Abstract: A device for mounting an appliance (such as a backhoe excavator) on a vehicle (such as a tractor) comprises a fixed frame secured to the vehicle, and a movable frame to which the appliance is pivotally connected by means of a kingpost. The movable frame has elements thereon which are slidable along respective linear guides on the fixed frame, thereby enabling the movable frame to be pivoted relative to the fixed frame under the control of a drive so as to offset the kingpost from the center line of the vehicle. The guides converge at a predetermined angle rearwardly of the vehicle, and the elements subtend the same angle to the kingpost so that the kingpost moves along a straight line at right angles to the vehicle center line as the movable frame is pivoted with respect to the fixed frame. This arrangement enables the appliance to be pivoted relative to the vehicle about a comparatively large angle without fouling the rear (particularly the rear wheels) of the vehicle.

Abstract: A weight transfer mechanism for a machine to be towed by a towing vehicle, said mechanism having a lifting device and a member in use, coupled to the lifting device and mounted for vertical pivotal movement with respect to the vehicle. Means are included to provide an abutment between the member and a relatively fixed location associated with the vehicle so that when the machine is lifted, such abutment prevents relative lifting between the machine and the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and topping a swath of at least partially cut flattened leafy green sugar cane wherein the apparatus, towed behind a propelling vehicle, is passed over the swath of cane for successively performing the steps of gathering the swath, lifting it from the bround on which it lies, pulling the individual canes top first from the swath, supporting the stalk of each cane as it is pulled from the swath, accelerating the cane rearwardly of the direction of travel of the vehicle, and restraining the top of each cane while continuing to move the stalk rearwardly to cause the top to break away from the stalk.