Abstract: The pole-handling attachment for an end loader is installed upon the machine (e.g., skid-steer machine, tractor and bucket, etc.) in place of the conventional bucket, for manipulating poles, posts, and other elongate columns by a single machine operator. The attachment includes a base frame having opposite fixed ends, and a sliding pole clamp assembly therebetween. A series of arms extend from one of the fixed ends and the sliding assembly for grasping the pole therebetween. The end loader tilt mechanism is adjusted to orient the arms normal to the pole, and the machine is maneuvered to position the arms on opposite sides of the pole. The slide assembly is then moved to clamp the pole against the opposite fixed end, and the machine maneuvered to position the pole as required. The base frame may include a pivot mechanism to allow the frame to rotate, for greater versatility.

Abstract: A mounting device for securing a grapple tooth bar to a loader bucket or fork includes at least one guide arm rotatably secured to the loader bucket or fork and having a distal end. A grapple tooth bar mounting bracket is attached to the distal end of the guide arm where the grapple tooth bar positions within the grapple tooth bar mounting bracket. The grapple tooth bar is removably secured to the grapple tooth bar mounting bracket with at least one securing mechanism such that mounting device can be mounted to loader buckets or forks of varying widths and can accept grapple tooth bars of various lengths.

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for attachment to a bucket of a construction vehicle is disclosed. The manipulator assembly includes a universal attachment apparatus for attaching a utility tool to the bucket. The universal attachment apparatus includes a housing adapted to support the utility tool, at least one mounting bracket connected to the housing, and at least one mounting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the mounting bracket. The mounting arms further include feet positioned adjacent the quick-release connector for allowing the utility tool to pivot relative to the bucket. A quick-release connector is mounted to the second end of the mounting arm for selectively securing the housing to the bucket. A biasing device is disposed on the quick-release connector for continuously urging the quick-release connector into engagement with the bucket.

Abstract: An excavator thumb assembly for use with an excavator having a boom, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shaft that extends and retracts from the hydraulic cylinder, and a bucket pivotally attached to an end of the boom and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly includes a thumb pivot plate attached to an intermediate portion of the boom. The thumb pivot plate has a thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom. The excavator thumb assembly also includes a thumb pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along a thumb pivot axis, and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly is configured so that the thumb and bucket opposably grab and release objects as the hydraulic cylinder shaft extends and retracts, respectively.

Abstract: A faceplate having a set of skid steer receiver attachment points to permit an all-purpose agricultural tractor with a three-point hitch or front end loader to operably connect to off-the-shelf skid steer attachments so that the agricultural tractor can utilize off-the-shelf skid steer attachments with the faceplate containing a cylindrical housing to permit rotation of a tool mounted therein without removing the tool from the faceplate and one embodiment including a notched chain bar having notches extending generally normal to the hitch faceplate and a further embodiment including a universal tractor mount.

Abstract: An actuated mechanical thumb apparatus is provided that pivots in compliment to the hinging of a bucket or similar hydraulically actuated attachment, as employed with conventional heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators. The thumb co-operatively actuates with the bucket to prevent walking or shifting of the gripped object. The thumb apparatus is unitized, or of a single component, well suited for easy retrofit to conventional material handling and earth moving equipment. The frame of the thumb apparatus mounts to a heavy equipment boom member or arm. The frame can be held in place on the boom member by two pins. The frame includes two frame plates, and the thumb includes two thumb plates. Each frame plate hingably attaches to one of the thumb plates at a separate pivot. This allows the thumb to pivot straddle the bucket's hinge, and pivot on the same axis as the bucket. A thumb link can be used across a pivoting bell crank, actuated by the thumb's hydraulic cylinder to actuate the thumb.

Abstract: A digging implement (10) including an extendable linkage (12) including a bucket (14) and a thumb assembly (34) for holding materials in the bucket (14). The thumb assembly (34) is configured to rotate as the linkage (12) extends, and both the bucket (14) and the thumb assembly (34) are independently operable.

