Abstract: A powered stump grinder at the center front of a walk-behind machine is disclosed. The grinder machine has a front cutter head assembly pivotally connected to the walk-behind machine by a central pivot assembly connected to the center front part of the frame or body of the machine. The central pivot assembly includes a vertical pivot axle/axis, for lateral movement of the connected front cutter head assembly. Generally horizontal hydraulic cylinders, extending between a frame or body of the stump grinder and left and right lateral portions of the pivot assembly, pivot horizontally and extend and retract to control lateral movement of the connected front cutter head assembly by pivoting the pivot assembly, which in turn pivots the connected cutter arm, and hence, the cutter head assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed systems couple two rotational shafts in axial alignment with each other such that torque can be transferred between the shafts without undesired loading occurring. A shaft coupling system can include an annular mounting housing positioned around a juncture of two rotational shafts with bearings positioned between the shafts and the housing so that the housing prevents radial motion of the shafts while allowing the shafts to rotate about their common axis. One shaft can be coupled to an engine and the other shaft can be coupled to a shaft-driven device such as a hydraulic pump. One shaft can be smaller in diameter and piloted into a recess in the end of the other shaft. In some embodiments, the two shafts have about the same diameter and are linked via a torque coupler within an annular mounting housing that allows rotation but limits radial motion of the shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed systems couple two rotational shafts in axial alignment with each other such that torque can be transferred between the shafts without undesired loading occurring. A shaft coupling system can include an annular mounting housing positioned around a juncture of two rotational shafts with bearings positioned between the shafts and the housing so that the housing prevents radial motion of the shafts while allowing the shafts to rotate about their common axis. One shaft can be coupled to an engine and the other shaft can be coupled to a shaft-driven device such as a hydraulic pump. One shaft can be smaller in diameter and piloted into a recess in the end of the other shaft. In some embodiments, the two shafts have about the same diameter and are linked via a torque coupler within an annular mounting housing that allows rotation but limits radial motion of the shafts.

Abstract: A powered stump grinder at the center front of a walk-behind machine is disclosed. The grinder machine has a front cutter head assembly pivotally connected to the walk-behind machine by a central pivot assembly. The central pivot assembly is securely, pivotally connected to the center front part of the frame or body of the machine, for example, by temporary securement to the frame or body via a conveniently removable mounting plate system. The central pivot assembly includes a vertical pivot axle/axis, for lateral movement of the connected front cutter head assembly. Generally horizontal hydraulic cylinders, extending between the mounting plate and left and right lateral portions of the pivot assembly, serve to control lateral movement of the connected front cutter head assembly by pivoting the pivot assembly, which in turn pivots the connected cutter arm, and hence, the cutter head assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a walk-behind power unit stabilizing system for use on portable trenchers and other equipment. The preferred application comprises a retractable wheel assembly mounted at the rear of a trencher where the invented device is allowed to be maneuvered by the user from a lower, stabilization position to an upper, transport position. The device has a handle that allows the user to move the device from the upper, transport position to the lower, stabilized position, and vice versa, easily by raising and lowering the handle, either by hand or by moving the handle up or down using the user's foot. Some of the main benefits of the invented device include: ease of use; a reduction in the physical labor required to operate a trencher; stability; the ability to more consistently control the depth at which the trench is dug; an increased ability to traverse perpendicular trenches; increased force exerted on the boom when inserting the boom into the ground; and trench straightening.