Abstract: A control system for an excavator, the excavator comprising a movable arm, a movable excavator thumb and a tiltrotator attached to the arm, the tiltrotator being arranged to hold an auxiliary tool which is rotatable and/or tiltable by means of the tiltrotator. The control system is arranged to control the tiltrotator to rotate and/or tilt the auxiliary tool between a plurality of first positions and at least one second position. The excavator thumb is movable between at least one rest position and a plurality of work positions. The auxiliary tool is arranged to cooperate with the excavator thumb when the auxiliary tool is positioned in any of the at least one second position and when the excavator thumb is positioned in any of the plurality of work positions. The control system comprises a first blocker arranged to block the movement of the excavator thumb when the auxiliary tool is positioned in any of the plurality of first positions.

Abstract: A frame that plugs into the tow hitch receiver of a vehicle that has two pivot arms used for the raising of a storage/tool box onto the frame for transport or lowered for placing the storage/tool box on the ground surface shared by the vehicle, at which point the storage/tool box can be disconnected from the frame and later re-attached for lifting and transport. The aforementioned pivot arms of the frame can be activated into motion via a driving force such as but not limited to a gas strut, hydraulics, cable or other means for pivoting the arms in the process of lifting a storage/tool box onto the connected frame for transport, or lowering a storage/tool box for disconnection after transport.

Abstract: A round bale mover for attachment to either a tractor mounted front-end loader or a tractor three-point hitch for moving a pair of round bales. First and second bale teeth extend from a first end of the bale mover for supporting a first bale thereon. Third and fourth bale teeth extend from a second end of the bale mover for supporting a second bale thereon. The first and second bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the third and fourth bale teeth. The third and fourth bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the first and second bale teeth. The bale mover enables the first and second bales to be moved towards one another and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A folding bale spear system including a frame securable to a farm implement, particularly a tractor, left and right fork posts rotatable secured to the frame, left and right bale spears, one secured to the left fork post and one secured to the right fork post, and a system for rotation of the left and right fork posts about the frame such that in an open position, the bale spears are extended rearwardly from the frame, and in a closed position the bale spears cross each other and are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A rotating lift system and method for transporting oversized agricultural implements. The rotating lift system includes a rotator arm, a rotator arm guide, an arcuate rotation track all mounted on a trailer frame. A load lift assembly is mounted on the rotator arm and is movable between lowered and raised positions and is adapted for connecting to a load. The rotator arm is pivotally connected to the trailer frame and rotates about a vertical axis. The rotator arm guide is connected to the opposing end of the rotator arm and engages the rotation track. The rotating lift system and method are adapted for engaging, lifting and rotating an implement and moving the implement between perpendicularly opposed field use and transport positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting heavy objects by means of a hydraulically actuated, hinged “A” frame, supported from a tractor by means of the 3-point hitch connection. The “A” frame attaches directly to the 3-point hitch and supports a second hinged frame which is hydraulically actuated to provide lifting capability. This lifting apparatus can accommodate a multitude of lifting attachments i.e. a spear for moving large round bales of hay, pallet forks for sliding under a particular object, a bucket, grapple, etc. In operation, the operator will back the tractor to the object to be moved, secure the object by any of the means described above (spear, forks, bucket, grapple, etc.), lift the object for transport and/or lift to any height and configuration desired and discharge the load.

Abstract: Apparatus for the moving and spreading of loose materials, such as dirt. A frame attaches to the three point hitch on a tractor. A bucket is rotatably attached to the frame, and a blade is attached to the frame and positioned within the bucket so as to substantially span the height and width of the bucket interior. In a first position, the bottom wall of the bucket is positioned substantially horizontally. The tractor moves so as to insert the open mouth of the bucket into a quantity of loose material, then raises the bucket and moves to a desired location. The bucket is lowered so that drag members on the bucket contact the ground; forward movement of the tractor causes the bucket to rotate, creating an opening between the bucket and the blade and causing the loose material to flow out of the bucket onto the ground.

Abstract: A handling apparatus is provided that attaches to a three-point hitch of a farm implement/tractor. The apparatus allows for engaging multiple bales in a field while the tractor is driven in a forward direction. The bales are engaged while they are disposed beside the tractor such that they are in view of the operator. Once bales are engaged, the apparatus allows for rotating the bales from a position beside the tractor to a position behind the tractor. This allows, inter alia, the tractor to pass through openings (e.g., gates or doors) while carrying multiple bales.