Abstract: A grapple rake adapted for receiving subsoiler shanks is useful for multiple post-timber harvest management activities. A pair of downwardly-depending, forward-oriented subsoiling shanks is mounted on the underside of the rake, allowing the implement to accomplish the tasks of (1) grapple piling to deal with post-timber harvest fuels reduction and (2) subsoiling to improve soil productivity by reducing soil compaction. The implement is optionally equipped with a coulter blade. This invention will be useful for decommissioning forest roads, skid trails, landings, and harvest units with new and/or legacy compaction without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: A multiple-tool attachment for vehicles having a front subassembly and a rear subassembly. The front subassembly and rear subassembly are connected with a slip joint so that the attachment can be placed upon vehicles of varying size. A variety of tools can be connected to the front subassembly. Preferably the front subassembly has one or more support wheels, and one embodiment of the rear subassembly has one or more rear support wheels. Such wheels can support the weight of the attachment and tools to minimize the added load on a vehicle. In another embodiment, the rear subassembly is replaced with an adapter so that the front subassembly can be connected to a truck or utility vehicle. And a still further embodiment, in order to facilitate towing, adds tow wheels to the embodiment having the front subassembly but with an adapter replacing the rear subassembly.

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a dipper stick of a machine having a tool pivotally connected thereto and means operatively interconnecting the dipper stick and the tool for pivoting the tool relative to the dipper stick, cooperable with the tool for grappling objects, generally consisting of an arm member having a first section connectable to an underside of the dipper stick for pivotal movement about a second axis and a second section connectable to the first section for pivotal movement relative to the first arm section about a third axis, one of the arm sections having a curved bearing surface with a notch therein and the other of the arm sections having a roller biased against the bearing surface whereby the roller may be received in the notch to displaceably position the second arm section relative to the first arm section in a certain relationship, and ride on portions of the curved bearing surface upon a force in a certain direction as being applied to the second arm member causing the roller to ride out of

Abstract: A fork and jaw grapple having two forks and a jaw for wedging under, prying up, gripping, moving and handling materials. The forks have tips with angles for prying between and under materials. The jaw being a hydraulically actuated upper jaw that moves about a pivot point via a cylinder for grabbing, gripping and holding materials during pick-up, transport and place down.

Abstract: A claw tine for demolition equipment includes an elongated claw tine pivotally movable about a pivot point between an open and closed position by a hydraulic cyliner. The total angular rotation of the claw tine is at least 75 degrees, generally between 75 and 100 degrees. The maximum holding force is positioned 25 to 40 degrees from the closed position. The claw tine is adapted to be incorporated into a wide varity of demolition equipment including a bucket and claw structure attachment and a variety of grapples.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hook attachment having a frame with a plurality of hooks pivotally mounted to the frame. The attachment has a engaging flange and eyelets for receiving the attaching flange and engaging pins, respectively on the front of the arms of a front end loader. The attachment has an attaching flange and engaging pins mounted on the front of the frame of the attachment for engaging an attaching flange and eyelets on the rear of a bucket, whereby the hook attachment may be attached directly to the front of a front end loader and used alone with the front end loader, or the attaching flange and engaging pins on the front of the frame of the locking attachment may engage the attaching flange and eyelets on the rear of the bucket to attach the bucket to the flange of the hook attachment so that the hook attachment and bucket may be used together on the front end loader.

Abstract: A guard member for a fluid actuated rod and cylinder assembly of a machine having front end assembly including a dipper stick, a working implement pivotally connected to the dipper stick, an arm member pivotally connected to the dipper stick and cooperable with the implement to grapple articles therebetween and such rod and cylinder assembly for angularly displacing the arm member relative to the dipper stick, generally consisting of an elongated article mountable on the free end of the rod member and projecting along the length thereof when mounted thereon.

Abstract: An excavator bucket adapted to receive subsoiler shanks and an optional coulter blade enables multiple treatment of compacted soil. In a preferred embodiment, the shanks depend downward below the bucket and curve forward toward the bottom of the bucket. The shanks allow a single implement to be used for both excavating and subsoiling, and also for contouring sloping terrain. One application for such an implement is for decommissioning forest roads without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: A grapple rake adapted for receiving subsoiler shanks is useful for multiple post-timber harvest management activities. A pair of downwardly-depending, forward-oriented subsoiling shanks is mounted on the underside of the rake, allowing the implement to accomplish the tasks of (1) grapple piling to deal with post-timber harvest fuels reduction and (2) subsoiling to improve soil productivity by reducing soil compaction. The implement is optionally equipped with a coulter blade. This invention will be useful for decommissioning forest roads, skid trails, landings,. and harvest units with new and/or legacy compaction without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: A ripper attachment (120) for an excavation device (20) includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally triangular-shaped plate members (122, 124) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). Each of the plate members (122, 124) has a first interface section, a second interface section, and a third interface section. A body (54) of the ripper attachment (120) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first mounting section (64) is removably attachable to the first interface section of each of the plate members (122, 124), and the second mounting section (66) is removably attachable to the second interface section of the plate members (122, 124). A brace element is interposed between the plate members (122, 124) and is coupled to the third interface area of each of said plate members (122, 124).

