Comparison Lehnhoff vs Symmetric standard

The Lehnhoff standard (based on an original design by Lehnhoff Hartstahl) is a quick coupler type mainly used in the German market. At Bauma 2016 Lehnhoff however also launched Symmertical type couplers which is the fastest growing international standard.

Advantages

• Large installed base in Germany (which can be an advantage if you work in that maket)
• Relatively compact desigt and in principle on the same level with Symmertical couplers.

Disadvantages

• No safe design that works on all types of excavators
• More expensive
• Not turnable 180 degrees (except “Symlock” but that has as disadvantage machined shafts and a weak design)
• More complicated manufacturing process as that back end is a “angled plate”. Very small deviations in the angle will result in increased wear and tear.

Advantages

• Growing international standard that is increasing its market share in many countries. It is also the only standard that is not “owned” by an excavator manufacturer or a quick coupler manufacturer.
• Safe solution with Steelwrist Front PinLock technology, that does not require sensor technology in order to protect the the operator and ground personnel against dropped buckets.
• Low fuel consumption, low weight and low building height.
• Maintained break out force thanks to low building height. Useful to know is that the symmetrical sandwich solution (quick coupler + sandwich tiltrotator) has a lower building hight in total that a directmounted tiltrotator with Verachtert.
• The tiltrotatorn is optimized to be able to use the gripper cassette on the tiltrotator as option.
• Often cheaper to buy than Lehnhoff type couplers
• Easy to convert buckets to a Symmetrical bucket by welding on a simple attachment bracket on the old bucket.

Disadvantages

• Smaller installed base in Germany.