Abstract: An articulating member of a work machine includes a side plate of an opposed pair of side plates, each side plate of the pair of side plates having a surface facing the other side plate. At least one mount forming a pivot joint is secured to corresponding portions of each facing surface of a side plate of the pair of side plates. A separator plate is positioned between the pair of side plates. A reinforcement member has a peripheral edge collectively secured to one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate. The reinforcement member forms a continuous compartment spaced from the surface of the side plate, the peripheral edge forms a continuous connection with the one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate, and the at least one mount is fully secured to the one side plate surface.

Abstract: A universal coupler for a backhoe assembly in which a first link is pivotally connected to the articulation joints of the backhoe assembly. Mounting holes for a first and third style bucket with equal pin spacing are provided on the first link. A second link is connected to the first position and is pivotal between a first position in which the mounting holes are exposed and a second position in which the second link covers the holes on the first link and provides the mounting hole diameter and pin spacing for a bucket having a greater pin spacing.

Abstract: A universal coupler for a backhoe assembly in which a first link is pivotally connected to the articulation joints of the backhoe assembly. Mounting holes for a first and third style bucket with equal pin spacing are provided on the first link. A second link is connected to the first position and is pivotal between a first position in which the mounting holes are exposed and a second position in which the second link covers the holes on the first link and provides the mounting hole diameter and pin spacing for a bucket having a greater pin spacing.

Abstract: An articulating member of a work machine includes a side plate of an opposed pair of side plates, each side plate of the pair of side plates having a surface facing the other side plate. At least one mount forming a pivot joint is secured to corresponding portions of each facing surface of a side plate of the pair of side plates. A separator plate is positioned between the pair of side plates. A reinforcement member has a peripheral edge collectively secured to one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate. The reinforcement member forms a continuous compartment spaced from the surface of the side plate, the peripheral edge forms a continuous connection with the one side plate surface, the at least one mount and the separator plate, and the at least one mount is fully secured to the one side plate surface.

Abstract: An improved adjustable control device for multi-lever hydraulic controls on earth-moving equipment, which conveniently and easily positions the control levers to accommodate different operators. The device includes a pair of spaced supports, a pair of axially aligned end members each movably mounted on one of the supports, a main shaft extending between the end members used for pivot mounting of the levers, and a device to adjust the end members on the supports. Parts are positioned and arranged such that end member adjustment moves the main shaft vertically, which in turn moves the range of control lever motion force or aft as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable two-pedal swing control apparatus for tractor backhoe booms and the like. The apparatus has a pivot shaft member pivotably mounted with respect to a tractor upright, a shaft-engaging structure on the pedal engaged with an end portion of the pivot shaft, such end portion and shaft-engaging structure being dimensioned and arranged to allow a degree of rotation of the pedal with respect to the pivot shaft, a pair of aligned projecting members from the pivot shaft and shaft-engaging structure, and a threaded adjustment therebetween to set the position of the rotational range of the pedal.

Abstract: A locking arrangement to arrange a control lever of a vehicle in a neutral position. The locking arrangement is activated and inactivated in response to the presence of an operator in the seat of the vehicle. The locking arrangement retains the control lever in a neutral position when the operator is not in the seat.

Abstract: A quick coupling bucket mounting mechanism is disclosed for coupling a material handling bucket, blade, compactor, impact hammer or other attachment to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. A quick coupler is provided which is pivotally mounted to the loader scoop arm for readily receiving various types and sizes of attachments. The quick coupler has a three-leg configuration including a pair of bucket mounting legs adaptable for engagement with a bucket mounting pin. One end of each bucket mounting leg has a hook portion which cooperatively locks around lateral projections of the bucket mounting pin. A releasable latch mechanism is pivotally mounted on the third leg of the quick coupler for engagement with a complementary latch pin on the bucket. The latch mechanism is selectively rotatable to two positions. In a first position, it is aligned with and forms an opening which permits the quick coupler to be seated on the bucket latch pin.