ISO 13031:2016

Overview

ISO 13031:2016 - Earth-moving machinery - Quick couplers - Safety specifies safety requirements for quick couplers (also called quick hitches or attachment brackets) used on earth-moving machinery as defined in ISO 6165. It is a type C standard (machine‑specific) aligned with the general principles of ISO 12100 and focuses on design features, controls, verification, and user information needed to reduce risks during attachment interchange and operation.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and definitions - Covers powered, manual and mixed quick couplers and defines terms such as engagement system, locking system, working forces and engagement force.
• Engagement system requirements
  • Acceptable types: form‑locked, force‑locked, and wedge‑type engagement systems.
  • Friction-only systems are not permitted.
  • Engagement must withstand working forces and retain the attachment in the working position, including during transport or when the machine is switched off.
  • The design must allow verification from the operator’s station (sensing, visual indication, or testing). Relying solely on applying working forces as the only verification is not acceptable.
• Locking system requirements
  • Locks must retain the attachment if engagement force is lost or reduced.
  • Lock design must suit the chosen engagement method.
• Controls and safety interlocks
  • Defines separate, integrated, initiating, disengagement and hold‑to‑run controls.
  • Requirements to prevent inadvertent disengagement, particularly for powered systems.
• Systems and components
  • Addresses electrical circuits (e.g., over‑current protection), pressurized systems and their safety measures.
• Information for use
  • Specifies requirements for safety labels, operator and installation manuals, and marking of the quick coupler for traceability and safe operation.

Applications and Who Uses This Standard

• Equipment OEMs and quick coupler manufacturers - for design, validation and documentation of safe couplers.
• Safety engineers, machine designers and test laboratories - to assess compliance and perform risk reduction.
• Fleet managers, purchasers and site safety officers - to specify safe quick couplers in procurement and maintenance.
• Operators and service technicians - use the manuals, labels and marking required by the standard for safe operation and installation.
• Regulators and conformity assessment bodies - as a technical reference when establishing safety requirements or inspections.

Related Standards

• ISO 12100 - Safety of machinery - General design principles
• ISO 6165 - Earth‑moving machinery - Basic types, terms and definitions
• ISO 6750 - Operator’s manual content and format
• ISO 9244 - Machine safety labels
• ISO 20474‑1 - Earth‑moving machinery - General safety requirements

Keywords: ISO 13031:2016, quick couplers, quick hitch, earth‑moving machinery, coupling safety, engagement system, locking system, operator’s manual, attachment safety.