The fully automatic Solidlink quick coupling system is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The hydraulic coupling block was first unveiled to the world in 2001 and now enables hydraulic and electric attachments to be changed directly from the operator's cab.
With Solidlink, hydraulic and electrical connections can be automatically connected and disconnected during attachment changes. The changeover takes place in a matter of seconds at the touch of a button from the operator's cab. This reduces set-up times, increases machine utilisation and boosts productivity on the construction site. The system offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly in applications involving frequent attachment changes.
Safety as a key factor for success
Right from the start, safety – alongside efficiency – played a key role in the development of Solidlink. As attachment changes are carried out entirely from within the operator's cab, there is no need for anyone to be in the hazard zone whilst the coupling operation is taking place. Electronic sensors monitor the position of the locking pins, ensure that the attachment is correctly positioned and inform the machine operator of the locking status via visual and acoustic warning signals.
The Solidlink quick coupling system has received awards for its safety functions; in 2016, for example, it won the BG BAU EuroTest Award. The award was given to the hydraulic quick coupling adapter with equipment locking detection.
Ongoing development for new applications
Over the past 25 years, Solidlink has been continuously developed and adapted to meet new requirements. What was originally designed for hydraulic excavators is now used in a wide range of machines and applications. Solidlink sizes 33, 48, 66 and 77 are available for wheeled and crawler excavators, as well as material handlers. The current range also includes the latest models, the Solidlink 33-9 and Solidlink 48-10, which enable additional hydraulic, lubrication and signal connections, thereby supporting the use of even more complex attachments.
Today, Solidlink enables fully automatic attachment change not only on hydraulic and demolition excavators, but also on wheel loaders. For the latter, the system is available for a wide range of models, including the L 504 to L 508 compact loaders, the L 507 and L 509 stereoloaders, the L 526 to L 546 mid-sized wheel loaders, and the L 550 XPower® to L 580 XPower® wheel loaders. A second Solidlink coupling block is available as an option for the Compact and stereoloaders. This allows an additional hydraulic circuit to be connected for operating attachments such as a vibrating plate and a snow plough.
For industrial machinery, the MH 40 Solidlink and MH 110 Solidlink suspended quick coupling systems have been developed as specialised solutions that enable the fully automatic changing of hydraulic and electric attachments. Within the Liebherr Group, the technology is now being used in numerous other product areas. For example, Solidlink is also compatible with the large Liebherr mobile cranes manufactured at the Liebherr plant in Ehingen, as well as with Liebherr rotary drilling rigs manufactured at the Nenzing factory site. Furthermore, Solidlink is used outside the group of companies.
A look into the future
Even after 25 years, the development of Solidlink shows no signs of slowing down. Increasing demands for safety, efficiency and digitalisation are providing key impetus for the system’s ongoing development. The modular architecture provides the basis for future functions and interfaces, helping the system meet the requirements of future generations of machines.
