylinder to engage and disengage the wedge bar while activating a hydraulic wedge bar safety lock. The safety lock mechanism provides a visual indication of the wedge bar engagement to the operator, allowing the operator to remain inside the cab. The control box is mounted in the operator’s cab, equipped with both visual and audible alarm features. The HL Wedge Coupler is currently available for 120 to 400 series excavators and is compatible with most factory supplied coupler control units.
For more information, check out the new HL Series Hydraulic Wedge Coupler Product page.
