Miller UK introduce new safety device for quick-couplers
At the recent Plantworx show, Miller UK launched Miller Mate, a new device designed to enhance safety and reliability for the earthmoving industry.
Miller Mate is an in-cab device that simplifies the safe and correct operation of a quick coupler during the attachment changeover process. It replaces the existing toggle-style switch with a simple and intuitive full-colour LED interface which can be mounted in the cab of any new or existing plant.
Gary Miller, technical director of Miller who led the development and design of Miller Mate, commented: ‘Miller Mate is a simple solution to a potentially serious problem. We realized that coupler safety has always focused on the design of the coupler itself, but if there is ever an incident with a quick coupler it is those working nearby who are affected. The new product helps to minimize the potential risks to those working in the vicinity of the machine.’
The in-cab display of Miller Mate shows graphic illustrations of the correct operating procedure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. It encourages the operator to place the quick coupler in the correct positions throughout the attach and release processes. Miller Mate operates the hydraulic cylinder within the coupler only when the operator has confirmed they are at the correct stage of the process.
Keith Miller, chairman of the company, said: ‘The launch was a tremendous success and we have seen orders totalling over 100 units already, which demonstrates the value that the industry places on the safety of ground workers, something that we have always placed at the heart of our business.’
Patrick Flannery, director of Flannery Plant, one of the companies that has help to develop Miller Mate, commented: ‘We’re always looking out for the latest technology to ensure the safe operation of our machinery and when Miller showed us Miller Mate, we knew that we had to add it to our machines. We now know that when our machines are out on hire, every operator will be reminded of the correct and safe operating procedure every time they change the attachment.’
Other key features of Miller Mate include the dynamic safety checks, which are carried out every time the unit is switched on, with potential problems displayed on the screen to alert the operator. The system also logs every changeover to monitor the operator’s performance and flag up any potentially dangerous errors.
