Abstract: An all-earth foundation trencher has a digger body (1) pivotal selectively on a track-laying chassis (7). The digger body has an earth-mover blade (16) that is manipulatable multi-directionally on a front end. A digger boom (19) has a base end that is pivotal vertically forward from an aft end of the digger body. A digger head (22) is manipulatable on a digger end of the digger boom for power-digging foundation trenches having desired widths and depths in all likely consistencies of earth that ranges from hard and rocky earth to loose dirt. Conveyors (28–31) are positioned intermediate the track-laying chassis and the digger head for conveying removed earth sufficiently far from either or both sides of a foundation trench that the removed earth will not spill back into the foundation trench. A laser guide (99) proximate the digger head provides control assurance of accurate attitudinal digging. Operational controllers (102) include control knobs (104) on knob plates (49) positioned on a control panel (45).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting tool for digging vertical trenches, the tool comprising: a jib (B); a cutter structure (34; C) suspended from the jib via a cable; a plurality of cutter members (18) disposed on at least one cylindrical surface; a motor assembly (12); power supply means (46) for powering said motor assembly (12). releasable retention means (22; 44) for securing at least a portion of the motor assembly (12) having the cutter members (18) mounted thereto to the bottom end of the structure (34); relative positioning means between the structure (34) and the motor assembly (12); and means for connecting the power supply means (46) to the motor assembly (12); whereby at least a portion of the motor assembly (12) with the cutter members (18) can easily be separated from the structure (34) of the machine.

Abstract: The trencher unit of the present invention mounts to a standard loader attachment fitting and relies on the auxiliary hydraulic power of a loader. A powered chain drive sprocket is mounted near the upper end of the trencher unit. An idler wheel is mounted at the bottom end of the trencher unit. The chain drive sprocket and the idler wheel carry an endless digging chain which presents a series of digging teeth. The trencher unit includes a vertically adjustable auger assembly having forward and rear augers that push excavated soil away from an excavated trench. A loader operator controlling the position of the trencher unit can lower the digging chain of the trencher unit into a work surface to dig a trench. The trencher unit is typically operating in an upright position so that the loader may be guided along a curved path to dig a curved section of trench.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: This invention provides with a continuous underground trench excavating method and an excavator for the method, which performs vertical excavation in which a trencher of the excavator is inserted into the ground and horizontal excavation in which a travel body of the excavator is moved substantially horizontally, characterized in that it determines a penetration resistance under penetration of the trencher to a predetermined depth, estimates a ground strength in the underground depth direction on the basis of the penetration resistance, and a continuous underground trench excavating is carried out with a thrust matching the estimated ground strength, whereby capable of carrying out an appropriate excavation with better understanding of the ground condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for constructing an underground wall in a trench, include using multiple chains on an endless chain cutter and individually controlling the speed and/or direction of the chains, various configurations of cutter bits and agitator bars on the chains, a technique for assembling the endless chain cutter in a horizontal position outside of a starter trench, then erecting the endless chain cutter to a vertical position in the starter trench. A guide frame straddles the starter trench. The endless chain cutter is repeatedly moved within the guide frame, then the guide frame is re-positioned until the entire length of the trench has been excavated. A central portion of the trench may be cut deeper than outer portions to create interlocking joints between adjacent wall sections and added stability for the resulting wall. Side gap barriers seal gaps between the sides of the endless chain cutter and side walls of the trench.

