Abstract: A dozer blade mounting assembly for angling and tilting the blade, while preventing pitching, without inducing stresses in the assembly. The blade is supported on a conventional C-frame by a universal connection in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a mast assembly connected to the frame midportion and extending upwardly from the frame, a pair of hydraulic angling cylinders connected between the side portions of the blade and the mast assembly adjacent the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a tilt cylinder connected between the frame and the mast assembly and a bracket assembly supporting the upper portion of the blade and preventing pitching of the blade. The bracket assembly includes a bracket member having an elongated slot extending generally parallel to the blade and a slide block having a width substantially equal to the width of the slot which floats within the slot to allow tilting of the blade, but preventing pitch of the blade.

Abstract: A trenching machine including a digging boom rotatably attached to a tractor and a digging chain rotatably mounted on the digging boom wherein a crumber assembly is provided that is rotatable between work and transport positions. The crumber assembly includes a support boom attached to the digging boom, a crumber rotatably attached to the support boom, and an actuator for rotating the crumber. The crumber may be folded toward the support boom so that the digging chain of the trenching machine can be moved into close proximity with a vertical wall, such as a building foundation, thereby minimizing or eliminating the need for manual excavation adjacent to the wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device for a self-propelled earthmoving appliance having a hydraulic transmission with a reverser and at least one stabilizer which can serve as a support for the said appliance.According to the invention, the safety device comprises control means connecting the stabilizer control lever functionally to the valve means controlling the position of the reverser, the said control means being passive when the reverser is in the neutral position and active when the reverser is not in the neutral position, in order, in the latter case, to cause a return to the neutral position automatically. Consequently, the raising of the stabilizer or stabilizers can under no circumstances cause a movement of the machine if the control lever of the reverser is not in the neutral position.The invention is used for equipping appliances of the shovel-loader type having a pair of stabilizers mounted at the rear of the chassis.

Abstract: A seat suspension mechanism providing a vertical range of cushion travel to a tractor seat when fluid is supplied to the mechanism. The suspension mechanism includes a linkage assembly movable through a predetermined path of travel for securing the seat to the frame and a damper assembly operable in combination with the linkage assembly for regulating the cushion travel of the seat. The present invention further includes an automatic seat stop mechanism connectable to the suspension mechanism for limiting the movement of the linkage assembly and the seat upon cessation or interruption of fluid flow to the seat suspension mechanism.

Abstract: A retaining bracket for detachably connecting a pump to the power take off shaft of a tractor. The bracket provides a torque restraint which is non-rigid and centrally positioned in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the pump shaft so that angular moments of force which would tend to bend the pump shaft are avoided or resisted. The bracket includes a channel-shaped member having a telescopic web and no precision alignment is required to operationally mount and connect the pump to the tractor. The bracket includes a slidable connection to the tractor drawbar so that no tools are required for operational mounting.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator particularly adapted for ridge-hill and minimum tillage farming conditions. The cultivator carries a number of tools including spaced hilling disks, a coulter wheel and a sweep for effectively pitching soil and cutting crop residues and weeds between the planted rows. A gauge wheel assembly is provided for controlling the depth of penetration of the tools into the soil. The gauge wheel assembly includes a pair of elongated arms pivotally connected between a pair of parallel plates on the cultivator frame. Series of vertically spaced adjustment holes are formed in the plates and a pin member is selectively insertable in any aligned pair of holes to limit pivotal movement of the gauge wheel arms the elevation of the gauge wheel relative to the frame. The gauge wheel adjustments are easily made by hand in the field without the use of tools.

Abstract: An improved coupling assembly enabling a bucket to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a front-end loader with lifting and tilting means. A female coupling structure is integral with the bucket. A back plate of the female coupling structure bears against a front plate of a male coupling structure with no gap between such plates. An upper flange on the front plate bears upwardly against an upper flange on the back plate. Means are provided to latch the male coupling structure releasably to the female coupling structure. Vertical play between the male coupling structure and the female coupling structure is limited precisely to a specified gap between and adjustable member on the male coupling structure and a fixed block on the female coupling structure.

Abstract: An improved simplified compacting apparatus for mounting on the tool-support boom of a backhoe or other tractor. The apparatus includes a lower member with a convex cylindrical compacting surface which extends through an arc of less than about 180 degrees, preferably less than about 90 degrees, and terminates in front and rear edges. At least one and preferably two upright members are secured to the lower member, preferably to a top concave surface thereof, and pivot mounts are on the upright member to allow pivoting attachment to a tool-support boom. The apparatus is easy to operate and easily reaches edges not reached by many prior devices.

