One-day NPORS N726 training for operators, supervisors and managers who use or work around excavators fitted with quick-hitch systems. Learn safe attachment changes, pre-use checks, exclusion zones and the checks required to prevent unintended attachment release.
A focused one-day course covering the safe use, inspection and attachment-change procedures associated with excavator quick hitches.
One-day NPORS N726 Quick Hitch Awareness training course
NPORS assessment route for experienced quick-hitch users
One-day refresher for existing quick-hitch operators
For business or group bookings, please contact us.
A quick hitch allows an excavator operator to change buckets and other attachments more efficiently, but an incorrectly connected or unsecured attachment can create a serious risk to the operator, nearby workers and anyone within the machine's working area.
NPORS N726 focuses specifically on the checks and procedures used when coupling and uncoupling attachments. Candidates learn how to identify the hitch components, follow the manufacturer's instructions and verify that the attachment is secure before work begins.
The course is suitable for people who operate excavators as well as supervisors and managers responsible for controlling attachment-change activities on site.
Training combines the safety principles behind quick-hitch use with practical attachment-change checks and procedures.
Understand the operator's responsibilities, site rules, relevant safety requirements and the consequences of unsafe use.
Use the manufacturer's handbook to understand the correct operating, checking and attachment procedures for the specific hitch.
Identify the main quick-hitch components and understand how locking, securing and warning systems contribute to safe operation.
Select suitable PPE and follow safe working practices during inspection, attachment change and machine operation.
Complete checks in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements and identify faults that could affect hitch security.
Control the designated attachment-change area and recognise risks from pedestrians, vehicles, obstructions and site conditions.
Fit and remove suitable attachments using the correct sequence and safe machine positioning.
Demonstrate the checks used to confirm that an attachment is correctly engaged and secure before use.
Complete end-of-shift, parking, isolation and shutdown procedures safely.
Candidates learn that quick hitches are not all operated or secured in the same way, making manufacturer-specific familiarisation essential.
Requires direct operator action to secure or release the hitch, with the locking arrangement checked before the attachment is used.
Uses powered or assisted engagement but may still require a separate manual securing step depending on the design.
Allows attachment locking and release from the cab, but still requires the operator to follow the manufacturer's sequence and confirm secure engagement.
The one-day course moves from safety knowledge through to practical hitch checks, attachment changes and NPORS assessment.
Review operator responsibilities, site risks and the potential consequences of attachment or hitch failure.
Identify the system being used, its major components and the manufacturer's operating requirements.
Check the hitch, securing arrangements, pins, hoses, indicators and other relevant components before use.
Establish a safe changeover area and practise connecting and disconnecting suitable attachments.
Apply the manufacturer's security checks and verify correct engagement before the attachment is put to work.
Complete the relevant NPORS theory and practical assessment to demonstrate understanding of safe quick-hitch use.
Good quick-hitch practice is built around preventing unintended movement or detachment and keeping people away from the changeover area.
An attachment may appear connected without the locking mechanism being fully engaged.
Skipping the manufacturer's confirmation checks can allow an unsafe attachment to enter service.
Attachment changes should be controlled so workers, pedestrians and other vehicles are kept clear of the hazard zone.
Compatibility, condition and manufacturer requirements need to be checked before attachments are connected.
The course is suitable for anyone whose work involves using, controlling or supervising excavator quick-hitch attachment changes.
Operators using 180°, 360° or micro excavators fitted with quick-hitch systems.
Candidates who need structured training before using quick hitches as part of normal plant operation.
Personnel responsible for safe systems of work, attachment changeovers and plant-operation standards.
Groundworks, civil engineering, utilities, demolition and other teams working around excavators and attachments.
The current NPORS training and testing ratio document lists N726 Quick Hitch Awareness as a one-day course.
NPORS currently lists a maximum training ratio of 10:1:1 for N726, with up to 10 assessments in the relevant route.
Kent Training's current course page states that training is available for both novice and experienced operators. The correct wider excavator-training route should also be considered where a candidate is not already competent to operate the machine itself.
NPORS learning outcomes include understanding different quick-hitch devices, including manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic systems.
Yes. Kent Training currently offers on-site NPORS training subject to suitable equipment, facilities and safe working conditions.
A suitable excavator, quick-hitch system, compatible attachments and a safe area for practical changeover exercises will normally be required. Specific requirements are confirmed before delivery.
No. N726 focuses specifically on quick-hitch awareness and safe attachment-change procedures. Separate NPORS excavator training should be completed where full machine-operating competence is required.
Kent Training's current N726 page does not publish a fixed course price. Contact the team for current pricing based on location, equipment and delegate requirements.
Kent Training provides NPORS plant training across Kent and can arrange on-site N726 delivery for businesses with suitable equipment and facilities.
Tell us how many people require training, the excavator and hitch type being used, and whether training is needed at your site or through Kent Training.