Abstract: A shroud for digging machines is provided with a generally elongated panel of flexible material. A pair of brackets secures the opposite end portions of the panel to the frame of a digging machine, adjacent its ground engaging features. The flexible panel is positioned to receive ejected ground material and safely project it laterally from the ground engaging features to prevent the injury of individuals near the digging machine and prevent the ground material from refilling the newly formed opening in the ground. A biasing system is provided at the opposite end portions of the panel to prevent the panel from coming into contact with the ground engaging features of the digging machine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an endless cutting chain for an underground trenching assembly that has a plurality of cutter links with a strap link joining adjacent cutter links. Each cutter link has a pair of side plates and a support member bridging the side plates. The support member has an arcuate support surface for attachment of at least one cutting member. The support member and the cutting members are adapted so as to permit substantially unrestricted selection of lateral positions of the cutting members on the arcuate support surface of the support member. Additionally, some cutter links on the cutting chain have an arcuate drag plate attached to the support member of the cutter link. The drag plate in combination with the arcuate support surface produces a cleaner round bottom trench 11. Additionally, the drag plate provides wear protection to the chain rivet heads.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: An undercarriage having tracks or the like is attached thereto is provided for moving the undercarriage along the ground. A turret is attached to the undercarriage along a first substantially vertical axis so that the turret can rotate. A backhoe is pivotally attached to the turret along a second substantially vertical axis. A trencher is operatively attached to the turret and occupies an area adjacent the undercarriage. Structure is provided for preventing the backhoe from moving into an area occupied by the trencher.

Abstract: An undercarriage having tracks or the like is attached thereto is provided for moving the undercarriage along the ground. A turret is attached to the undercarriage along a first substantially vertical axis so that the turret can rotate. A backhoe is pivotally attached to the turret along a second substantially vertical axis. A trencher is operatively attached to the turret and occupies an area adjacent the undercarriage. Structure is provided for preventing the backhoe from moving into an area occupied by the trencher.

Abstract: A trench-digging machine is provided that includes a digging implement capable of being laterally offset beyond the bounds of the transport machine, thereby enabling the trench-digging machine to dig trenches that are laterally offset from the transport machine. The trench-digging machine also generally includes an attachment plate and frame to operably connect the digging implement to the transport machine. The attachment plate may be disposed at an angle offset from vertical such that the attachment plate faces downwardly. As such, the frame and, in turn, the digging implement may be operably connected to the transport machine at a position closer to the ground, thereby reducing the clearance required for access by the digging implement.

Abstract: An excavating apparatus having a prime mover with a longitudinal centerline and a main frame (30) with an engine, a ground drive system and an excavation boom operatively attached thereto wherein the excavation boom has a sub-frame (112) with a first end and a second end. The first end of the sub-frame (112) is operatively pivotally attached to the main frame (30) along a main frame pivot axis (114). The main frame pivot axis is transverse to the longitudinal centerline of said prime mover. A head shaft (150) operatively rotatably attached to the second end of said sub-frame (112) along a head shaft axis (151) and the head shaft axis (151) is transverse to the longitudinal centerline of the prime mover. An excavating drum (148) is operatively attached to the head shaft (150) for rotation about said head shaft axis (151).

Abstract: The trencher of the present invention includes a wheeled carriage which has a steering mechanism and a digging chain which operates along an upright path. The trencher includes an upright boom structure that is mounted to the carriage and a digging chain support frame that can be raised and lowered relative to the trencher carriage along an upright path. The digging chain is mounted to the digging chain support frame by a powered sprocket wheel and a freely turning pulley wheel. The sprocket wheel the pulley wheel are positioned so that the digging chain describes an upright path. The path described by the digging chain is sufficiently upright so that the trencher can excavate a curved trench without the digging chain interfering with the walls of the trench to a degree that is sufficient to impede the operation of the trencher.

Abstract: Trenching apparatus comprises a cutting device, preferably an endless chain cutter, mounted on a prime mover for positioning the cutting device in a trench with the prime mover movable on the ground surface above the level of the trench. Where the cutting device is a chain cutter, the boom projects forwardly and downwardly relative to the direction of cutting the trench, and drive unit arranged to drive the chain in a direction to carry the cutting elements upwardly around the distal end of the boom and rearwardly along the upper run of the endless chain cutter. In operation the distal end of the chain cutter is positioned against the end face of the trench at the bottom of the trench; the prime mover moves the chain cutter forwardly in the trench while operating the chain cutter, so as to produce an undercut in the end face of the trench; and the lifting device lifts the cutting device upwardly from the undercut through the material of the end face so as to cut material from the end face of the trench.