Abstract: The thumb is used on a hydraulic tool arm equipped with a scooping tool for selective co-operation between the scooping tool and the thumb. The thumb has a pair of generally parallel U-shaped lateral forks defining an opening therebetween for engagement of the tool arm between the forks. The forks define an inner end having a transverse coupling member for operative coupling of the thumb to the tool arm for movement of the thumb about the tool arm, and an outer free end opposite the inner end. The forks are significantly curved about a common axis.

Abstract: A guard member for a fluid actuated rod and cylinder assembly of a machine having front end assembly including a dipper stick, a working implement pivotally connected to the dipper stick, an arm member pivotally connected to the dipper stick and cooperable with the implement to grapple articles therebetween and such rod and cylinder assembly for angularly displacing the arm member relative to the dipper stick, generally consisting of an elongated article mountable on the free end of the rod member and projecting along the length thereof when mounted thereon.

Abstract: In combination with a vehicle, a gripping apparatus comprising connected top, bottom, left, right, and intermediate support members; a brace support wall; a pivot bar positioned horizontally across the apparatus and extending through openings in left, right, and intermediate support members; a jaw housing having first and second lower jaw weld walls, and top, bottom, left and right members; concaved shaped left and right upper jaw members each pivotally attached to the pivot bar; concaved shaped left and right lower jaw members each having upper, lower, left and right side surfaces, with upper and lower surfaces immovably attached to a first lower jaw attachment wall and left and right surfaces immovably attached to the second lower jaw attachment wall; a lower right jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; at least one lower left jaw brace impermanently attached to the pivot bar and immovably attached to the brace support wall; a first hydraulic cyli

Abstract: A ripper attachment (22) for an excavation device (20) includes first and second support members (50, 52) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). In particular, first and second support members (50, 52) are adapted to connect to a coupling apparatus (30) of a tool coupler (28) so that the ripper attachment (22) is fixed relative to the coupling apparatus (30). A body (54) of the ripper attachment (22) is disposed between the first and second support members (50, 52). The body (54) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first and second mounting sections (64, 66) of the body (54) are removably attachable to an interface area (70) of the first and second support members (50, 52). A brace element (56) of the ripper attachment (22) is interposed between and couple together the first and second support members (50, 52).

Abstract: An attachment for a prime mover or backhoe which may be used to cut or crush material. The attachment includes a first jaw, being a fixed jaw, and a second jaw being a free jaw which is pivotably connected to the fixed jaw, and at least three connectors which allow the attachment to be connected to the actuator arm of a prime mover or backhoe. These connectors include a head connector adapted to provide a connection to the head of the actuator arm, and a driven connector adapted to provide a connection to the driving beam of the backhoes actuator arm, and a strut connector adapted to provide a connection to the strut of the backhoes actuator. The head and driven connectors are associated with the fixed jaw and the strut connector is associated with the free jaw, where the head and driven connectors are connected to the prime mover or backhoe with a quickhitch.

Abstract: A control device for earth moving equipment comprising a bucket pivotal about a bucket pivot between a closed position and an open position, a thumb pivotal about a thumb pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the thumb pivot is separate from the bucket pivot, and an extension plate fixedly attached to the bucket and attached to the thumb pivot, wherein rotation of the bucket urges the thumb pivot to rotate around the bucket pivot and urges the thumb to move. A retrofitting kit for retrofitting earth moving equipment so that the thumb is movable in response to movement of the bucket.