Abstract: A steering system for an articulated vehicle has pivotal wheel steering such as front axle wagon-wheel steering, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle, and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of front wheel pivot relative to the vehicle and the degree of articulation of the vehicle. These signals are detected by a microprocessor controller which in turn controls the sequence of actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated sequentially so that small directional changes of the vehicles are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators is controlled by a manual steering unit having a conventional hydraulic steering valve, with sequencing being provided through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverter valve.

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

Abstract: A trencher machine digging boom assembly having a mounting arrangement for the digging boom wherein the boom includes a boom attaching weldment that is pivotally mounted to a boom pivot casting. The boom pivot casting is rigidly mounted to a trencher frame with a drive motor being mounted to one end of the boom pivot casting and a planetary gearbox being mounted at its opposite end. The planetary gearbox and associated drive components for the digging chain may be disconnected to permit easy and convenient removal of the digging boom for replacing its pivot bearings. Further, the torque reactions of the drive train are maintained within the boom pivot casting and are not transferred to the lift components associated with the digging boom.

Abstract: Improved backhoe bucket transport apparatus including an engagement member secured to a loader bucket and having an open hook for engaging and suspending the backhoe bucket by its pivot pin. Normal rolling motion of the loader bucket causes it to receive the backhoe where it may be securely held during transport. Unloading is carried out by reversing the steps.

Abstract: An improved boom-supportable device for lifting large rocks, broken concrete or asphalt pieces, and the like from the ground without particulates. The invention includes a generally upright frame member having a lower edge, a shelf-like member extending laterally from the frame lower edge to a distal end and defining substantial voids, and devices removably attaching the shelf-like member to the frame lower edge selectively in either a forward position or a rearward position. The shelf-like member preferably has a plurality of elongated parallel teeth spaced along the lower edge. The teeth are most preferably separate, each individually attached to the lower edge.

Abstract: An improved combine conveyor of the type having a conveyor surface, elongated carriers across the surface, and endless chains to move the carriers along the conveyor. The carriers are resiliently deformable slats adjustably secured to the chains by self-adjusting, preferably double-pivoting, attachment devices. The slats are preferably flat, of spring steel, angled with respect to the surface, and in a trailing position with respect to their attachment to the chains.

Abstract: A common relief valve circuit for controlling or monitoring two or more pumps. The circuit includes two fixed displacement pumps with the pumps being connected to at least two valve bodies or sections that supply fluid to hydraulic cylinders for operating earth-working buckets or the like. A main relief valve is connected to the inlet of a first valve section, and a check valve is connected in a parallel cavity line in the first valve section. The check valve remains closed under conditions where a valve spool in the first valve section is shifted but a valve spool in the second valve section is not shifted or when a valve spool in the second valve section is shifted and a valve spool in the first valve section is not shifted.

Abstract: Improved means for removably attaching digging teeth to the cutting edge member of an earth-moving bucket. The attachment means includes a pair of clamping means which both apply sandwiching pressure on both the upper and lower surfaces of the edge member to hold the tooth in place against both front and side impacts.

Abstract: A switch actuation assembly is provided with a support means for supporting the switch in a fixed position relative to orientations of a moveable member. A motion response element is operably connected to the moveable member for being moved in one of two directions in response to movement of the moveable member toward one of the orientations and for being moved in the other of the two directions in response to the movement of the moveable member toward the other of the two orientations. An actuating member is provided for engaging the switch to actuate the switch from a first position to a second position. The actuating member is in frictional contact with the motion response element whereby the actuating member is moved by the response element until any force of resistance to the movement of the actuating member exceeds the static friction force.

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

Abstract: An improved tractor battery enclosure of the type having a service opening, including walls forming an enclosure, a suspended battery-support floor approximating the size of a battery base and movable between a battery use position and an at least partially offset position, and a door along the lead edge of the floor movable between a closed position and an open position coplanar with the floor, such that a battery may readily be moved with the floor and then along the floor to a full service position in which it is at least partially supported by the door.

Abstract: A multi-arm tractor hitch with an improved adjustable arm having a pair of threaded end members with slots therealong, a middle member engaged with the end members in turnbuckle fashion, a locking member movably, preferably pivotably, attached to the middle member and having tabs positioned to engage the slots of both ends members when the locking member is in a lock position, to firmly lock them and the middle against relative rotation without any connection beyond the middle member.