Abstract: The trencher includes a wheeled carriage which has a steering mechanism and a digging which operates along an upright path. The trencher includes an upright boom structure that is mounted to the carrage and a digging chain support frame that can be raised and lowered relative to the trencher carriage along an upright path. The digging chain is mounted to the digging chain support frame by a powered sprocket wheel and a freely turning pulley wheel. The sprocket wheel the pulley wheel are positioned so that the digging chain describes an upright path. The path described by the digging chain is sufficiently upright so that the trencher can excavate a curved trench without the digging chain interfering with the walls of the trench to a degree that is sufficient to impede the operation of the trencher.

Abstract: A trencher includes a trencher frame mounting a chain bar in a cantilever manner with a safety guide overlying the chain bar. Both the chain bar and the safety guide are adjustable on the trencher frame between various laterally spaced positions with the safety guide being able to overlie the chain bar in the different laterally spaced positions. The chain bar comprises a mounting stub over which one end of an elongated boom may be inserted. The stub includes a central longitudinal slot for receiving bolts passing through the boom to secure the boom to the slot. The use of a longitudinal slot in the stub allows the height of the stub to be maximized relative to the height of the boom to provide a stronger and more durable mounting for the boom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for supporting construction of an underground continuous wall wherein a control server connected to each excavator through a network comprises a ground strength evaluating unit for obtaining the ground strength distribution of the ground to be excavated in a depth direction on the basis of imparted ground property; a necessary excavating ability operating unit for obtaining the accumulated ground strength from said ground strength distribution, and obtaining necessary excavating ability of said cutter post balanced with the excavation resistant force obtained from said accumulated ground strength; a comparing unit for comparing the obtained said necessary excavating ability with the excavating ability of the excavator carried into a work site; an excavating efficiency evaluating unit for evaluating excavating efficiency on the basis of the comparison result of the comparing unit; and a transmit-receive unit for receiving a request from said excavator and transmitting th

Abstract: A multiple-chain trenching machine comprises a prime mover with a trenching head assembly operably connected thereto, the head comprising: a) a frame operably connected to the prime mover at a proximal end; b) one or more pairs of proximal and distal primary sprockets mounted on the frame; c) a primary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of primary sprockets; d) one or more pairs of proximal and distal secondary sprockets mounted on the frame; e) a secondary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of secondary sprockets. The primary chains are substantially wider than the secondary chains, and trenching head is adapted so that each of the secondary chains produces a relief slot in the leading edge of the trench. The primary chains are driven in a forward chain direction, while the secondary chains may be driven in a forward or a reverse chain direction.

Abstract: An excavator of the invention comprises an excavating body having an excavating element and a clinometer detecting an inclination angle of ditch wall in a excavating ditch; a traveling distance recorder for measuring moving distance of said excavator; a calculator for calculating and accumulating the inclination signal for every moving distance of said excavator on the basis of the inclination signal outputted from said clinometer and the moving distance signal outputted from the traveling distance recorder; and a display device for displaying accumulated said inclination signal outputted from said calculator, thereby can excavate the ditch with excellent flatness of the ditch wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for constructing an underground wall in a trench, include using multiple chains on an endless chain cutter and individually controlling the speed and/or direction of the chains, various configurations of cutter bits and agitator bars on the chains, a technique for assembling the endless chain cutter in a horizontal position outside of a starter trench, then erecting the endless chain cutter to a vertical position in the starter trench. A guide frame straddles the starter trench. The endless chain cutter is repeatedly moved within the guide frame, then the guide frame is re-positioned until the entire lengh of the trench has been excavated. A central portion of the trench may be cut deeper than outer portions to create interlocking joints between adjacent wall sections and added stability for the resulting wall. Side gap barriers seal gaps between the sides of the endless chain cutter and side walls of the trench.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an excavator having a frame, engine, ground supports and an excavation boom with an excavating drum. The method includes fixing the orientation of the boom relative to gravity to approximately control the shape of an excavated ground plane.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing an underground wall in a trench, include using multiple chains on an endless chain cutter and individually controlling the speed and/or direction of the chains, various configurations of cutter bits and agitator bars on the chains, a technique for assembling the endless chain cutter in a horizontal position outside of a starter trench, then erecting the endless chain cutter to a vertical position in the starter trench. A guide frame straddles the starter trench. The endless chain cutter is repeatedly moved within the guide frame, then the guide frame is re-positioned until the entire length of the trench has been excavated. A central portion of the trench may be cut deeper than outer portions to create interlocking joints between adjacent wall sections and added stability for the resulting wall. Side gap barriers seal gaps between the sides of the endless chain cutter and side walls of the trench.

