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How to Measure Your Excavator Pins for a Perfect Attachment Fit
3 min read
How to Measure Your Excavator Pins for a Perfect Attachment Fit
When ordering new attachments for your excavator, accurate pin measurements are essential. Whether you’re fitting directly to a quick hitch or using a half hitch, the right measurements will ensure your new gear fits perfectly and works safely from day one.
At Aussie Buckets, we’ve updated and simplified the process into five key measurements you’ll need for your pin size declaration form.
1. Understanding the Five Measurements
To fit your attachment correctly, you’ll need:
- A and B – The distances between the ear bushes (front and back).
- C and D – The diameters of the front and back pins.
- E – The distance between the centres of the two pins.
While a measuring tape will do the job, using a set of calipers will give you greater accuracy, especially for pin diameters.
2. Measuring A and B – Ear Bush Distance
Always measure from bush to bush, not ear plate to ear plate. Place the tape measure from the outside edge of one bush to the outside edge of the other. This captures the full usable pin area.
For example, if both the front and back bushes measure 330mm, then your A and B measurements are 330mm each.
3. Measuring C and D – Pin Diameters
For the most accurate reading, use calipers on a clean section of the pin without dirt, concrete, or buildup.
- C Measurement – Front pin diameter
- D Measurement – Back pin diameter
On most machines under 40 tonnes, both pins will be the same size. For larger machines, different diameters are more common, so always measure both.
4. Measuring E – Pin Centre to Pin Centre
If both pins are the same diameter, the easiest method is to measure from the front of one pin to the front of the other.
If they differ in size, you’ll need to locate the exact centre points of each pin. Choose the side of the bucket where the pins are most exposed for a cleaner, more accurate reading. On our example machine, the back-to-back measurement came to 430 mm.
Tip: Avoid measuring inside-to-inside, as this will give an inaccurate figure.
5. Why Accuracy Matters
- Quick hitches – Small errors are often quite forgiving due to the travel of the locking tongue.
- Half hitches – Even a 1 mm discrepancy can prevent the bucket from fitting.
Final Checklist Before Ordering
✔ Measure A, B, C, D, and E accurately
✔ Double-check both pin diameters
✔ Note coupler type (quick hitch, half hitch) on your form
When ordering hydraulic attachments, remember that all Aussie Buckets products come with BSB flat face couplers. If your machine doesn’t have couplers or uses a non-standard type (e.g., Agri), make sure to note this on your declaration form so the correct set can be included at no extra cost.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your new attachment arrives ready to fit straight onto your machine intern saving you time, effort, and costly delays.
Still not quite getting it? Watch the video below!
If you have any questions about measuring your pins or completing your declaration form, contact our team at documents@aussiebuckets.com.au or give us a call (03) 9917 8598, one of our team members will be happy to assist.