The attachment systems CW05, CW10, CW20, CW30 and CW40 are used with excavators of various weight classes. For a digging bucket, screening bucket, ripper tooth, root rake, or other attachment to fit an existing quick coupler, the hitch must be correctly determined.
In this guide, we show you how to correctly measure a CW hitch, what the differences are between common sizes, and why for CW20, CW30, and CW40 in particular, the version and machine class must also be considered.
What is the difference between CW05, CW10, CW20, CW30, and CW40?
The different CW sizes are designed for different machine classes. To determine the hitch, we use three measurements: the pin diameter (A), the internal width (B), and the center-to-center axle distance (C).
The following values can be used for orientation:
| Hitch | A – Pin-Ø | B – Internal Width | C – Axle Distance | Approx. Excavator Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW05 | 40 mm | 180 mm | 200 mm | 1.0–3.5 t |
| CW10 | 50 mm | 320 mm | 300 mm | 3.0–10.5 t |
| CW20S | 60 mm | 430 mm | 475 mm | 7.5–16.0 t |
| CW20 | 60 mm | 560 mm | 475 mm | 7.5–16.0 t |
| CW30S | 60 mm | 430 mm | 475 mm | 14.0–21.0 t |
| CW30 | 60 mm | 560 mm | 475 mm | 14.0–21.0 t |
| CW40S | 60 mm | 430 mm | 475 mm | 19.0–23.0 t |
| CW40 | 60 mm | 560 mm | 475 mm | 19.0–27.0 t |
The stated dimensions and weight classes are for identification and orientation purposes. Before ordering, the actual dimensions and the hitch type of the existing quick coupler must be checked.
How do I measure a CW hitch?
To determine a Verachtert CW hitch, three measurements are required:
- A – Pin-Ø: Measure the diameter of the pin or hitch.
- B – Internal Width: Measure the clear distance between the internal mounting surfaces.
- C – Axle Distance: Measure the distance from the center of the front hitch to the center of the rear hitch (center-to-center).
Important: Internal width and axle distance are two different measurements. Both values should be measured separately for a CW hitch.
A pictorial measuring guide can be found in our hitch finder.
→ Determine CW hitch with the hitch finder
CW05 – for smaller excavators and mini excavators
The CW05 hitch has a pin-Ø of 40 mm, an internal width of 180 mm, and an axle distance of 200 mm for orientation.
The assigned machine class is approximately 1.0 to 3.5 tons. However, the existing hitch type and the measured dimensions are decisive for actual compatibility.
CW10 – for mini excavators and compact excavators
The CW10 hitch has a pin-Ø of 50 mm, an internal width of 320 mm, and an axle distance of 300 mm for orientation.
The assigned machine class is approximately 3.0 to 10.5 tons.
CW20, CW30 and CW40 – same connection dimensions, different machine classes
For the standard versions of CW20, CW30, and CW40, the following connection dimensions are used:
- A – Pin-Ø: 60 mm
- B – Internal Width: 560 mm
- C – Axle Distance: 475 mm
Therefore, CW20, CW30, and CW40 cannot be uniquely distinguished based on these three connection dimensions. For further classification, the machine class, version, and hitch type must be considered.
What do CW20S, CW30S or CW40S mean?
In addition to the standard version, there is a narrow S-version. For CW20S, CW30S, and CW40S, the internal width is approximately 430 mm.
- A – Pin-Ø: 60 mm
- B – Internal Width: 430 mm
- C – Axle Distance: 475 mm
This distinguishes the narrow S-version from the standard 560 mm version. Within the S-group, however, CW20S, CW30S, and CW40S again have the same connection dimensions listed here.
Which excavator classes belong to CW20, CW30, and CW40?
The machine class can serve as an additional orientation for identical connection dimensions:
- CW20 / CW20S: approx. 7.5–16.0 t
- CW30 / CW30S: approx. 14.0–21.0 t
- CW40: approx. 19.0–27.0 t
- CW40S: approx. 19.0–23.0 t
However, the weight class alone is not reliable proof for the actually mounted hitch. The measured connection dimensions and the quick coupler's design are decisive.
Why can't CW20, CW30, and CW40 be distinguished by dimensions alone?
The standard versions of CW20, CW30, and CW40 have the same pin diameter, internal width, and axle distance for the reference values used here.
Therefore, a measurement result of 60 mm pin-Ø, 560 mm internal width, and 475 mm axle distance initially means that the hitch fits the group CW20 / CW30 / CW40.
Accordingly, a measurement result of 60 mm pin-Ø, 430 mm internal width, and 475 mm axle distance indicates the narrow group CW20S / CW30S / CW40S.
The exact size must then be narrowed down using further characteristics, especially machine class and version.
Can I determine the CW hitch based on my excavator model?
Not reliably. Depending on the year of manufacture, equipment, or retrofitted quick coupler, different attachment systems may be installed on an excavator model.
Therefore, we recommend directly measuring the existing hitch and additionally comparing the hitch type.
Which attachment fits my CW hitch?
Once your hitch has been determined or narrowed down, you can specifically search for suitable attachments. At Heinz Baumaschinen you will find among others:
With our hitch finder, you can first narrow down your hitch based on the measured values.
What to do if I cannot clearly identify my CW hitch?
If you cannot clearly identify your CW hitch, do not order an attachment based solely on a presumed CW designation.
It is best to send us photos of the hitch as well as pin-Ø, internal width, and axle distance. We will gladly help you to more precisely assign the existing hitch.
Brand Notice: Verachtert is a brand of its respective rights holder. The mentioned brand and system designations are used exclusively for identification, assignment, and description of the compatibility of attachment systems. Heinz Baumaschinen has no business connection with the brand owner. The attachments offered are, unless expressly stated otherwise, not original products of the mentioned brand manufacturer.
