Abstract: A tool mounting apparatus is disclosed for detachably mounting a tool component such as for example a bucket, on a carrier such as for example the dipper stick of a backhoe. A power hitch component is connected to the carrier. Notches on one of the components are arranged to receive a first engagement member(s) on the other component. A support surface on the power hitch component is arranged to engage a second engagement member(s) on the tool component. A power actuated locking member is mounted on the power hitch component for movement between an unlocked position permitting relative engagement and disengagement between the notches and first engagement member(s) as well as between the support surface and the second engagement member(s), and a locked position securing the second engagement member(s) relative to the support surface.

Abstract: In a material handling machine having a turret, a boom supported by the turret for movement about a first pivot, and a piston-cylinder unit for pivoting the boom about the first pivot, the piston-cylinder unit being supported by the turret for pivotal movement about a second pivot parallel to the first pivot, the improvement comprising at least one of the aforesaid pivots being journalled for rotation in the bore of an eccentric sleeve member which is in turn journalled for adjustable rotation in the turret. Rotation of the eccentric sleeve produces a change in the distance between the first and second pivots, with an accompanying variation in the speed-power relationship of boom movement.

Abstract: This invention is directed to fluid actuated apparatus for automatically restricting the flow of fluid in conduits leading to and/or from fluid actuated cylinder means for causing pivotal movement of a member, such as the turret carrying the boom and bucket of a backhoe, so that the speed of pivotal movement of the member is rapid during one portion of its pivotal movement but is automatically reduced during a predetermined portion of its subsequent pivotal movement, thereby minimizing failures of the components of the member and the fluid system and improving the braking action for reducing the speed of pivotal movement of the member. In one embodiment, both the flow of fluid to the operative fluid actuated cylinder and the flow of fluid from the inoperative fluid actuated cylinder are restricted substantially simultaneously by fluid restricting means so that the linear velocities of the rods of both cylinders are reduced substantially simultaneously by the fluid restricting means.

Abstract: Swing mechanism for a backhoe, crane or other earthmoving apparatus which includes a main frame, a rotatable turret supported by the frame, the drive mechanism includes a pair of hydraulic rams supported by the frame in partially coextensive lateral relationship. The drive strokes of said rams are generally in opposite directions. Associated with each ram, the drive mechanism includes a pivotable lever and an elongate flexible member connected to generally opposite points on the turret to rotate the turret in opposite direction. The flexible members extend from the pivotable levers in generally opposite directions to points of engagement with an arcuate member and then extend at least partially about the circumference of the arcuate member to their point of connection to the turret.

Abstract: Hitch for coupling together a self-propelled hauling vehicle or tractor and a separate earth moving rig or backhoe which includes hydraulic stabilizers for raising and lowering the coupling end portion of the backhoe. The tractor and backhoe are each provided with interengageable coupling elements and when the tractor and backhoe are to be hitched up they are positioned in contiguous end-to-end relationship and the coupling end of the backhoe is lowered for interengagement of respective coupling elements. The tractor has inclined laterally spaced guideways sloping downwardly one toward the other. The backhoe is provided with a guide member which extends outwardly from the coupling end of the backhoe so as to be at least partially coextensive longitudinally with the inclined guideways for engagement therewith when the tractor and backhoe are positioned in end-to-end contiguous relation. The backhoe is then lowered for coupling interengagement of their respective coupling elements.