Abstract: A control system including interfaced hand and foot control assemblies for independently conditioning an off-highway implement by selectively positioning a regulator thereof relative a neutral position. The hand and foot control assemblies utilize a common force transfer mechanism in the form of a push/pull cable for moving and positioning the regulator. The foot control assembly includes a self-centered foot pedal and linkages for arranging the push/pull cable relative to the regulator in a manner inhibiting binding forces from being imparted to the cable. The hand control assembly requires independent movement of a control lever in two different planes to shift the hand control assembly from a neutral condition. Moreover, the hand control assembly is isolated from spring forces acting to self center the foot pedal and thus requires low operator efforts to adjust the position of the regulator. The control system of the present invention further includes a mechanism for governing operation of the regulator.

Abstract: A vibratory plow including a cutter assembly which slices the ground covering and breaks the sod ahead of the cable-laying plow blade. The plow assembly includes a blade holder that is pivotally mounted to a vibrator frame. A mounting member attaches the cutting blade of the cutter assembly to the blade holder. The cutting blade is polygonal in shape and includes a plurality of mounting holes located in polygonal patterns. The mounting member includes a complementary set of mounting holes also arranged in a polygonal pattern. The present construction permits the cutting blade to be moved to a plurality of cutting positions rather than replacing the cutter after a cutting edge is worn.

Abstract: A trencher machine digging boom assembly having a mounting arrangement for the digging boom wherein the boom includes a boom attaching weldment that is pivotally mounted to a boom pivot casting. The boom pivot casting is rigidly mounted to a trencher frame with a drive motor being mounted to one end of the boom pivot casting and a planetary gearbox being mounted at its opposite end. The planetary gearbox and associated drive components for the digging chain may be disconnected to permit easy and convenient removal of the digging boom for replacing its pivot bearings. Further, the torque reactions of the drive train are maintained within the boom pivot casting and are not transferred to the lift components associated with the digging boom.

Abstract: Excavating apparatus including a boom having an idler pulley on its outer end and adapted to carry a digging chain in sliding arrangement with the boom is provided with skid shoe means and a nose piece which are disposed between the idler pulley and the outer end of the boom for slidably engaging and supporting the digging chain between the idler pulley and the lower surface of the boom. The skid shoe means defines a support surface that is substantially coplanar with the lower surface of the boom to support the links of the chain, and the nose piece has a lower surface generally parallel to the lower surface of the boom and is adapted to engage the digging chain rollers when the links of the chain are engaging the skid shoe means. Both the skid shoe means and the nose piece thus prevent the chain from causing excessive wear on the end of the boom.