Abstract: A mobile, self-propelled, multicapability apparatus useful for gripping, lifting, moving, rotating, and otherwise manipulating heavy articles. The inventive apparatus comprises: a base structure; a turret rotatably attached to the base structure; a first boom structure having a first end portion pivotably attached to the turret; a second boom structure having a first end portion pivotably connected to the distal end portion of the first boom structure; a first hydraulic assembly for pivoting the first boom structure with respect to the turret; a second hydraulic assembly for pivoting the second boom structure with respect to the first boom structure; a head assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion; and a third hydraulic assembly, connected to the second boom structure and to the first end portion of the head assembly, for pivoting the head assembly with respect to the distal end of the second boom structure.

Abstract: A parking brake assembly for large off-highway vehicles and comprising a housing adapted to be installed around the rotatable drive shaft of a wheel motor, a plurality of clutch plates disposed within the housing and engaged with the drive shaft for rotation or non-rotation simultaneously therewith, a piston assembly reciprocally disposed within the housing and having a normal position of pressure engagement with the clutch plate whereby the brake assembly is normally in a braking engagement with the drive shaft, an annular chamber is provided in the housing and in communication with the piston for receiving a pressure fluid therein and exhausting the pressure fluid therefrom, the application of a pressure fluid into the chamber causing the piston to move into a non-braking pressure position with respect to the clutch plates and the release of fluid pressure from the chamber permitting the piston to return to the braking pressure engagement with the clutch plates.