# Changing Attachments on a Hirepool Mini-Excavator

- **Published:** 24 November 2023
- **Type:** Blog
- **Tags:** Excavators, Building & Rennovation

Mini-excavators, otherwise known as small diggers or mini diggers, can be extremely helpful for small landscaping jobs. However, if you’ve never used a [mini excavator](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers.md) before, there are a few things you should know before you get stuck in. One of these key considerations is how to change the bucket attachments on manual quick hitches. We will also go over all the safety gear you’ll need before you hire a digger and begin your project.

At Hirepool, we have a wide range of mini-excavators for hire that can help make your landscaping job a success. Whether you are digging a trench, completing a commercial landscaping project or building a retaining wall, a mini digger might be the solution to your landscaping woes. Plus, when you hire a mini excavator from your [local Hirepool branch](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/branches.md), you won’t have to worry about dealing with the purchase and maintenance costs.

Here’s what we are tackling in today’s blog:

[Safety disclaimer](#safety-disclaimer)

[Safety equipment needed for changing attachments](#safety-equipment-needed-for-changing-attachments)

[The difference between manual quick hitch and automatic quick hitch](#the-difference-between-manual-quick-hitch-and-automatic-quick-hitch)

[The attachments that come with a Hirepool mini-excavator](#the-attachments-that-come-with-a-hirepool-mini-excavator)

[How to change bucket attachment with manual quick hitch](#how-to-change-bucket-attachment-with-a-manual-quick-hitch)

[The range of mini-excavators at Hirepool](#the-range-of-mini-excavators-at-hirepool)

[Other helpful mini-excavator advice](#other-helpful-mini-excavator-advice)

Let’s jump right in.

## Safety disclaimer

It is important to remember that we, at Hirepool, are not the experts in excavator usage and regulations. However, we always make sure to follow the safety regulations provided to us by the manufacturer's specific manuals.

Before operating an excavator, we recommend you take the time to read the ‘instructions for use’ sheet found with your contract or by scanning the QR code located on the green tag of your machine. We would also recommend you do your fair share of research, including having a read of our [advanced gear guide on excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/the-advanced-gear-guide-excavators.md).

## Safety equipment needed for changing attachments

Although a mini excavator is smaller than a full-sized excavator, it still packs a powerful punch. When changing attachments, you must have all the safety gear required to stay safe and reduce the chance of injury. We recommend you kit yourself out with the following gear:

- Covered clothing
- Steel capped boots
- [Safety gloves](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-gloves.md)
- [Safety ear wear](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-ear-wear.md) e.g. earmuffs
- [Head protection](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/safety/safety-gear/692f-head-protection.md?addToCart) e.g. hard hat
- Eye protection e.g. [safety glasses](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/consumables/safety-glasses.md)
- Hi-Vis

As well as the above safety equipment, it also pays to do a few safety checks before beginning your work. Make sure there are no children or pets in your surrounding area when operating heavy machinery. You should also only begin your project when you are feeling confident with operating a Hirepool mini digger.

## The difference between manual quick hitch and automatic quick hitch

If you are looking to operate an excavator up to 2 tonnes, it is likely your machine will be fitted with a manual quick hitch, which requires specific tools. However, excavators from 3 tonnes and up are often fitted with an automatic quick hitch that can be operated from inside the cab of the excavator. If you’re unsure of the quick hitch option on the machine you’ve hired, our friendly branch staff will be happy to clarify.

## The attachments that come with a Hirepool mini-excavator

When hiring a mini excavator from Hirepool, each machine comes with three buckets at no extra charge. These bucket attachments include a:

- Wide bucket: The wide bucket has no teeth, making it ideal for finishing work like grading, cleaning and sloping.
- Standard bucket: The standard bucket is extremely versatile and able to be used for general-purpose digging, excavating foundations or trenching.
- Narrow bucket: This type of bucket is often used for trenching, with a sharp edge design that makes it effective at digging deep trenches in narrow areas. Due to its high precision, it can also be used for digging between pipes, as well as general excavation work.

There is also the option to hire a [mini-excavator trailer](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/trailers/specialised-equipment-trailers.md) for transport if required.

## How to change bucket attachment with a manual quick hitch

Depending on the task at hand, you may find you need to change the bucket attachment of your mini excavator. Before you try and tackle this task, make sure you learn how to do so safely. Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

### 1. Read the operator's manual and instructions for use sheet

The process of changing bucket attachments will vary, depending on whether the machine you’ve hired has a manual or an automatic quick hitch. Usually, an excavator up to 2 tonnes will be fitted with a manual quick hitch. It is often the excavators above 3 tonnes that have an automatic quick hitch. If you are unsure, reading this manual should shed some light. If you are still uncertain, reach out to the friendly team at Hirepool for clarification on your excavator model.

### 2. Ensure you have the right safety gear

Before you do anything, make sure you are kitted out with all the correct safety gear mentioned earlier. This can include steel-capped boots, covered clothing, gloves, head protection, ear protection and eye protection. All of this safety gear is essential for prioritising [safety during building and construction](https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/building-and-construction/), reducing your chance of injury.

