Quick Hitch Training – Keeping Excavator Operations Safe and Compliant

In the fast-paced world of construction, efficiency is everything. Quick hitches—whether manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic—have transformed the way excavator operators work, allowing them to swap attachments quickly and get more done in less time.

However, as with any piece of equipment, there’s a trade-off. If quick hitches are not used correctly, the consequences can be severe. Dropped loads, damage to machinery, and, in the worst cases, life-changing injuries or fatalities have all been linked to poor understanding and misuse of quick hitch systems.

That’s why Quick Hitch Awareness Training is not just “a good idea” – it’s an essential part of site safety and legal compliance.

At Kentra we cover Quick Hitches as part of our regular Excavator training, in addition we can also cover them as this separate add on course, to enhance your original excavator training.

What is a Quick Hitch?

A quick hitch is a device fitted to the arm of an excavator to allow attachments such as buckets, grapples, and breakers to be changed without the operator leaving the cab (in some systems) or with minimal manual effort. They save time, reduce strain, and boost productivity—but only when used correctly.

There are three main types:

• Manual quick hitch – requires the operator to leave the cab and manually secure the attachment.

• Semi-automatic quick hitch – uses a safety pin or locking device in addition to hydraulic operation.

• Fully automatic quick hitch – allows attachments to be swapped entirely from the cab, but still requires checks to ensure full engagement

Why Quick Hitch Safety Matters

In recent years, industry reports and safety investigations have highlighted incidents where buckets and attachments have detached unexpectedly during operation. In many cases, the root cause was a lack of operator training or a misunderstanding of the safety devices in place.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes it clear: quick hitch systems must be used in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, and operators must be trained and competent in their use.

What Our Quick Hitch Training Covers

At Kentra Training, our NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness course provides operators with the skills and knowledge to use quick hitch systems safely and legally. Topics include:

✔ Types of quick hitch systems – identifying manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic designs and their specific safety requirements.
✔ Safe fitting and detaching of attachments – step-by-step best practice to ensure secure engagement every time.
✔ Daily inspections and fault identification – spotting wear, cracks, or hydraulic issues before they cause a problem.
✔ Legal compliance – understanding PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) requirements.
✔ Accident prevention – avoiding the common mistakes that lead to dropped attachments.
✔ Manufacturer guidelines – why it’s essential to follow them, and what could happen if you don’t.

The Benefits of Training

• Safety – reduces the risk of serious accidents from attachments detaching mid-operation.

• Compliance – ensures your business meets legal obligations and avoids costly enforcement action.

• Efficiency – trained operators work faster without compromising safety.

• Equipment protection – correct use extends the life of both the quick hitch and attachments.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Excavator operators (all sizes)

• Site supervisors and managers

• Plant hire company staff

• Anyone responsible for inspecting or maintaining quick hitch systems

Why Choose Kentra Training?

With over 25 years in the industry, Kentra Training combines technical expertise with real-world experience. Our trainers don’t just teach the theory—they’ve worked on-site and know the practical realities operators face.

We deliver our NPORS Quick Hitch Awareness Training across the UK, on-site at your location, tailoring content to your equipment and working environment.

Book Your Training Today

Quick hitch safety isn’t something to leave to chance. Whether you’re a site manager looking to protect your team or an operator wanting to upskill, our training can help you work smarter, safer, and fully within the law.

Keep your team safe, legal, and efficient. Contact Kentra Training today to arrange your Quick Hitch Training.

📞 Call us: 01606 832 556
📧 Email: office@kentratraining.co.uk 
🌐 Book online: Get in Touch

Kentra Training – Raising Standards, Safe Operators. Compliant Sites.

Thank you for reading our blog about Quick Hitch Training, for more details on the individual courses, just follow the links above. 

Quick Hitch Awareness – our A 2 Z of Safety Training

Our awarding body is National Plant Operators Registration Scheme – NPORS.com