Abstract: A control device for earth moving equipment comprising a bucket pivotal about a bucket pivot between a closed position and an open position, a thumb pivotal about a thumb pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the thumb pivot is separate from the bucket pivot, and an extension plate fixedly attached to the bucket and attached to the thumb pivot, wherein rotation of the bucket urges the thumb pivot to rotate around the bucket pivot and urges the thumb to move. A retrofitting kit for retrofitting earth moving equipment so that the thumb is movable in response to movement of the bucket is also disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable stinger planting is described in which stinger probes on a boom end mounted frame are positioned for ground penetration on a boom type vehicle. Bottom ends of the probes are shifted between a closed plant receiving, ground penetrating positions; and open positions with bottom ends open to form a plant discharge opening. A receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening, and receives plants from a magazine. Plants move by a feeder device in the magazine to a release station, where successive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle. The plant magazine and plant release station are positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the release station may drop into the receiving receptacle, to be discharged through the discharge opening. Packers may be provided on the frame to press planting media about the plants.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement or bucket having a hydraulically actuated grapple component. The skid steer loader includes a hydraulic cushioning mechanism at one or both ends of the hydraulic cylinder such that the grapple component does not come to a hard stop when it impacts against the implement bucket. The cushioning mechanism comprises a fluid restriction that diminishes return fluid flow as piston nears the end of its stroke thereby slowing the movement. The skid-steer also includes a cylinder guard secured to the end of the actuation rod of the hydraulic cylinder to protect the actuation rod from damage. A widened pivot shaft is provided at the pivot structure between the grapple component and bucket implement for filling the gap therebetween and acting as a barrier to objects that would otherwise be forced therethrough.

Abstract: Improvements to a grapple bucket which combine to convert the grapples into bulldozing, scraping, and hooking implements that can bulldoze, scoop, tear, and demolish more easily than a simple grapple bucket.

Abstract: The thumb is used on a hydraulic tool arm equipped with a scooping tool for selective co-operation between the scooping tool and the thumb. The thumb has a pair of generally parallel U-shaped lateral forks defining an opening therebetween for engagement of the tool arm between the forks. The forks define an inner end having a transverse coupling member for operative coupling of the thumb to the tool arm for movement of the thumb about the tool arm, and an outer free end opposite the inner end. The forks are significantly curved about a common axis.

Abstract: A snowplow attachment for mounting to the front end of a vehicle that includes both a push blade operable during forward movement of vehicle and a pull blade operable during reverse movement of the vehicle. The pull blade drops down in front of the push blade such that pushed snow can then be pulled back. The snowplow can get up close to permanent structures such as buildings and remove snow therefrom. During the push mode, the pull blade is raised to avoid interference with pushed snow. The snowplow can include side plates located on the ends of the blades for containing the snow and prevent snow from escaping out the sides, thereby increasing the volume of snow moved by the plow during one sweep. According to one embodiment, the snowplow includes a push blade assembly that is adapted to mount directly on the vehicle and a movable pull blade carried by the push blade assembly.

Abstract: An tool adapted for attachment to a double pin mounting structure of the type that is commonly employed on excavator or backhoe type machines or vehicles. The tool is a bucket assembly with a grapple-like tine assembly mounted thereto and controlled by hydraulic actuators. The bucket assembly is mounted to a boom of a backhoe, for example, utilizing a single assembly composed of a hydraulic actuator and coupling members to attach to the double pin mounting structure on the tool. The bucket assembly is mounted on the boom to provide extended movement relative to the boom, and the grapple-like tine assembly is mounted to the bucket assembly for full closure and to enable near full opening relative to the bucket assembly. The tine assembly may be actuated by a pair of hydraulic actuators mounted adjacent one or both sides of the bucket assembly via a free floating bell crank for each pair of hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: Improvements to a grapple bucket which combine to convert the grapples into bulldozing, scraping, and hooking implements that can bulldoze, scoop, tear, and demolish more easily than a simple grapple bucket.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: An improved tool adapted for attachment to a double pin mounting structure of the type that is commonly employed on excavator or backhoe type machines or vehicles. The improved tool is a bucket assembly with a grapple-like tine assembly mounted thereto and controlled by hydraulic actuators. The bucket assembly is mounted to a boom of a backhoe, for example, utilizing a single assembly composed of a hydraulic actuator and coupling members to attach to the double pin mounting structure on the tool. The bucket assembly is mounted on the boom to provide extended movement relative to the boom, and the grapple-like tine assembly is mounted to the bucket assembly for full closure and to enable near full opening relative to the bucket assembly. The tine assembly may be actuated by a pair of hydraulic actuators mounted adjacent one or both sides of the bucket assembly via a free floating bell crank for each pair of hydraulic actuators.