Abstract: A bale mover is disclosed which includes a frame having a hitch mounted thereon which may be attached to the three-point hitch of the tractor or to the front end of a front-end loader mounted on the tractor. The frame includes a transversely extending tool bar or main frame member having first and second upstanding posts secured to the outer ends thereof. A pair of tooth supports are vertically slidably mounted on the first and second posts respectively with chains being attached thereto which limit the downward movement of the teeth supports but which permit the tooth supports to float upwardly on the posts as required. The bale mover permits a pair of bales to be loaded, transported and unloaded without the necessity of pushing one of the bales along the ground during the loading or unloading process of the other bale thereby preventing damage to the wrap net material on the bales.

Abstract: A log skidding implement consisting of a four foot horizontal boom and a set of modified skidding tongs hanging vertically from the end of the boom, attaches to the lift arms and top link of a three point tractor hitch. In-tractor controls lower the implement onto a log, causing the skidding tongs to pierce the log, which is then dragged to another location.

Abstract: A tractor of the present invention can reduce a manufacturing cost of a lift arm support body. The tractor is configured such that a lift arm is mounted on an upper portion of a transmission casing by way of a lift arm support body, the lift arm is hydraulically controllable by a hydraulic control valve by way of a hydraulic circuit body, and the hydraulic circuit body and the hydraulic control valve are fixed to the transmission casing as bodies separate from a lift arm support body.

Abstract: A loader has lift arms that are used for mounting a number of different attachments. The attachments can be mounted to the rear of the forward end of the lift arms in order to move the center of gravity of the attachment more directly over the loader frame. Various types of attachments can be used, as shown, and can be controlled to be pivoted for dumping or loading, and can be raised and lowered on the lift arms.

Abstract: A lift attachment for a tractor provided with a three-point hitch. A slide assembly is provided for slidable movement in the vertical direction within channel guides. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the slide assembly for moving the slide assembly either upwardly or downwardly. Lifting tines are connected to the slide assembly. A cam mechanism is provided on the lifting tines to tilt the outer ends of the tines upwardly when the tines are raised and allows the tines to tilt downwardly to a level position when the lifting tines are lowered.

Abstract: A log skidding implement consisting of a four foot horizontal boom and a set of modified skidding tongs hanging vertically from the end of the boom, attaches to the lift arms and top link of a three point tractor hitch. In-tractor controls lower the implement onto a log, causing the skidding tongs to pierce the log, which is then dragged to another location.

Abstract: An L-shaped platform having a vertical bale gripping frame and a horizontal bale support deck is mounted on a transport vehicle for rotation through 90° from a transport position to a bale pick-up position. In the pick-up position, tines on the gripping frame engage the top of the bale and hold the bale with the support deck in contact with an adjacent side surface. The platform is rotated to return to the transport position with the bale being supported by the support deck. The support deck includes a cross conveyor for discharging the bale laterally for stock feeding.

Abstract: A material relocation apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material, while the apparatus may be moving in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material relocation means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted to the frame structure means. The material relocation means is a conventional type of load bucket, commonly found on construction equipment. It is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame structure means, and is capable of being pivoted in both the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. The power transfer means is a conventional type of power cylinder and piston mounted to the front of the frame structure means. The apparatus may attach to a tractor, or be a built-in component of a piece of construction equipment. A wheel assembly may be an optional component of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mobile interface system for a work vehicle that affords degrees of freedom for roll as well as conventional pitch and yaw or swing motion control for a mobile interface structure to which a linkage or a work tool is attached. The mobile interface structure for a backhoe is a swing frame. The roll, pitch and yaw motions are relative to the work vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a bale handling apparatus capable of being used to lift and transport two similar bales in a substantially side-by-side manner. The apparatus includes at least two vertically and horizontally offset main spears. Each main spear is grouped with at least one vertically and/or horizontally offset stabilizer spear. By virtue of the offset design of the main spears, the apparatus can be used to load two bales sequentially by lifting a first bale and then lifting a second bale without unloading the first bale from the apparatus. The apparatus can also be used to load two bales simultaneously. The two bales can then be transported together to another location and unloaded from the apparatus sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: An L-shaped platform (11) having a vertical bale gripping frame (12) and a horizontal bale support deck (13) is mounted on a transport vehicle for rotation through 90° from a transport position to a bale pick-up position. In the pick-up position, tines (17) on the gripping frame (12) engage the top of the bale (B) and hold the bale (B) with the support deck (13) in contact with an adjacent side surface. The platform (11) is rotated to return to the transport position with the bale (B) being supported by the support deck (13). The support deck (13) includes a cross conveyor (21) for discharging the bale (B) laterally for stock feeding.

