Quick Hitches Explained: Mechanical vs Hydraulic

How excavator quick hitches work, the difference between mechanical and hydraulic types, and how to use them safely.

  • Care & safety
  • 1 min read
  • Published 17 September 2026
R22 PRO Excavator with Kubota Engine and Hydraulic Quick Hitch Featured machine R22 PRO Excavator $29,499$35,999 View machine

A quick hitch (or quick coupler) lets you change buckets and attachments without knocking pins in and out by hand. It's one of the biggest productivity upgrades for a compact excavator.

Mechanical vs hydraulic

Mechanical quick hitch Hydraulic quick hitch
How it locks Manually operated locking mechanism Hydraulic cylinder, operated from the seat
Speed Faster than pins Fastest
Cost Lower Higher
Examples Mechanical quick change for R22 Hydraulic quick hitch for R22, R32 hydraulic quick change

Which Rippa models include one?

The R10, R13 PRO, R15, R18 PRO, R22 PRO and R32 PRO are listed with a hydraulic quick hitch. Always check the product page for what's included.

Safe attachment changes

  1. Place the attachment on firm, level ground.
  2. Engage the hitch on the attachment pins as described in your manual.
  3. Lock it and confirm any safety pin or indicator is engaged.
  4. Test before work by pressing the attachment into the ground and curling it to check it's secure.
  5. Keep people clear during every change.

Incorrectly locked attachments can fall. Never skip the lock check, and inspect hitch pins and locks regularly.

Maintenance

  • Grease pins and moving parts.
  • Check for wear, cracks and hydraulic leaks.
  • Replace worn pins before they cause slop or failure.

Browse attachments by job.

See it in person: visit 10 Bushby St, Bellevue WA 6056 or call 1300 263 551. You can also send an enquiry.

Still have questions?

Our Bellevue team can help you choose the right machine and attachments.

1300 263 551
Get a quote

Ready to get started?

Tell us about your job and we'll recommend the right machine and attachments — with a clear, no-obligation quote.

Request a quote

We only use your details to reply to your enquiry.