Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for laterally supporting a construction vehicle of the type having a material handling implement. The preferred embodiments of the stabilizer assembly permit selective positioning of the outboard ends of the stabilizer arms over a wide range of positions from a position immediately adjacent the vehicle wheels and near the longitudinal center line of the vehicle frame to a position substantially outside of the wheels and farther from the longitudinal center line of the vehicle frame. The inboard ends of the stabilizer arms are pivotally secured to a stabilizer anchor which is transversely slidable relative to the vehicle frame on either side of the center line thereof. Various means are disclosed for positioning of the stabilizer anchor relative to the vehicle frame and for retaining the stabilizer anchor in such position.

Abstract: A failsafe brake actuating assembly for crawler-type tractors which automatically engages a braking device in situations where there is a loss of engine power or the like with resulting incapacitation of the tractor's primary braking system. The brake actuating assembly includes a brake actuating cylinder connected to a brake actuating arm for rotating the arm in opposite directions. The assembly further includes an adjustment member having a first bearing support for rotatably mounting the brake actuating arm and a plurality of peripheral teeth members. The actuating arm includes a second bearing support, the axis of which is eccentric to the axis of the first bearing support. A torsion spring connecting link is mounted on the second bearing support with one end of the connecting link attached to the actuating arm and the other end of the connecting link engaging the teeth of the adjustment member.

Abstract: A crawler track support system is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in a material handling implement, such as a crawler excavator. The support system permits selective alteration of the length of the ground-engaging portion of a crawler track, thus permitting maximum ground contact which is necessary for traction and support, and also permitting reduced track ground contact for improved mobility. Significantly, the present support system is very straightforward in construction for economical manufacture and reliable operation. If desired, the present support system can be adapted to provide shock absorption for the implement, which can be particularly desirable when traveling at relatively high speeds.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic swing mechanism is disclosed for operation of the boom assembly of a backhoe or similar implement. The swing mechanism includes a pair of double-acting hydraulic motors pivotally interconnected between the backhoe frame and the backhoe boom assembly. A novel multi-position sequencing spool valve is disposed in fluid communication between the head ends of the hydraulic motors and a manually operated directional control valve which directs swinging movement of the boom assembly. A straight-forward valve control linkage operatively connects the sequencing spool valve with the boom assembly so that the spool valve is selectively operated as the boom assembly is pivoted through its arc of travel. An improved hydraulic cushioning circuit is provided in association with the sequencing spool valve, with the entire system providing improved operation of the boom assembly, with significant improvement in the hydraulic cushioning and torque characteristics of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sweeping and thatching turf including a rotatable sweeper brush assembly having spring type thatching members. The spring thatching members may be easily secured to or removed from the sweeper brush assembly which permits the operator considerable flexibility in installing and removing them without dismantling the brush assembly. The number of spring thatching members used may be conveniently varied for providing the desired thatching action. The construction provides for cooperation between the spring members and the brush assembly for preventing rotation of the spring members without complicated mounting structure for the spring members. Further, the combination of spring thatching members and sweeper brushes provides an improved cleaning action for the turf.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a material handling device is provided which accommodates convenient interchanging of work implements. The coupler assembly includes first and second latching arrangements which are provided on a frame member which is adapted to be mounted on the lift arm assembly of material handling device. Notably, the second latching arrangement includes an elongated bar having end portions which are deflectable with respect to the central portion of the bar. A pair of overcenter locking cams are provided for urging the respective end portions of the bar into recesses defined by hooks which are mounted on the implement to be mounted, thus facilitating convenient attachment of the implement to the lift arm assembly.

Abstract: An angle adjustment mechanism for an implement mounted on a vehicle, such as a bulldozer having a C-shaped frame which pivotally supports the dozer blade at the forward end of the vehicle for angled movement. The side frame portions include slide members mounted on rails which are pivotally interconnected with one of the opposed sides of the implement. The rails each include a plurality of spaced horizontal slots or openings at predetermined locations, and the channel-shaped slide members each include a downwardly opening slot which is alignable with one of the openings in the rails. The slide members are locked to fix the angled position of the implement by horizontally oriented tapered anchor pins receivable through the slot in the slide member and one of the aligned openings in the rails.

Abstract: A transmission control system is provided for enhancing the braking of a crawler-type tractor by controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutches associated with a right-hand and left-hand crawler tracks in response to the actuation of the brakes associated with the tracks. The arrangement includes pressure sensor means operatively associated with the hydraulic brake system of the right-hand and left-hand crawler tracks of a crawler-type tractor. The system functions such that actuation of both the right-hand and left-hand track brakes simultaneously prevents the normal disengagement of the track clutches which permits the engine of the tractor to assist in braking. Actuation of a single brake pedal allows braking of that respective crawler track with disengagement of its respective clutch, while allowing the clutch of the opposite track to remain engaged to effect pivot turning of the tractor.

Abstract: A float positioning assembly for servo actuated proportional control valves which increases the percentage of available pilot pressure for use during normal "raise" and "lower" modes of operation thereby saving energy. The float positioning assembly is connected to one end of a proportional control valve housing in axial alignment with a slidable valve spool. It includes a differential piston which is positioned between a centering spring assembly and an end member. The centering spring assembly includes a support member which is fixed at one end to the axially slidable control valve spool. A centering spring surrounds the support member, and it is mounted between a fixed collar and a slidable collar. When the valve spool is displaced for a "lower" mode of operation, the support member slidably moves through the slidable collar, and the centering spring is slightly compressed between the fixed and slidable collars.

