Abstract: A crumber mechanism including a crumber shoe mounted on a support boom for powered movement between operative and non-operative positions. A fluid powered motor coacts with a linkage mechanism to move the shoe between positions in response to operation of the motor. An automatic locking device releasably holds the crumber shoe in a working position. The automatic locking device includes a slidable lock which moves into locking coaction with a locking channel defined by the shoe in response to extension of the hydraulic motor.

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: A dirt deflector overtravel mechanism for a digging boom assembly which permits raising and lowering of the dirt deflector when the deflector is impacted by a rock or the like. The dirt deflector is pivotally attached at one end to a frame. A deflector link is pivotally attached at one end to the boom frame and its opposite end supports the dirt deflector. The opposite end of the deflector link is also pivotally attached to an overtravel link which, in turn, is pivotally attached to the deflector such that it remains in close proximity to the deflector under normal conditions. When a large rock or the like is thrown against the dirt deflector by the digging chain, the deflector link and overtravel link move from a scissors-like position to a colinear position which permits the dirt deflector to be displaced thereby preventing breakage or damage to the deflector. After the impact and displacement of the dirt deflector, the deflector will automatically fall back into place under its own weight.

Abstract: A dual wheel mounting arrangement for material handling implements is disclosed which permits the second, outer wheel of the arrangement to be easily and quickly releasably affixed to the first, inner wheel of the arrangement. The connecting arrangement includes a plurality of spokes affixed to a rim portion of the second wheel assembly, and further includes a generally elongated removable wheel fastener which is adapted to coact with the spokes for securing the second wheel assembly to the first. An adapter bracket is adapted to be mounted in association with the first wheel assembly by its lug fasteners, with the adapter bracket being adapted to releasably receive the wheel fastener. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of openings are defined by the hub portion of the first wheel assembly, with the openings respectively receiving projecting portions of the spokes affixed to the rim of the second wheel assembly, thus operatively interconnecting the wheel assemblies in driving relation.

Abstract: A drive control is disclosed which is particularly useful for machines having a hydrostatic transmission or ground drive pump, such as a tractor. A shift assembly controls the input to the hydrostatic transmission, and it includes a shift lever which is movable by a bellcrank mechanism in opposite directions from a neutral position into forward or reverse. The drive control further includes a rocking foot pedal which is connected by an actuating linkage to both the shift lever and the hydrostatic transmission. The desired direction of operation is set with the shift assembly, and the speed of movement in the selected direction is proportional to the amount the foot pedal is depressed. The foot pedal assembly includes a heel tab actuator which can be used as a manual override for the purpose of braking by bringing the hydrostatic transmission back to neutral while maintaining the transmission in the selected directional position.