Abstract: Methods for operating robotic devices (i.e., “robots”) that employ adaptive behavior relative to neighboring robots and external (e.g., environmental) conditions. Each robot is capable of receiving, processing, and acting on one or more multi-device primitive commands that describe a task the robot will perform in response to other robots and the external conditions. The commands facilitate a distributed command and control structure, relieving a central apparatus or operator from the need to monitor the progress of each robot. This virtually eliminates the corresponding constraint on the maximum number of robots that can be deployed to perform a task (e.g., data collection, mapping, searching). By increasing the number of robots, the efficiency in completing the task is also increased.

Abstract: An implement attachment interface is described, that is used for the coupling of operating implements to a utility vehicle, and that contains six double-acting hydraulic cylinders, that are adjustable in length and which are arranged in the manner of a hexapod between the utility vehicle and a coupling frame. This contains two upper hydraulic cylinders that are arranged alongside each other and extend in a direction converging towards each other, two lower hydraulic cylinders arranged alongside each other and converging towards each other as well as two hydraulic cylinders at the sides. According to the invention means are provided that for a pendulous movement to the right the lower right hydraulic cylinder and the upper left hydraulic cylinder extend synchronously and the lower left hydraulic cylinder and the upper right hydraulic cylinder are retracted synchronously. For a pendulous movement to the left the hydraulic cylinders operate in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A multi-purpose log-handling tool for attachment to the three-point hitch of a tractor or other vehicle includes a boom and an inverted U-shaped frame containing a number of apertures to which accessory tools may be attached. The boom and the frame are connected to the tractor and at one of the apertures to permit the outer end of the boom to be lowered and raised by an operator controlling one or more hydraulic pistons. The apertures are preferably longitudinally arranged along a flange affixed to the bottom of the boom. Multiple apertures permit the simultaneous use of more than one tool, which might include logging tongs, chains, or winches. A flexible assembly for coupling the boom to the hydraulic piston accommodates for skewing action as a log is dragged and thereby reduces potential for damage to the log-handling tool.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material, while the apparatus may be moving in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is a conventional type of load bucket, commonly found on construction equipment. It is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame structure means, and is capable of pivoting in both the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction equipment or farm equipment, such as a tractor. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, in which case the attachment component is not required.

Abstract: A bale moving apparatus provides a generally horizontal tow frame with a linear support axle supported by a pair of opposing wheels. A tow bar provides a tow strut, a rest bar, and a winch. A bale support is pivotally joined to, and extends upwardly from the support axle assembly, and is rotatable between an upright attitude and a tilted-back attitude for securing a hay bail. A triangle formation of bale impaling spikes in mutually parallel disposition are used for impaling a hay bale at center and on two sides for securing the bail. The bale is pulling into the tilted-back attitude so as to enable resting the hay bale on the bale rest surface during travel. The rest surface is movable so as to enable placement of the hay bale's center of gravity on the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose log-handling tool for attachment to the three-point hitch of a tractor or other vehicle includes a boom and an inverted U-shaped frame containing a number of apertures to which accessory tools may be attached. The boom and the frame are connected to the tractor and at one of the apertures to permit the outer end of the boom to be lowered and raised by an operator controlling one or more hydraulic pistons. The apertures are preferably longitudinally arranged along a flange affixed to the bottom of the boom. Multiple apertures permit the simultaneous use of more than one tool, which might include logging tongs, chains, or winches. A flexible assembly for coupling the boom to the hydraulic piston accommodates for skewing action as a log is dragged and thereby reduces potential for damage to the log-handling tool.

Abstract: A control lever controls movement of a system to be controlled. The control lever includes a manually operable handgrip attached to a platform. At least six connecting elements are arranged between the platform and a fixed console. Length sensors sense the length of the connecting elements, and/or force sensors sense forces acting on the connecting elements. A control unit evaluates the sensor signals and generates a control signal for controlling movement of the system. The connecting elements are be arranged in the form of a hexapod. The connecting elements may be telescoping members or rigid fixed length members.