Abstract: A multiple-chain trenching machine comprises a prime mover with a trenching head assembly operably connected thereto, the head comprising: a) a frame operably connected to the prime mover at a proximal end; b) one or more pairs of proximal and distal primary sprockets mounted on the frame; c) a primary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of primary sprockets; d) one or more pairs of proximal and distal secondary sprockets mounted on the frame; e) a secondary endless-chain digging assembly engaged around each pair of secondary sprockets. The primary chains are substantially wider than the secondary chains, and trenching head is adapted so that each of the secondary chains produces a relief slot in the leading edge of the trench. The primary chains are driven in a forward chain direction, while the secondary chains may be driven in a forward or a reverse chain direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for supporting construction of an underground continuous wall wherein a control server connected to each excavator through a network comprises a ground strength evaluating unit for obtaining the ground strength distribution of the ground to be excavated in a depth direction on the basis of imparted ground property; a necessary excavating ability operating unit for obtaining the accumulated ground strength from said ground strength distribution, and obtaining necessary excavating ability of said cutter post balanced with the excavation resistant force obtained from said accumulated ground strength; a comparing unit for comparing the obtained said necessary excavating ability with the excavating ability of the excavator carried into a work site; an excavating efficiency evaluating unit for evaluating excavating efficiency on the basis of the comparison result of the comparing unit; and a transmit-receive unit for receiving a request from said excavator and transmitting th

Abstract: A combination trencher (10) and vehicle (11) is disclosed wherein the tractor (11) has a pair of mounting rods (23) and a mechanically driven transfer case (20) with a rotating hub (25) extending from the front of the vehicle. The trencher (10) has a frame (31) which includes two generally parallel mounting members (32) sized and shaped to receive the mounting rods (23) of the tractor (11), and a hydraulic digging attachment (39). The digging attachment (39) has a pivotal cutting boom (41), an endless loop digging chain (42), a hydraulic boom actuator (44), and a hydraulic chain drive (45). The hydraulic chain drive (45) includes a hydraulic motor (51) mounted to the cutting boom (41) which drives the digging chain (42). The hydraulic motor (51) is in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump (52) through a hydraulic control system (53).

Abstract: An endless chain provided with groups of cutter elements thereon, for cutting a ditch in the ground, the cutter elements of each group, together being arranged to cut the ground throughout the width of the ditch. In excavating a ditch the cutter is advanced horizontally at a rate such that in the time the chain has moved a distance corresponding to the length of one group of cutter elements, the cutter has moved horizontally by less than the distance by which the cutter bits project from a base plate of the cutter element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for digging into the lower layers of the ground, wherein said machine comprises the following members: a base frame (1), a ground excavator (2) and a driving chain-type working organ (3) that is suspended from the frame (1) by a device (4) so as to be capable of forced rotation about two geometrical axes (17, 18). During operation of the machine, the axis (17) is perpendicular to the support surface (5) of the drive section (6) of the frame (1), while the axis (18 ) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (a—a) of said drive section (6). During operation, the rotation of the working organ (3) about the two axes (17, 18) makes it possible to dig excavations with a bottom that is horizontal or has a predetermined lateral inclination while maintaining an important width, to form sloped excavations or to dig excavations having various profiles.

Abstract: A sprocket is disclosed for driving a chain with a plurality of chain rollers. The sprocket may be used to drive a material removal chain of a trencher. The sprocket has various cut-aways or reliefs on each face thereof to more effectively clear particulate debris from beneath chain rollers during cutting or digging operations. The sprocket also has asymmetrical teeth designed to help minimize changes in pitch diameter due to debris entrained beneath chain rollers. Reducing changes in pitch diameter greatly reduces premature wear of the sprocket and its chain. Reducing changes in pitch diameter also greatly reduces the tendency for the chain to bind.

