Open-S Alliance strengthens global presence

(Image: Open-S Alliance)

Launched in 2020, the Open-S Alliance aims to create a global open standard for automatic couplers that allows customers to combine attachments from different brands using one standardised hydraulic interface.

The new members include Earth Machine Co and Tokumitsu Machinery Co from Japan, and Netherlands-based GP Equipment and Niroc Machinebouw.

Joining as a supporting member, Earth Machine Co, Ltd is a manufacturer of attachments for hydraulic excavators, head-quartered in Yoichi-Gun, Hokkaido.

It offers a wide range of attachments in the Japanese market, with approximately 70 hydraulic excavator attachments listed across many different applications, including digging, grading, grabbing, cutting, crushing, screening, compacting, lifting and cleaning.

“For us, it is critical to have a strong and future-proof technical solution for fully automatic quick couplers that can support this complete range of work tools.

“Joining Open-S would help ensure compatibility, safety and flexibility across brands, while allowing customers to use their excavators and attachments with maximum efficiency and confidence,” said president and CEO Takeshi Sakuraba.

A new associate member, GP Equipment BV, located in Weert, the Netherlands, specialises in attachments, undercarriage parts and overhauls for excavators and earthmoving machinery in the construction and earthmoving sectors.

“By becoming a member of the Open-S Alliance, GP Equipment supports the development and application of standardised, safe, and efficient attachments, improving compatibility and flexibility for our customers,” commented managing director Geert-Jan Stöver.

Another new associate member, Niroc Machinebouw BV was founded in 2018 and is based in Haaksbergen, the Netherlands. The company produces different types of sorting grapples including the Cardismentler which can be delivered with a connection, with or without a slewing ring.

Tokumitsu Machinery Co, Ltd is a Japanese manufacturer of excavator attachments for forestry, recycling and construction applications. The product range includes grapples and mechanical forks, screening buckets, shredders and cutting tools such as wood cutters, grip cutters and pile cutters.

The company also offers equipment for vegetation management, material sorting and demolition, designed to improve efficiency in handling, cutting and processing various materials on site. Tokumitsu Machinery joins as a supporting member.

Stefan Stockhaus, chairman of the board of Open-S Alliance AB, stated, “It’s a pleasure to welcome these four new members. We can see a strong interest and support from attachment manufacturers for our idea of creating an open industry standard for automatic couplers and work tools.

“As the demand for increased productivity and improved safety on the jobsites grows, we believe in a solution that gives the contractors the freedom to choose the right tools for the job, from a variety of couplers, tiltrotators, and attachments, without compromising safety.”