Abstract: A rear end loader includes a hitch frame that is designed to be connected to the three-point hitch of a tractor. Connected to and extending rearwardly from the hitch frame is a lift arm structure. The lift arm structure is pivotally connected to the hitch frame such that the lift arm structure can be raised and lowered relative to the hitch frame. A bucket is connected to the lift arm structure and there is provided a hydraulic cylinder interconnected between the lift arm structure and the bucket for articulating the bucket. A flexible cable is connected at one end to the lift arm structure and extends forwardly therefrom to where another portion of the cable is secured to a fixed point relative to the three-point hitch of the tractor. Thus, as the three-point hitch is raised and lowered, the cable causes the lift arm structure to raise and lower relative to the hitch frame.

Abstract: The invention is a lifting device for attachment to an ATV which can utilize a small motor or crank, such as a boat crank, in order to carry a belt over a pulley system between the ATV frame and a platform to lift an object from the platform resting on the ground to the platform raised above the luggage rack platform on the rear of the ATV. The lifting platform may have a lifting plate floor which carries the load over (or on top of) the ATV rear luggage rack. The platform may be equipped with a removable or an extendable wheel so that it may function as a cart when the wheel is attached or extended.

Abstract: A three-point hitch adapter designed with a bell crank, for use on tractors. This bell crank operated hitch adapter provides for easier transfer and adjustability of implements used on tractors. The hitch adapter includes a horizontal cross bar attached to two vertical tubular members. The horizontal bar includes a rectangular centerpiece whereby two tubular members are telescopically inserted and retracted by lateral movement all the while engaged within the centerpiece. The centerpiece includes a bell crank that allows the members to be extended laterally to accommodate the implement. The vertical members have T-shaped locking means with a compression spring to help keep the implement in place at the bottom of each vertical tubular member. All vertical and horizontal adjustments can be made while the adapter is still attached to the tractor.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is provided which enables an operator to load, transport, and unload material, while the apparatus may be moving in the forward and backward directions. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a material handling means, and a power transfer means, with the material handling means and the power transfer means being mounted on the frame structure means. The material handling means is a conventional type of load bucket, commonly found on construction equipment. It is pivotally mounted to the rear of the frame structure means, and is capable of pivoting in both the forward and backward directions via the power transfer means. An optional item may include an attachment component for attaching the apparatus to a piece of construction equipment or farm equipment, such as a tractor. The apparatus may also be part of a motorized vehicle, in which case the attachment component is not required.

Abstract: An agricultural implement trailer for supporting one of a plurality of implements for field usage and transport. The trailer includes a trailer frame supported by transport wheels, and a turntable supporting a hitch member for attachment to a conventional three-point hitch connection on an implement. The hitch member is connected to a horizontally extending arm of the turntable through a linkage assembly including upper and lower link structures defining a parallelogram structure for moving the hitch member from a lowered field-use position to a raised transport position. In the raised transport position, the arm of the turntable supports an implement in cantilever relationship to a pivot member supporting the arm for pivotal movement.

Abstract: A vehicle having a lifting boom, comprising a load-carrying frame (12) having a front section (12a) and a rear section (12b), a lifting boom (18) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and articulated to the frame (12) in the rear section (12b), an operating and driving cab (28) placed on a side of the vehicle (18) and an internal combustion engine placed on the opposite side of the boom (18) with respect to the operating cab (28). The rear section (12b) of the frame has a platform on which a lifting device is mounted, in particular operatively associated to a three-point hitch, whereby the vehicle can be used also as an agricultural machine.

Abstract: The hydraulic lift boom attachment including a support frame and a telescopic lifting arm wherein the support frame is coupled to a tractor's three point hitch which hydraulically raises or lowers the support frame. The telescopic lifting arm has one end coupled to the support frame and the other end is coupled to the tractor's draw bar via a pulley assembly to rotate such other end of the telescopic lifting arm when the support frame is hydraulically raised or lowered. Furthermore, the support frame of the hydraulic lift boom attachment includes a telescopic vertical support assembly to vary the vertical height of the telescopic lifting arm.

