Equipment Journal
Open-S initiative launched by Rototilt and Steelwrist
Rototilt and Steelwrist have partnered to launch Open-S – the open standard for fully automatic quick couplers.
The standard allows machine operators to combine machine couplers, tiltrotators and tools from different manufacturers who are in compliance with the standard and be confident that they will be compatible with each other.
“Open standards make everyday life easier, whether it’s plugs for electrical sockets, computer connectors or excavator quick couplers,” said Stefan Stockhaus, CEO of Steelwrist AB.
“Open-S also builds on the independent and established standard that already exists for quick couplers, the S Standard.”
Products that comply with the standard will be marked with ‘Open-S.’ Open-S, which was launched on Oct. 1, is owned and managed by an independent organization, the Open-S Alliance, which in turn is led by a council of engineers from the member companies.
“We believe in healthy competition, where the industry’s players compete to have the best products,” said Rototilt CEO Anders Jonsson. “We don’t want to lock customers into a closed interface. When customers buy a tiltrotator from Rototilt, they should feel confident that any hydraulic tool that complies with the Open-S standard will fit the tiltrotator.”
The 3 pillars of Open-S
The standard is based on three pillars: Freedom for end-customers to select their preferred equipment, reliable safety solutions and the ability to benefit from continued technological development.
Improving upon safety is a priority, and in recent years major advancements have been made in terms of product and operator safety.
Open-S aims to ensure operators are more confident that safety solutions will continue to work.
The open interface defines hydraulic couplers and ensures that a combination of products from different manufacturers will not in any way interfere with or alter the safety solution of each individual product.
At the same time, Open-S does not define technical solutions incorporated in quick couplers or products. Instead, it ensures that the quick couplers from different manufacturers are compatible with one another.
Open-S is completely machine and system independent, which means continued freedom of choice to define different functions and additional features in the systems.
“Because we have agreed on how to connect the products, customers can freely choose from the product portfolio from the manufacturers that comply with the standard.” Jonsson said. “It becomes clearer what fits together and which warranty provisions apply.”
Both Steelwrist and Rototilt are seeing more customers adopt this type of solution. The Open-S standard makes it easier for contractors to take the first step towards a fully automatic quick coupler system.
While the Open-S Alliance currently includes Steelwrist and Rototilt, the organization is encouraging more members to join the initiative.
“Interchangeability is the point,” Stockhaus said. “Any reputable manufacturer who believes in the usefulness of a common standard is welcome. We are already in talks with more manufacturers who want to join in the Open-S standard.”
Source: https://www.equipmentjournal.com/construction-news/open-s-initiative-launched-by-rototilt-and-steelwrist/