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

Abstract: A closed loop hydrostatic transmission is disclosed which includes an improved hydraulic fluid bleed arrangement. The fluid bleed arrangement includes a variable flow bleed valve hydraulically joined with each of the closed loops of the hydrostatic transmission. Each variable bleed valve is operatively associated with the control mechanism which selectively controls the reversible flow fluid pump of the closed loop for direction of fluid under pressure in forward and reverse directions in the loop. The variable action of each bleed valve permits a relatively greater amount of hydraulic fluid to be bled from the closed loop during periods of operation when the flow of hydraulic fluid otherwise lost from the closed loops is insufficient to permit adequate replenishment of fluid in the loops with cooler charging fluid.

Abstract: A steering system for a tracked machine having dual power paths to opposed planetary differential gear sets for providing conventional differential steering and a second method of steering where the speed of one track is reduced while keeping the other track at its initial speed. The steering system includes primary and secondary drive inputs into the opposed planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets combine the rotations from the primary and secondary drive inputs in a first steering mode for increasing the speed of one track while reducing the speed of the other track by an equal amount. A second mode of steering is also possible where the speed of one track is reduced while keeping the other track at its initial speed for larger turning radii. The primary drive input includes a variable displacement fluid pump and a variable displacement motor connected to the planetary gear sets by means of a drive shaft for driving the tracks of the machine.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for gripping objects is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with an excavator having a hydraulic hammer. The arrangement includes a gripping arm assembly operatively associated with the hydraulic hammer, including a gripping arm selectively movable with respect to the hammer. The arrangement can further include a detachably mountable clamping arm assembly adapted to be attached to the dipper arm of the excavator. The gripping arm and clamping arm assemblies are adapted to cooperate with each other with a claw-like working action to facilitate gripping of objects, such as material broken with the hydraulic hammer.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which eliminates the need for elastic torque cushioning elements. The plow assembly includes a vertically extending support frame and a vertically extending shaker frame having an elongated plow blade attached thereto with an oscillating mechanism supported on the shaker frame for reciprocating the shaker frame and plow blade. The support and shaker frames are interconnected adjacent their upper ends by conventional connecting links. The lower ends of the support and shaker frames are interconnected by a generally planar, horizontally disposed, spring plate member which is fixedly attached to the support frame at one end and is secured to the bottom of the shaker frame at its opposite end. The spring plate member withstands the loading imposed upon it by the shaker frame and plow blade while being flexible to deflect vertically thereby permitting the vibratory motion from the oscillating mechanism to be transmitted to the plow blade.

Abstract: A pressure protection system including a valve for isolating an auxiliary fluid circuit from a main fluid circuit when a leak occurs in the auxiliary fluid circuit. A valve is connected between a governor controlled compressor and the main fluid circuit and a pressure protection valve is connected between the compressor and an auxiliary fluid circuit. If a leak develops in the auxiliary fluid circuit, the pressure protection valve closes which permits most of the output from the compressor to be used to recharge the main fluid circuit. The pressure protection valve includes a supply passage and a delivery passage disposed substantially perpendicular to the supply passage. A plunger member is movable within the delivery passage for closing the supply passage when there is insufficient fluid pressure in the auxiliary fluid circuit.

Abstract: A bucket design is disclosed having side walls including forward leading portions which are forward of a strike plane defined by the bottom edge of the bucket and its rotation axis. The forward leading portions can contact the soil and provide a greater break out force than that available at the bottom edge. An improved wear strip design is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two position seat assembly is disclosed for use on a material handling vehicle. The seat assembly has a seat back section which pivots to be used as a back rest or as an elevated seat for facing the rear of the vehicle. This permits the vehicle operator to face forward to operate forward mounted equipment or to face backward to operate rearward mounted equipment.

Abstract: An arrangement for guiding and supporting a windowpane is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with the windowpanes of a tractor cab. The arrangement includes a unitary guide member with integral biasing means adapted to receive the marginal edge portion of a windowpane. The unitary guide is adapted for operative engagement with a support channel or track for slidable movement of the windowpane and guide together within the track. Retention means are provided to prevent undesired disengagement of the unitary guide from the support track. The track and unitary guide are preferably extruded elements which are formed from resilient material to effect the desired biased engagement of the guide with the track, and to accommodate fabrication and assembly of the arrangement.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for adjustably securing the control arm and bellcrank arm of an anti-rollback linkage for material handling buckets. The anti-rollback control arm includes a generally flat planar arm portion and a position adjusting shaft with the longitudinal axis of the position adjusting shaft being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the arm portion. The bellcrank arm is generally U-shaped in cross-section and includes openings through side wall flanges for receiving an end portion of the position adjusting shaft. The shaft end portion is adjustably secured to the bellcrank arm by a U-bolt fastener which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the position adjusting shaft and which is attached to the bellcrank arm. The position adjusting shaft end portion includes spaced apart knurled peripheral band areas which are separated by at least one smooth peripheral area.