Abstract: A multiple-chain trenching machine comprises a prime mover with a trenching head assembly operably connected thereto. The trenching head may be raised, lowered, and/or pivoted relative to the prime mover, and comprises: a) a frame operably connected to the prime mover at a proximal end; b) one or more pairs of proximal and distal primary sprockets mounted on the frame; c) a primary endless-chain digging assembly engaged with and circulating around each pair of primary sprockets; d) one or more pairs of proximal and distal secondary sprockets mounted on the frame; e) a secondary endless-chain digging assembly engaged with and circulating around each pair of secondary sprockets. The primary chains are substantially wider than the secondary chains, and the diameters and positions of the sprockets may be such that each of the secondary chains cuts more deeply into the ground formation than the primary chains, thereby producing a narrow relief slot corresponding to each secondary chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a work control system for a trencher type excavator for soil cement wall, wherein in controlling the work of forming a soil cement wall carried out in the procedure such that a cutter post provided on a trencher type excavator for soil cement wall and having a chain cutter wound endlessly is inserted into the object ground, the cutter post is rotated while discharging a ground filler out of a discharge opening provided in the cutter post, and the cutter post is moved in a lateral direction of the ground, execution width of the soil cement wall based on a fixed work load, and filling quantity of the ground filler at each position of the soil cement wall forming work are displayed on a two-dimensional coordinate in a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis, respectively.

Abstract: A rotating drive wheel assembly for steering and maneuvering a dredging apparatus includes a carrier wheel and an orientation wheel connected to opposite ends of a pivotation member. A plurality of spade devices are connected to the wheels, each including a blade portion pivotally coupled to a spoke plate of the carrier wheel, and an arm portion pivotally coupled at opposite ends to the outer portion of the carrier wheel and another carrier wheel spoke plate member. The construction of the present drive wheel assembly allows the spade devices to remain in a substantially vertical orientation when the carrier wheel is rotated about its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A trench rig (1) for excavating continuous monolithic brattices or bases, presenting a self-propelled crawler truck (2), a chain-driven excavating tool (6) provided with a central column (9) which extends along a working axis (A), and a control unit (8) for the column (9) presenting a fixed gripper (15) in relation to the truck (2) and a mobile gripper (16) in relation to the fixed gripper (15) itself; the two grippers (15, 16) are slidingly coupled to the column (9), and can be selectively engaged to the column (9) itself in order to move the tool (6) along the working axis (A), and are connected to each other by a linear step actuator (17).

Abstract: A self-propelled rotary excavator having a plurality of booms forming a boom assembly attached to a chassis, with a rotary cutting device attached to the end of the boom assembly. The boom assembly positions the rotary cutting device at a desired position in regard to the chassis or moving portion of the self-propelled rotary excavator. The position of the rotary cutting device is maintainable (preferably controlled by lasers) so as to provide a ditch which has a constant grade regardless of the undulations of the land upon which the self-propelled rotary excavator traverses. An operator of the self-propelled rotary excavator can also independently control both the depth of the cut produced by the rotary cutting device and the distance in a direction perpendicular to the depth of the cut produced by the rotary cutting device.

Abstract: An excavator of the invention comprises an excavating body having an excavating element and a clinometer for detecting an inclination angle of ditch wall in a excavating ditch; a traveling distance recorder for measuring moving distance of said excavator; a calculator for calculating and accumulating the inclination signal for every moving distance of said excavator on the basis of the inclination signal outputted from said clinometer and the moving distance signal outputted from the traveling distance recorder; and a display device for displaying accumulated said inclination signal outputted from said calculator, thereby can excavate the ditch with excellent flatness of the ditch wall.

