Abstract: An apparatus (10) for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts. The apparatus (10) includes a base structure that supports a movable wheel engaging portion, the wheel engaging portion including a socket wrench (23) and a positioning device, wherein the positioning device can be used to locate the wheel engaging portion to aid the socket wrench (23) to fit or remove a wheel nut.

Abstract: A tool for installation or removal of a retaining pin to or from aligned bores in first and second components. The tool includes a drive rod adapted to be positioned adjacent a first end of the aligned bores. An actuator is operable to move the drive rod, to thereby push the retaining pin into or from the aligned bores.

Abstract: A tool (1) for installation or removal of a retaining pin (2) to or from aligned bores (3, 4) in first and second components, said tool (1) including: a drive rod (7), adapted to be positioned adjacent a first end (8) of said aligned bores (3, 4); and, an actuator (9), operable to move said drive rod (7), to thereby push said retaining pin (2) into or from said aligned bores (3, 4).

Abstract: An access device that provides access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface includes a first ladder member that is operatively attached to a mounting via a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable member having three pivotal connectors spaced apart in a triangular arrangement. A first of the connectors is pivotally attached to the mounting. A second of the connectors is pivotally attached to the first ladder member via a control arm. A third of the connectors is pivotally attached to an extremity of the mounting via an extendible arm. The extendible arm causes the rotatable member to rotate about the first connector, and consequently effect movement of the access device. The access device further includes a second ladder member, a first end of which is pivotally attached to a second end of the first ladder member.

Abstract: An access device that provides access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface includes a mounting for securing the device below the elevated surface, a first ladder member pivotally attached to the mounting, a second ladder member pivotally attached to the first ladder member, drive mechanism connected between the mounting and the first ladder member, and a guide arm connected between the mounting and the second ladder member to guide movement of the second ladder member as the drive mechanism moves the first ladder member. User operation of the drive mechanism moves the device between an access position, where the first and second ladder members are coaligned and extend angularly outwardly and downwardly from the elevated surface, and a storage position, where the first and second ladder members are retracted and vertically disposed adjacent to the mounting, with the second ladder member inverted relative to the first ladder member.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilizing means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilize the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tire or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for transporting an article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a frame (3) and an article support (4) operatively coupled to the frame (3). The article support (4) is movable relative to the frame (3) such that the apparatus (1) provides a first configuration for retaining the article (2) and a second configuration for receiving or unloading the article (2). The apparatus (1) includes a plurality of wheels (9) for movement over a substrate surface, and, a stabilising means (6) to engage the substrate surface and stabilise the frame (3) when the apparatus (1) is in the extended position. In use, the apparatus (1) may be used to support a wheel, tyre or other vehicular component (2) during installation, for example, in a confined space such as a mine.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.

Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.

Abstract: A jig assembly which includes a universal joint to enable three-dimensional movement of a workpiece or handling device attached thereto. The assembly is particularly useful for enabling translation and rotational movement of heavy machinery and components for servicing and maintenance. The jig assembly may comprise one or more ball joints which may be moved by actuators such as hydraulic cylinder. The assembly may be provided on its own movable frame, or it may be attached to a front end of a loader.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing, installing and/or servicing a vehicular component, such as a wheel/tyre, a motor or the like, particularly for large mining and/or earthmoving equipment. The apparatus includes a carrier device (100) and a component handling device (200). The carrier device (100) enables the apparatus to be moved over a substrate surface, and is preferably a U-shaped chassis having a pair of outwardly extending arms (140), and at least three wheels (120,130). The component handling device (200) is removably coupled to the carrier device (100). The component handling device (200) includes a frame (270) of complementary shape to the chassis to support the lower portion of the vehicular component, and, a support element (210). At least one retaining arm (220) extends from the support element (210) to provide support to an upper end of the vehicular component.

