Abstract: A loader coupler includes first and second dump stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler and first and second roll-back stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler. Each of the dump and roll-back stops includes a base connected to or formed as a part of the coupler; at least one shim located adjacent the base; and, a cover releasably connected to the base and located adjacent the at least one shim. Accordingly, the at least one shim is located between the cover and the base. The outer face of the cover can be angled to ensure flush contact between it and an associated arm of a loader to which the coupler is connected. The adjustable stops are used by locating at least one shim adjacent the base and securing the a cover to the base member and adjacent the shim, with the shim located between the cover and the base member. Thereafter, it is determined if the cover contacts the associated loader arm in a desired stop position.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system for an arm of an excavator or other machine includes a boom comprising a distal end defining a first yoke structure including first and second yoke members, and each of the yoke members includes an open pin-receiving recess. An arm includes first and second pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first pin-end is seated in the recess of the first yoke member and said second pin-end is seated in the recess of the second yoke member. First and second arm keepers are located respectively adjacent the first and second recesses and selectively capture the first and second pin-ends. The system optionally includes a second yoke with first and second yoke members that respectively include first and second open pin-receiving recesses. An arm cylinder includes first and second cylinder pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first cylinder pin-end is seated in the first recess of the second yoke and the second pin-end is seated in the second recess of the second yoke.

Abstract: A coupler includes a body having first and second recesses that are adapted for respectively receiving first and second associated pins of an associated bucket or other implement. A wedge lock member is movably secured to the body and is movable between a retracted position one or more extended positions. The wedge lock member at least partially obstructs the second recess when it is moved to an extended position so as to capture a second associated pin in the second recess. An actuator is operably coupled to the wedge lock member and is operable to move the wedge lock member between its retracted and extended positions. A supplemental lock arm member is movably secured to the coupler body and is movable between an unlocked position and one or more locked positions. When the supplemental lock arm member is in its locked position, it engages and prevents movement of the lock member from the one or more extended positions to the retracted position.

Abstract: A quick-coupler for operably connecting a bucket or other implement to the arm or dipper-stick of an excavator, backhoe and/or other machine includes a first and second laterally spaced-apart rib assemblies. A first upper bearing plate is connected to the first rib assembly and a second upper bearing plate connected to the second rib assembly. At least one of the first and second upper bearing plates and the lower bearing plate includes a tab projecting outwardly therefrom that is inserted into a corresponding tab-opening defined in one of the first and second rib assemblies. A lock member is slidably positioned in the slot, and an actuator is located in the space between the first and second rib assemblies. The actuator is operably coupled to the lock member for moving the lock member between first and second operative positions. A method of constructing a coupler is disclosed.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator includes an arm comprising a first hook including a first open mouth. The arm further includes a first pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the first open mouth. A link is movable relative to said arm and comprises a second hook including a second open mouth. The second open mouth is oriented toward the arm, and the link further comprises a second pin capturing system that selectively obstructs the second open mouth. The first and second pin assemblies of an attachment are selectively captured in the first and second hooks. The pin assemblies include a sleeve rotatably positioned on an attachment pin that extends between ribs of the attachment. The sleeve includes a bore that closely receives the attachment pin and the length of the sleeve is selected so that the sleeve fits closely between the attachment ribs, thereby allowing the arm assembly to pick-up various attachments with different pin diameters, ribs spacings and pin-to-pin distances.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator or the like includes a quick coupler integrated into an arm member and an implement link member, thus eliminating the need to connect a separate quick coupler to the arm. The arm member includes: (i) a proximal end adapted for connection to an associated boom for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis; (ii) a distal end, spaced from the proximal end along a first longitudinal axis; and, (iii) a first recess defined in the distal end. The first recess is defined about a first transverse axis that lies parallel to the transverse pivot axis and includes an open mouth and a closed inner end. The implement link member includes: (i) a first end; and, (ii) a second end spaced from the first end along a second longitudinal axis and defining a second recess about a second transverse axis parallel to the first transverse axis.

Abstract: A coupler includes first and second spaced-apart ribs each defining first and second bores. The first bore of the first rib is aligned with the first bore of the second rib on a first pin-on axis, and the second bore of the first rib aligned with the second bore of the second rib on a second pin-on axis. A first hook assembly includes a first hook adapted to receive a first associated attachment pin. The first hook assembly is fixed relative to the first and second ribs. A second hook assembly includes a second hook adapted to receive a second associated attachment pin. The second hook assembly is selectively pivotable relative to the first and second ribs toward and away from the first hook assembly. An actuator is operatively connected to the second hook assembly to pivot the second hook assembly selectively relative to the first and second ribs.

Abstract: A boom and boom cylinder quick coupler includes a body defining at least one bore about a transverse boom pivot axis, and the bore is adapted for selective alignment with a transverse bore defined in an associated boom. A first transversely extending open recess is defined in the body about a first transverse axis that is parallel to the transverse boom pivot axis. The first recess is adapted for selective receipt of a first pin affixed to an excavator. A second transversely extending open recess is defined in the body about a second transverse axis that is parallel to the first transverse axis. The second recess is adapted for selective receipt of a second pin affixed to the excavator. A boom cylinder quick coupler can also be provided.