Abstract: A load lifting scissors lift assembly, as an attachment for the three-point-hitch of a farm tractor, which utilizes a scissors-action, hinged, expandable linkage. The Heavy-duty Hay Scissors Lift assembly contains one pair of crossed lever arms, each connecting to a vertical load engaging structure (in the case described, a hay spike arrangement), the first through intermediate connection to a variable length middle arm, or third arm, and the second through direct connection to the lowest point of the load engaging structure. The assembly is constructed to multiply the lift of the tractor's lift arms. The expanding linkage is capable of lifting standard six-foot high round bales of hay or other material, outwards and upwards and placing one bale on top of another. The Heavy-duty Hay Scissors Lift is constructed without the use of additional hydraulics, to minimize the cost of materials, complexity, maintenance, and redundancy (a tractor having lift arms already has hydraulics).

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to lift and transport a bulky load, such as a round bale of hay. The apparatus of the invention is a planar frame equipped with sliding block adapted to contact and maintain the load to be lifted against the frame during lift and transport. The frame is further equipped with a cable and associated sheave and attachment means adapted to cause the sliding block to move or not to move relative to the frame upon movement of the frame relative to a support, such as the ground depending upon the method of anchoring the cable. The frame is still further equipped with sites adapted for lifting/rotatable attachment to a 3-point lifting device, such as a farm tractor, having the capability to lift the apparatus and load.

Abstract: A hitch structure comprises a support frame adapted to be mounted to a tail portion of a work vehicle, a tube supported crosswise on the support frame and a hitch for connecting a work machine to the work vehicle. The hitch is comprised of an upper jaw plate and a lower jaw plate joined together by a pin in such a manner as to be capable of opening and closing actions, whereby the jaw plates can cooperate to hold the tube on the support frame. The hitch structure thus allows easy mounting and releasing, produces little play, and is free from worries about its parts being lost.

Abstract: A coupling device for a tractor provided with a three point hitch. The coupling device has a first coupling frame, and a second coupling frame, provided with at least an upper and two lower fastening links for hinged fastening of a tool, the first coupling frame being provided with a first coupling element in longitudinally and directionally variable rotation connection with the rotating shaft of the tractor. The second coupling frame is provided with a second coupling element being rotatably connectable with the first coupling element, to transfer the effect of the rotating shaft to the tool. The coupling frames are provided with cooperating upper and lower fastening elements. The upper fastening element of the first coupling frame consists of two fastening hooks turned from the tractor, provided at a spaced horizontal distance from each other symmetrically from the vertical symmetric axis of the coupling frame, converging upwards towards each other.

Abstract: The transporter 10 has a frame 32 with an upper tube 36 and a lower tube 38 connected together by side plates 40 and 42 with integral support arms 48 and 50. A container pivot axis 52 passes through the rear ends of the support arms 58 and 50. Lower draft link attaching brackets 58 and 64 and upper draft link attaching brackets 68 are attached to the frame 32. A transport container 114 and Clevis plates 76 and 78 are pivotally attached to the support arms 48 and 50 by bolts 80 and 82. Hydraulic cylinders 98 and 108 are attached to the frame 32 and the clevis plates 76 and 78 to pivot the Clevis plates about the container pivot axis. Bolts 134 and 136 attach the Clevis plates to the container 114. The bolts 134 and 136 can be shear bolts.

Abstract: An adapter for the three point hitch on an agricultural tractor for lifting and transporting the header of a combine harvesting machine comprising a frame with appropriately positioned hitch pins for engaging the three point hitch and an upper frame member adapted to engage the feed opening in the combine header housing and a pair of bumpers on a lower frame member to stabilize the header when it is lifted or transported.

Abstract: A turf collecting apparatus has a pan for collecting turf plugs discharged from an aerator. The pan is rotatably mounted on a frame so that the pan is freely rotatable within the frame. The connector is located on the frame at a point so that when the aerator is moved to a raised position, the pan is freely rotatable under the force of gravity to dump the turf plugs from the pan. The pan also has a counterweight connected thereto to cause the pan to rotate back to a collecting position after the turf plugs are dumped from the pan.

Abstract: The present invention provides a grapple tongs device for mounting to the three-point hitch of the type found on agricultural tractors. The apparatus of this invention comprises a three-point hitch mounting, a grapple boom extending from the hitch mounting, a grapple tongs device suspended from the outer end of the grapple boom, and means for orienting the grapple tongs. The means for orienting the grapple tongs preferably also is employed to open the grapple tongs, the tongs preferably being of the gravity-closing type.

