It's the most talked-about topic when looking for a tilting quick coupler for your current or future machine: whether to purchase a Hydraulic Actuator tilting quick coupler (also known as a Motor) or a Hydraulic Cylinder tilting hitch (also known as a Ram).
Actuator style hitches are used for civil and road construction, while Cylinder style hitches are used for agriculture and forestry, according to industry standards. However, as more operators and businesses use each design across a wider range of applications, these beliefs are being called into doubt. We'll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each tilt hitch type, as well as what factors to consider when selecting a tilting quick coupler.
In terms of maximum tilt ranges, the most noticeable distinction between a Cylinder and an Actuator tilt hitch is their design. This is due to the inherent design of cylinder tilt hitches, which allows them to only tilt a total of 90 degrees or 45 degrees each way.
The Cylinder pushes the hitch base in a straight line, with a fixed pivot point at the center of the unit. The hitch base has a fixed pivot point because it is made of steel. The Cylinder would have to push the hitch base further than the hitch base could travel from a fixed pivot point in order for the hitch to tilt more than 45 degrees. All over the world, tilting hitch designers are attempting novel solutions to increase the tilt of a Cylinder style hitch without much success. This is primarily due to the additional complexity that each of these systems had to incorporate in order to achieve the desired additional tilt.
It is the Hydraulic Actuator that acts as a pivot point and propelling force in an Actuator tilting quick coupler; this allows the hitch to be tilted as far as the motor will allow or until something gets in the way of the movement. For the most part, everyone is aware that the larger an excavators is, the less tilt range it has; this is because larger excavators require as much drive and hold torque as possible; in order to achieve the necessary torque and tilt, a longer Actuator would be required. When it comes to tilt motion and power output, it is the piston that is responsible; length = tilt capability; piston area and tooth angle = torque power; and length = tilt capability;
a set fee
Compared to their Actuator counterparts, cylinder tilting hitches have a lower upfront cost of approximately 30 to 40%, which is what drives their popularity as a low upfront cost hitch, albeit with a reduced tilt and wider width.
Actuator tilt hitches have proven to be a worthwhile investment for most earthmoving businesses, particularly multi-role contractors, due to their increased tilt and significantly reduced width. After 5-6 thousand hours of operation, the additional cost of an Actuator powered tilt coupler is offset by the increased productivity gained.