Abstract: A control system and method of using a control system for a thumb on an excavator allows the thumb to follow a workpiece held in a bucket when the bucket moves. The thumb control circuit is activated by the press of a button and thereafter maintains a constant reduced close fluid pressure of the extend port of the thumb cylinder until the open control is actuated.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement or bucket having a hydraulically actuated grapple component. The skid steer loader includes a hydraulic cushioning mechanism at one or both ends of the hydraulic cylinder such that the grapple component does not come to a hard stop when it impacts against the implement bucket. The cushioning mechanism comprises a fluid restriction that diminishes return fluid flow as piston nears the end of its stroke thereby slowing the movement. The skid-steer also includes a cylinder guard secured to the end of the actuation rod of the hydraulic cylinder to protect the actuation rod from damage. A widened pivot shaft is provided at the pivot structure between the grapple component and bucket implement for filling the gap therebetween and acting as a barrier to objects that would otherwise be forced therethrough.

Abstract: A tool assembly using a fluid-powered actuator and including first and second tool members. The first tool member is pivotably connectable to a boom arm of a vehicle or stationary support platform for rotation about a first axis. The first tool member is also attached to a body of the actuator and the second tool members is attached to a shaft of the actuator so that operation of the actuator rotates the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a second axis spaced apart from the first axis and independent of rotation of the first tool member about the first axis. The second tool member is positioned to cooperatively engage the first tool member to assist in collection operations. The actuator has a generally cylindrical body with an output shaft rotatably disposed therein for rotation about the second axis.

Abstract: A skid-steer loader implement having a hydraulically actuated grapple component that includes an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures and a hydraulically actuated grapple component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure. A hydraulically actuated cylinder has one end of the cylinder pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and is provided with a moveable piston integrally coupled to an output actuation rod that is pivotally secured at an end remote from the piston to the grapple component. The hydraulically actuated cylinder has supply/return ports adjacent the ends of the cylinder adapted to be alternately coupled to a high pressure hydraulic fluid supply or low pressure hydraulic fluid return.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described which includes a base frame and a pivot frame mounted to the base frame for pivotal movement thereon about multiple pivot axes. A stinger comprised of a pair of elongated probes is mounted to the pivot frame and extending to bottom ends. A stinger mounting frame is operatively positioned between the pivot frame and at least one of the elongated probes. An actuator on the stinger mounting frame is operable to shift the bottom ends between a closed position and an open wherein the bottom ends are opened and form a plant discharge opening. An internal plant receiving receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening.

Abstract: The precision grapple—which is removably attachable to a vehicle which has implement fittings to which civil engineering implements are removably attachable—has a forwardly converging, low walled lifting bed so that oddly shaped objects—such as rocks and boulders—can be moved, held, and carried by the grapple, has a forwardly converging tongue which is removably attachable to the lifting bed to extend the lifting bed, and has a prong with two arms spaced to clear a tall object—such as a balled tree—held on the lifting bed by the prong.

Abstract: An attachment 10 for a backhoe or excavator having a moveable boom 1 to which a bucket 2 is pivoted including mounting brackets 11, 12 with which a closure member 10 is pivoted to the bucket 2, the closure member 10 including a straight portion 15 and an angular portion 17 extending therefrom at an angle of about 120°, a rigid link pivoted to a bracket on the boom 1 of the backhoe and extending to the closure member to cause pivotal movement of the closure member with respect to the bucket 2 as the bucket 2 is pivoted with respect to the boom 1, the closure 10 and the bucket performing a grapple function while enabling the bucket to perform its usual digging function when the closure member is in its fully open position.

Abstract: A clam bucket of the present invention has a first and a second bucket halves, each bucket half includes a first and a second side wall, a bucket back wall, and a bucket connecting plate. Optionally, at least a portion of each of the two side walls may be made of a side wall screen. The bucket back wall is rigidly connected between the first and the second side walls and extends from the bucket top edge to the bucket digging edge. At least a portion of the bucket back wall is composed of a back wall screen. The side wall screen, if used, and the back wall screen should be positioned so as to allow padding material to pass through the screen but prohibit the passage of stones through the screen. The bucket connecting plate is rigidly connected to the outside of the bucket back wall and positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall so that connection to a backhoe can be made.