Abstract: A material storage hopper tiltably supported on the bed of a hopper support frame is disclosed, which frame is liftable either by a fork lift or a three point hitch such as used on farm and garden tractors. The frame is ground mountable such that the hopper can be used to store and dump materials while in a stationary, stand alone condition, separate and apart from the three point hitch of a tractor. The frame includes a bracket containing elongated slots in which a pin at the end of the third or central arm of a three point hitch is slidably inserted to permit the frame to level itself when elevated by the hitch above its ground mounted position. The slotted bracket also permits the frame to be self leveling when returned from an elevated to a ground mounted position.

Abstract: A quick change device for earth moving vehicles for changing working implements and separably connected to the vehicle via an adaptor pivotable about a horizontal axis and provided on a jib of the earth moving machine, the adaptor having displaceably mounted coupling members rigid with the housing and with which there are on the working implements coupling members rigid with the housing, the displaceably mounted coupling members of the adaptor being locking bolts which have conical coupling surfaces and with which there are associated on the working implement coupling members which have conical surfaces and which are constructed in supporting fashion only over a range of 180.degree. with the corresponding conical surfaces of the associated coupling members of the working implement which are rigid with the housing.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for use in lifting and transporting relatively large items, particularly rolled hay bales, is provided. The apparatus includes a grapple-like lifting component having a frame, an upper fork set and a bottom fork set. Both sets of forks are movable relative to the frame and to each other, their movement actuated by a single, floating, double-acting hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement. The lifting component is designed to be connected to a typical 3-point hitch of a farm machine (a tractor or the like) and includes another integral hitch structure attached to the frame for connecting a carriage component. The carriage component consists of a generally U-shaped bale receiving basket pivotally attached to a wheeled trailer-like frame. The basket is held in a bale receiving position by latches spaced along the length of the frame. When the latches are released, basket tips and the bales roll from the carriage.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an attachment for use in attaching liftable implements onto transporting tractors equipped with a hydraulic driven power source. The attachment includes a pivotally mounted barrel, and a supportive carriage member which slideably reciprocates along the barrel. The elevational pitch of the barrel is controlled by the reciprocating movement of the carriage member. The carriage member includes mounting sites for axially mounting stabilizing braces and the hydraulic source onto the carriage member for stabilizing it against lateral movement while also permitting it to supportively reciprocate along the barrel. Three point hitch implements may be attached and carried by the attachment.

Abstract: An attachment for the three-point hitch of a farm tractor including a generally vertically disposed, inverted U-shaped frame having outwardly extending lower ends connected to a pair of lower lift arms forming part of the three-point hitch of the tractor. The top portion of the frame is pivotally and longitudinally adjustably connected to a telescopically adjustable stabilizer link or bar having its forward end pivotally connected to the usual attachment point of the stabilizer link of a three-point hitch assembly provided on a farm tractor. The outer end of the stabilizer bar includes a transverse sleeve by which various devices including a round hay bale moving device can be pivotally attached.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an interfacing lift hitch for connection between a tractor and an implement. The hitch includes retractable, implement connecting hooks and is U-shaped to allow operation of the power takeoff of the tractor. The disclosure further includes a drawbar mounting device connectable to the U-shaped lift hitch when the power takeoff is not being operated, and a four point hitch mechanism connected to one of my lift hitches and being operable when the hooks are moved to an out of the way position.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting round bales of hay including a pair of arms which project forwardly from the front end of a tractor. These arms support a pivotal structure which includes a spear for impaling a round bale of hay and thereafter tilting the bale up off the ground. Another embodiment includes a device similarly attached to the forward end of a tractor; however, the latter embodiment involves a spear which can be elevated with respect to the ground while remaining parallel to the ground. A third embodiment involves a bale lifting device which is similar to the second embodiment but which can be attached to a conventional 3-point hitch on a tractor or to the rear of a flatbed trailer. A still further embodiment includes a square frame supported from a tractor by means of a 3-point hitch connection. The square frame rotatably supports an elongated rectangular frame which has impaling spears at the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and carrying large cylindrical hay bales is formed by a base frame and a lift frame longitudinally interconnected for vertical pivoting movement of the lift frame. One end of the base frame is connected to the three point hitch of a tractor. Hydraulic cylinders pivot the lift frame and a tine-equipped bale supporting frame upwardly. Parallel linkage forming a part of the lift frame maintains the tines of the bale lift frame in upwardly inclined relation to prevent unauthorized movement of a lifted hay bale off the tines. A tilt cylinder on the lift frame permits the bale frame tines to be inclined in a downward direction for depositing the bale at a selected or elevated position with respect to the surface of the earth.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.