Abstract: Log handling attachments frequently encounter inadvertent log loss during transportation, and damage to the logs and the log handling forks (36,38) due to excessive loading. A log handling attachment (14) is provided which has a pair of log carrying forks (36,38), a clamp (48), an ejector (88), a first power device (50) actuatable to pivotally move the clamp (48) between open and closed positions (51,53), a second power device (93) actuatable to move the ejector (88) between log accepting and log rejecting positions (94,96), and an apparatus (70) actuatable to move the clamp between the closed position (53) and a log grappling position (86) relative to the ejector (88) at which the logs are elevationally supported above the forks (36,38). Thus the problems of log loss, log damage and fork failure is alleviated. The log handling attachment (14) is particularly suited for use on a lift mast (12) of a lift truck (10).

Abstract: In a vehicle (12, 12a) having interlock means (39, 39a) for maintaining the vehicle transmission (16, 16a) in neutral if powered travel is attempted while the parking brake (29, 29a) is engaged, interlock control means (51, 51a) are provided for inactivating the interlock once the vehicle is undergoing powered travel. If it becomes necessary to use the parking brake to stop motion of the vehicle, the retarding action of the engine (13, 13a) is effective, through the still engaged transmission, to supplement such emergency use of the parking brake.

Abstract: A steering axle for a vehicle, such as a lift truck, has a frame for supporting the king pins and steering knuckles for mounting the steering wheels to the vehicle. A power steering actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, has a rod connected to said knuckles for turning the wheels upon demand. The cylinder is carried by the frame in a manner to permit the cylinder to move in response to changes in loading on the vehicle frame through the ability of the cylinder to translate vertically in response to said loading.