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a maneuverable handle of a machine for performing various earth working and material handling functions generally consisting of a first implement pivotally mountable on the handle; a second implement pivotally mountable on the handle, cooperable with the first implement when the implements are mounted on the handle and angularly displaceable between extended, operable positions and a retracted, storage position; a bracket mountable on the handle, an extendable assembly operatively interconnecting the bracket and the second element; and devices disposed on the bracket engageable with the second implement for releaseably retaining the second implement in the storage position.

Abstract: A material handling assembly mountable on the handle of a machine generally having a bucket pivotally connectable to the handle and a device for pivoting the bucket about the pivotal connection of the bucket to the handle, an arm member pivotally connectable to the handle and cooperable with the bucket when mounted on the handle for clamping material therebetween, a bracket mountable on the handle having a guideway therein, a strut having a first section pivotally connected to the arm member and a second section received within and displaceable along the guideway, and a device for detachably securing the second section of the strut to the bracket at selected points along the length of the guideway.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described for attachment to an excavator type boom. The planter includes a frame arrangement that may be releasably secured to the boom, with a stinger depending therefrom. The boom may be selectively operated to drive the probes deep into the ground. The stinger includes a pair of elongated probes that have bottom ends configured to be opened and closed by operation of an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively operable to shift the probes relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends are closed together, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are spaced apart from one another to form a plant discharge opening. The probes form an upwardly open internal plant receiving receptacle that is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening as the probes are lifted by the boom.

Abstract: A bucket is attachable to a tined jaw of a grapple on the boom of a mobile machine. The bucket includes a pair of opposed, parallel side plates, each of the side plates having a linear front edge, a linear top edge and an arcuate rear edge having a recess formed therethrough. Intermediate structure interconnects the side plates and includes an arcuate top wall running rearwardly and upwardly along a curved path spaced from the rear edge from a linear forward edge commencing beneath the front edge to a linear back edge. The top wall is constructed and arranged to extend over upper and lower portions of the jaw. A pair of connecting pins is provided, each of which is receivable in one of the side plate recesses and a through hole formed in an upper portion of the jaw.

Abstract: A clam bucket of the present invention has a first and a second bucket halves, each bucket half includes a first and a second side wall, a bucket back wall, and a bucket connecting plate. At least a portion of each of the two side walls is made of a side wall screen. The bucket back wall is rigidly connected between the first and the second side walls and extends from the bucket top edge to the bucket digging edge. At least a portion of the bucket back wall is composed of a back wall screen. The side wall and back wall screens should be positioned so as to allow padding material to pass through the screen but prohibit the passage of stones through the screen. The bucket connecting plate is rigidly connected to the outside of the bucket back wall and positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall so that connection to a backhoe can be made.

Abstract: A rock, stump and other debris digger has a plurality of tines for digging, dislodging, and lifting the rock, stump or other debris and a plurality of grapple forks pivotally affixed to the digger frame for grabbing the rock, stump or other debris by pivoting the forks until the rock or debris is pinned therebetween so as to be secured for lifting, moving and/or positioning. The rock digger is attachable to a front end loader, skid steer loader or similar vehicle for use in farming, landscaping, construction, road maintenance, and demolition situations.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing work by advancing a tool against a resistance thereto, and in particular, an excavator attachment or a rock concrete or engine crusher in which a pivoted jaw member (16) is advanced by a hydraulic ram (30) against a fixed plate (22) includes percussion device in the form of a hydraulic hammer acting against a fixed anvil (46,50) to assist the ram. Hydraulic fluid can be diverted from the ram to the hammer as required.

Abstract: A clam shell bucket is provided. The clam shell bucket includes a first frame rotatably connected to a second frame along a pivot point to provide rotation of the first and second frames between a pincer configuration and a scooping configuration. The first frame includes a bucket floor having a pincer end and a scraper end; a pair of side walls extending from the bucket floor to the pivot point; support blade provided between the pair of side walls and extending from the bucket floor to the pivot point; a plurality of pincer teeth extending from the pincer end of the bucket floor; and a scraper blade extending from the scraper end of the bucket floor. The second frame includes a rear bucket wall including a pincer end; a plurality of pincer teeth extending along the pincer end of the rear bucket wall; and a plurality of support arms extending from the rear bucket wall to the pivot point. A method of operating the bucket is provided.