Abstract: A device for changing a vehicular component on a first vehicle. The device includes a frame for releasably receiving a vehicular component. The frame is configured to facilitate the frame being positioned in a component changing position with respect to the first vehicle. The device also includes a first actuator for moving the frame to a first position and a second position to thereby mount the vehicular component on the first vehicle or receive the vehicular component from the first vehicle.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus for gripping and moving an article such as a large tire or other vehicular component of a mining, earthmoving or like vehicle. The article handling apparatus includes a base frame for movement of the apparatus over a substrate surface, and a handling frame for gripping the article, such as a tire. The apparatus has a pair of moveable arm members on the base frame, and a pair of moveable arm members on the handling frame. The apparatus can be compactly stored by contraction of the arms, can be manipulated through tight spaces, and is extremely stable while handling large and heavy articles.

Abstract: A tow hitch assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a tow hitch arm, attachment means, positioning means and lifting means.

Abstract: A device and method for removing or installing a vehicular component, such as a transmission or differential, from a vehicle. The device (1) includes a trolley (2) having an actuation means (3) thereon. A saddle like device (14) is engaged with the vehicular component (9), the saddle (14) utilizing a self-aligning guide channel (38) and roller (19) locating and engaging system. Once attached, the vehicular component (9) may be uniquely manoeuvred via the underside of the vehicle, effected by a pair of articulated arms (24) and (25) operated by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (31) and (32) to achieve the required movement of the arms (24) and (25). The trolley may then be moved from under the vehicle, such that the transmission, differential or other vehicular component may then be easily accessed for servicing.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a substrate surface and the cabin of a vehicle. The device is attached to a rotating actuator extending outwardly from the side of the cabin for moving of the device between the access position (FIG. 1) and the storage position (FIG. 3). The device includes a substantially triangularly shaped platform. A first side of the platform is attached to the rotating actuator. A second side of the platform has the ladder depending therefrom. The third side of the platform is, in the access position (FIG. 1) located proximal to the cabin. The device is rotated by the rotating actuator to the storage position (FIG. 3) wherein the device is substantially upturned relative to the access position (FIG. 1) of the device and wherein a substantial part of the device is positioned above the rotating actuator.

Abstract: A wedge assembly (10) to cooperate with a wedge element (11) to secure a tooth (12) to the projection (13) of a bucket of an earth-moving machine or ripper. The assembly (10) includes a pair of wedge halves (22, 23) which have external wedge surfaces (24, 25) which converge towards an end (21) of the assembly (10). Located internally of the wedge halves (22, 23) is a wedge member (33) having external converging wedge surfaces (24, 25) which engage converging internal wedge surfaces (30, 31) of the wedge halves. The wedge member (23) has a threaded end (38) which can be engaged by a "puller" to aid in moving the wedge member (33) to release the pressure on the wedge halves (22, 23) to facilitate removal of the wedge assembly (10) from engagement with the wedge element (11).

Abstract: An access device (1) for providing access between a lower level and an upper level. The device (1) includes a platform member (2), a ladder member (3) and a rotating actuator (4). The platform (2) and the ladder (3) are movable between an access position (FIG. 1) wherein the ladder (3) is positioned downwardly and the platform (2) is horizontal, and, a storage position (FIG. 3), in which the ladder (3) is positioned upwards and the platform (2) is vertical. In a first step, the actuator (4) rotates the ladder through about a 90.degree. angle to an intermediate position (FIG. 2) at which time the ladder (3) engages with the platform (2). Then, in a second step, the ladder (3) and platform (2) cooperatively rotate between the intermediate position (FIG. 2) and the stored position (FIG. 3).

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a substrate surface and an elevated surface. The access device comprises a ladder having first and second ends, the ladder including first and second side members connected by a plurality of cross members extending between the ends of the ladder. The ladder is pivotally connected to a rotary axle extending horizontally from the support surface so that the ladder may be moved between a substantially downwardly outwardly disposed boarding position and a substantially horizontally disposed storage position. The ladder is movable between the boarding position and the storage position and vice versa such that in a first step, the ladder is rotated on the axle by at least 90.degree.