Abstract: An ejector mechanism (20) adapted for use on a dredging apparatus (10) to remove silt from under the surface of a body of water and associated method, the dredging apparatus being operative in a forward and reverse direction and including first (32) and second (34) excavating wheel assemblies each having a plurality of silt retaining chambers (40) associated respectively therewith, the ejector mechanism urging the silt material from the respective chambers as the wheel assemblies rotate during a dredging operation and including a crankshaft member (56) rotatably mounted to the wheel frame assembly (24, 62, 64) and having first (58) and second (60) eccentric arm portions associated therewith, the crankshaft member (56) being operatively coupled to the first (32) and second (34) wheel assemblies for rotation in proportion to the rotation of the wheel assemblies, the crankshaft member (56) being rotatable in both a clockwise and counterclockwise direction based upon the direction of movement of the dredging appa

Abstract: A method of excavating an underground continuous ditch by rotating a chain type cutter 4 while pressing the cutter horizontally against the ground A, with the cutter positioned underground. According to this method, when a lower ground portion is left unexcavated due to a deficiency in traversing force at the lower portion of the cutter particularly during excavation at a large depth, the rotating direction of the cutter 4 is changed from a rake-up direction in normal excavation to a rake-down direction and excavation is performed while the cutter is moved vertically, to excavate the lower ground portion (A1) left unexcavated.

Abstract: A ditch cleaning apparatus is formed by a prime mover driving a chassis having endless metal belts for moving along the bottom of a vertical wall ditch and supporting an upright frame having a rearwardly and upwardly inclined elevator depositing debris on a first horizontal conveyor discharging debris laterally of a ditch position. A second horizontal conveyor, supported by the frame above the chassis, receives loose soil from the elevating conveyor for deposit on the ditch bottom rearwardly of the chassis. Sweep wings extend forwardly in diverging relation from the depending forward end of the elevating conveyor to guide debris toward the entrance end of the elevating conveyor. An operator position in the frame, above the upper limit of a ditch to be cleaned, is provided with controls for moving the machine and its several operating components in a ditch cleaning action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and transferring earth material at a blending site. The apparatus has a sinking shank mounted on the end of a boom of a working machine. Two cutter drums are mounted in spaced relation on the end of the shank for rotation about a horizontal axis. The working machine is advanced toward the blending site. The cutter drums are sunk into the earth material at the blending site and rotated to effect blending. The cutter drums are drawn toward the working machine to further effect blending and transfer a portion of the blended earth material to an accumulation of blended earth material over which the working machine advances.

Abstract: A narrow-trench earth trencher and flexible tube installer, including a relatively large diameter narrow driven sprocket connected by a chain with attached earth cutters to a relatively small drive sprocket. The trencher includes a carriage frame adapted to be connected to a pulling vehicle, with wheels at one end to facilitate horizontal travel. Mounted on the carriage frame are first and second vertically-oriented trencher frame assemblies. The trencher also includes a vertically-oriented tubular member and a crumber for helping place the flexible tubing in the trench.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cutting tooth for a trencher chain. The tooth includes a base portion aligned along a first plane. The base portion includes structure for allowing the cutting tooth to be connected to the trencher chain. The tooth also includes a distal portion that is generally obliquely aligned with respect to the first plane. A curved transition is located between the distal portion and the base portion. The curved transition curves away from the first plane and at least partially forms a cupped portion that extends from a leading end to a trailing end of the cutting tooth. The tooth also includes a hardened tip positioned at a region of the leading end that is located farthest from the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention is for a machine for digging under pipes, wherein the machine comprises a frame having a caterpillar drive traction device mounted thereon, as well as left and right end effectors. The end effectors are each made in the shape of a mount which is attached to the frame and capable of forced rotation about the vertical axis. These end effectors also comprise a cylindrical endless-screw-type driving cutters as well as a cylindrical blade attached to the mount coaxially behind the cutter. The cutter is mounted at a lower end and on the side of the mount so that its rotation axis is horizontal. The machine further includes a transversal stabilization device comprising two stabilization mechanisms, wherein each mechanism comprises an adjustable-height support member that rests on the bottom of the trench. The traction device includes a frame as well as a caterpillar that comprises rigid brackets and flexible support members.

Abstract: The present invention is a walk-behind power unit stabilizing system for use on portable trenchers and other equipment. The preferred application comprises a retractable wheel assembly mounted at the rear of a trencher where the invented device is allowed to be maneuvered by the user from a lower, stabilization position to an upper, transport position. The device has a handle that allows the user to move the device from the upper, transport position to the lower, stabilized position, and vice versa, easily by raising and lowering the handle, either by hand or by moving the handle up or down using the user's foot. Some of the main benefits of the invented device include: ease of use; a reduction in the physical labor required to operate a trencher; stability; the ability to more consistently control the depth at which the trench is dug; an increased ability to traverse perpendicular trenches; increased force exerted on the boom when inserting the boom into the ground; and trench straightening.