Abstract: An implement linkage for an excavator, backhoe, or like apparatus is provided wherein the speed and force (speed/force) characteristics of the linkage, and the implement connected thereto, are selectively variable by an end-user depending upon the task to be performed with the implement.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect system for an arm of an axcavator or other machine includes a boom comprising a distal end defining a first yoke structure including first and second yoke members, and each of the yoke members includes an open pin-receiving recess. An arm includes first and second pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first pin-end is seated in the recess of the first yoke member and said second pin-end is seated in the recess of the second yoke member. First and second arm keepers are located respectively adjacent the first and second recesses and selectively capture the first and second pin-ends. The system optionally includes a second yoke with first and second yoke members that respectively include first and second open pin-receiving recesses. An arm cylinder includes first and second cylinder pin-ends projecting outwardly therefrom. The first cylinder pin-end is seated in the first recess of the second yoke and the second pin-end is seated in the second recess of the second yoke.

Abstract: A quick-coupler for operably connecting a bucket or other implement to the arm or dipper-stick of an excavator, backhoe and/or other machine includes a first and second laterally spaced-apart rib assemblies. A first upper bearing plate is connected to the first rib assembly and a second upper bearing plate connected to the second rib assembly. A lower bearing plate is connected to both the first and second rib assemblies and is spaced from the first and second upper bearing plates so that a slot is defined between the lower bearing plate and the first and second upper bearing plates. At least one of the first and second upper bearing plates and the lower bearing plate includes a tab projecting outwardly therefrom that is inserted into a corresponding tab-opening defined in one of the first and second rib assemblies. A lock member is slidably positioned in the slot, and an actuator is located in the space between the first and second rib assemblies.

Abstract: An arm assembly for an excavator or the like includes a quick coupler integrated into an arm member and an implement link member, thus eliminating the need to connect a separate quick coupler to the arm. The arm member includes: (i) a proximal end adapted for connection to an associated boom for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis; (ii) a distal end, spaced from the proximal end along a first longitudinal axis; and, (iii) a first recess defined in the distal end. The first recess is defined about a first transverse axis that lies parallel to the transverse pivot axis and includes an open mouth and a closed inner end. The implement link member includes: (i) a first end; and, (ii) a second end spaced from the first end along a second longitudinal axis and defining a second recess about a second transverse axis parallel to the first transverse axis.

Abstract: A coupler includes a body having first and second recesses that are adapted for respectively receiving first and second associated pins of an associated bucket or other implement. A wedge lock member is movably secured to the body and is movable between a retracted position one or more extended positions. The wedge lock member at least partially obstructs the second recess when it is moved to an extended position so as to capture a second associated pin in the second recess. An actuator is operably coupled to the wedge lock member and is operable to move the wedge lock member between its retracted and extended positions. A supplemental lock arm member is movably secured to the coupler body and is movable between an unlocked position and one or more locked positions. When the supplemental lock arm member is in its locked position, it engages and prevents movement of the lock member from the one or more extended positions to the retracted position.

Abstract: A high visibility coupler for front end loader implements that is selectively mountable to the extendable arms of a front end loader and is attachable to implements, such as a fork. The structure of the coupler is such that it has a plurality of parallel lift ribs that are perpendicularly interconnected by cross ribs to form an open lattice type structure, thereby allowing the operator of the front end loader to easily see and manipulate the fork or other attachment, so that the object to be picked up can be easily and safely engaged. One embodiment of the high visibility coupler for front end loaders includes a male master, a carriage and a movable implement such as a fork. The male master includes a plurality of parallel lift ribs that are perpendicularly interconnected by cross members to form an opening wherein the male master is received and carried by lift pistons operative with the lifting arms. The male master carries a carriage which has openings aligned with the opening of the male master.

Abstract: A high visibility coupler for front end loader implements that is selectively mountable to the extendable arms of a front end loader and is attachable to implements, such as a fork. The structure of the coupler is such that it has a plurality of parallel lift ribs, that are perpendicularly interconnected by cross ribs to form an open lattice type structure, thereby allowing the operator of the front end loader to easily see and manipulate the fork or other attachment, so that the object to be picked up can be easily and safely engaged.

Abstract: A coupler is provided for implementation on the boom of an excavator and adapted for receiving and coupling an arm or implement. The coupler is pinned to the boom through apertures and a pair of parallel plates. An actuating hydraulic piston is connected to the coupler through holes passing through another pair of plates. Attachment to the arm or implement is achieved by first engagement of a pair of slots with pins on the arm, and subsequent engagement of other slots with another pair of pins. The last mentioned slots have associated therewith a cam locking plate which closes the slot upon the pins to prevent removal.

Abstract: A coupler is provided for implementation with front end loaders. A male face plate is connected to the arms of the front end loader, having spring biased and hydraulically released cams on the back surface thereof and maintained in juxtaposition to an aperture passing through the base plate. A female coupler portion is attached to an appropriate implement. The female coupler portion includes a pair of ribs having hooks at the top thereof for engaging the bridge pins of the male portion, and legs having cam pins extending from bottom portions of the ribs. The legs and cam pins pass through the aperture of the faced plate to make locking engagement with the cams.

Abstract: A quick coupler for front end loader implements having a male master pivotally connected by pins to the upper and lower extendable arms of a front end loader and a female coupler attached to any of a variety of buckets, plows, scoops, forks, or other implements. The female member consists of a pair of upper hooks and lower protruding eyes engageable by the male member having a pair of upper bridge pins and lower, channeled slots. Upper engagement is made between bridge pins and hooks and lower engagement by insertion of the protruding eyes into the slotted channels. Coupling is secured or released by extension or retraction of hydraulically or manually actuated pins through the slotted holes and protruding eyes.