### 3. Exit cab

For the manual quick hitch, set the bucket on the ground firmly, disengage the safety lock lever and exit the cab of the excavator using three-point contact. Place your hands on the safety rails on either side when exiting, with the final point of contact being your foot as you step off the excavator platform.

### 4. Remove pressure from the hose line

If you’ve got a tilt bucket attached, firstly, remove the pressure from the hose line. To do this, refer to the operator's manual of the machine you have. Once the hoses are removed, join them together to ensure no damage or contamination takes place.

### 5. Remove the screw in the centre plate

Locate the tools, which can be found in the compartment within the cab or underneath the operator's seat, depending on the model. Once the tools have been located, find the screw in the centre plate of the manual quick hitch. This needs to be fully unscrewed to the left.

### 6. Disengage the red safety locking plate

Once the screw has been removed, disengage the red safety locking plate and remove the bucket from the cab of the excavator by curling the arm away from the cab.

### 7. Attach a breaker or borer

To fit the breaker attachment, set the excavator hitch over the pins of the breaker. Then curl the hitch to fit the attachment into place. Use the ratchet to lock the hitch, then insert the locking plates and locking pin. Re-engage the hitch locking system is automatic. To re-attach the hydraulic hoses cleanly and with ease, close off these two valves to stop the oil from seeping out.

## The range of mini-excavators at Hirepool

At Hirepool, we have a wide range of mini-excavators available to get the job done. Each mini excavator may differ slightly in terms of reach, dig depth and dump height which may affect your job. Our range of mini excavators includes the following:

- [Excavator Towable Standard Tailswing 0.9 to 1.4 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers/330z-excavator-towable-standard-tailswing-0-9-to-1-4-tonne.md?addToCart)
- [Excavator Towable Limited Tail Swing 1.5 to 1.7 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers/331a-excavator-towable-limited-tail-swing-1-5-to-1-7-tonne.md?addToCart)
- [Excavator Towable Standard Tail Swing 1.5 to 1.7 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers/331h-excavator-towable-standard-tail-swing-1-5-to-1-7-tonne.md?addToCart)
- [Excavator Towable Standard Tail Swing 1.8 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers/331b-excavator-towable-standard-tail-swing-1-8-tonne.md?addToCart)
- [Excavator Towable Standard Tail Swing Battery Powered](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/mini-excavators-diggers/331l-excavator-towable-standard-tail-swing-battery-powered.md?addToCart)

If you are unsure which excavator is best for you, make sure to get in touch with us. Our Hirepool team are more than happy to help. Alternatively, we have a blog called “[What Excavator Do You Need For Your Job](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/what-excavator-do-you-need-for-your-job.md)”, which may help steer you in the right direction.

## Other helpful mini-excavator advice

At Hirepool, we have a bunch of written guides on mini-excavators to help you choose the right excavator and learn how to operate one safely. Check out the below for more information:

- [What Excavator Do You Need for Your Job](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/what-excavator-do-you-need-for-your-job.md)
- [10 Jobs You Can Do Smarter with a Hire Digger](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/10-jobs-you-can-do-smarter-with-a-hire-digger.md)
- [The Advanced Gear Guide: Excavators](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/the-advanced-gear-guide-excavators.md)
- [Top Tips for Excavator Safety on the Job Site](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/guides/trade/top-tips-for-excavator-safety-on-the-job-site.md)

We also have an array of videos to help give you a visual overview of all things excavator related. Some of these videos include:

- [Excavator Pre & Post Operational Checks](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFbu9EN6QL0)
- [Key Safety Tips When Using A Hirepool Mini-Excavator](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW3sL2T6GMM)
- [How to Dig a Hole on a Hirepool Mini Excavator](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFUUNJJURG8)

## Use a mini-excavator the smart way with Hirepool

If you are planning to hire a mini-excavator from Hirepool, it is important to know how to change attachments. However, before you even touch your mini digger, you need to make sure you are kitted out with the necessary safety gear. You can then go ahead and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to change the bucket attachment.

If you need more information on safety tips or guidance on how to operate a mini-excavator, check out our [Trade Hub](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/trade-hub.md). When you rock up to your local Hirepool branch to hire a mini-excavator, feel free to ask our friendly staff members any questions you may have.

## Equipment mentioned

- [Excavator Towable Standard Tailswing 0.9 to 1.4 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/330z-excavator-towable-standard-tailswing-0-9-to-1-4-tonne.md)
- [Excavator Towable Reduced Tail Swing 1.8 Tonne](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/331b-excavator-towable-reduced-tail-swing-1-8-tonne.md)
- [Excavator Towable Standard Tail Swing Battery Powered](https://www.hirepool.co.nz/products/equipment/earthmoving/excavators-diggers/331l-excavator-towable-standard-tail-swing-battery-powered.md)

Source: https://www.hirepool.co.nz/articles/blog/changing-attachments-on-a-hirepool-mini-excavator