Abstract: The invention pertains to construction earth-moving machinery for overhauling of main oil pipelines, gas pipelines, or pipelines for other purposes, namely machines for uncovering pipelines of a broad range of diameters, with trench working much lower than the lower generatrix of the pipeline for digging under it in repair of the pipeline in the trench without its lifting. Furthermore, the invention pertains to operating elements, predominantly of machines for uncovering of pipelines.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting sliding wear and kick-back wear in straight sidebar chains as well as offset sidebar chains includes a wear bar which is attached to the outer surface of the chain's sidebar. The wear bar includes a main body portion having a forward wear bar end in opposed relation to a rearward wear bar end. An inner wear bar surface is positioned adjacent the outer surface of the chain's sidebar and is separated from an outer wear bar surface by a distance at least as great as the distance by which the chain's pin heads extend beyond the sidebars. In one embodiment, the upper edge of the wear bar includes a pair of semi-circular openings which fit closely adjacent the protruding pin heads. In another embodiment, the openings in the wear bar fully encircle the pin heads. A recess formed in the lower wear bar edge is used to weld the wear bar to the chain's sidebar. The lower edge of the wear bar may also be hardened to limit wear to the wear bar itself.

Abstract: An underground continuous wall building method and apparatus in which a chain cutter 2 provided with excavation blades is obliquely mounted on a running carriage 1. Slanting continuous trenches G1, G2 are excavated by moving the running carriage 1 in a transverse direction while rotating the cutter 2 with the cutter 2 obliquely placed in the ground, and a water cutoff material is poured into the excavated continuous trenches G1, G2 and solidified therein to build slanting continuous walls R1, R2 in the ground.

Abstract: An excavating device has conical milling tools each having a longitudinal center axis. At least one motor is provided for rotatingly driving the milling tools about their longitudinal center axis. The milling tools each have a mantle surface. The mantle surfaces are positioned at one circumferential point adjacent to one another at a minimum spacing defining a working play between the milling tools such that the mantle surfaces form a continuous working plane. The longitudinal center axis of the milling tools are positioned angularly to one another and to a vertical axis extending between the milling tools. Each longitudinal center axis is positioned at an angle of between 50.degree. and 70.degree. to the vertical axis. Each one of the longitudinal center axes is positioned at an angle of less than 90.degree. relative to the advancing direction of the excavating device.

Abstract: An excavating machine is provided having an L-arm assembly located between a power unit and an earth cutting device, the L-arm assembly for raising and lowering the earth cutting device. The L-arm assembly has a first arm for operable attachment to the power unit and a second arm integral with and substantially transverse to the first arm for operable attachment to the earth cutting device. The first arm of the L-arm assembly is longer than the second arm of the L-arm assembly. Hydraulic cylinders are included resulting in an earth cutting device which is held down into the ground in a positive manner so as to be more efficient in operation.

Abstract: An excavating machine includes a main frame, an endless digging chain, and a boom. The boom is mounted to the main frame and is adapted to carry the digging chain. The boom includes an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner end and outer end. The surfaces are adapted to slidably engage the chain. A drive sprocket is mounted to the main frame and is disposed at the inner end of the boom for engaging the chain. A wear plate is mounted to the boom and is disposed between the drive sprocket and the inner end of the boom for slidably engaging the chain between the drive sprocket and the upper surface of the boom inner end.

Abstract: An excavating machine is provided having an improved conveyor assembly, the excavating machine having a power unit, a supporting frame assembly operably attached to the power unit, an earth cutting device operably attached to the supporting frame assembly, and a conveyor assembly operably attached to the supporting frame assembly for expelling from the excavating machine the spoil created by the earth cutting device. The conveyor assembly has an interior portion bounded by a first end roller and a second end roller, an endless conveyor belt about the first end roller and the second end roller, a first side assembly and a second side assembly, all to prevent the spoil from entering the interior portion of the conveyor assembly.