Abstract: Apparatus comprising a first member including first and second member engagement surfaces, a second member, a pin pivotally connecting the first and second members, the pin having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends, and a retainer for retaining the pin in position relative to the first and second members, the retainer having a center of gravity and including first and second retainer engagement surfaces, the retainer being movable relative to the first member between a retaining position and a non-retaining position so that, when the retainer is in the retaining position, the first and second member engagement surfaces respectively engage the first and second retainer engagement surfaces to limit axial movement of the retainer relative to the first member, the retainer covers one end of the pin and thereby limits axial movement of the pin relative to the first member, the retainer has a point of engagement with the first member, and the position of the center of gravity relative to the point of engagement

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a machine such as a surface mining "shovel" having an arm, a bucket-like digging dipper and a brace. The latter is used to maintain a selected "rake angle" between the arm and the dipper. The brace has first and second end lugs and extends between the arm and the dipper. The improvement comprises a tube-like collar interposed between and connecting the lugs. At least the first end lug is positionally adjustable with respect to the collar so that the "rake angle" between the arm and the dipper may be readily selected. In a highly preferred embodiment, each end lug is threaded to an opposite end of the collar and better "vernier" adjustment of the rake angle results.