Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes a low profile mobile body with a forwardly extending boom. Piston cylinder assemblies extending between the boom and the mobile body are operable to both laterally and vertically pivot the boom relative to the mobile body. A bracket extends forwardly from the outer end of the boom. The bracket is releasably engageable with a bracket receiver of a multi-purpose bucket by a pair of quick release pins. The bucket includes a movable portion connected by a pivot mechanism to a carrier portion. Piston cylinder assemblies extending between the movable and carrier portions are operable to generate pivotal movement of the movable portion toward and away from the carrier portion to locate the movable portion in a preselected operating position relative to the carrier portion for conducting selected material handling operations.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle maneuverable in an underground mine includes an elongated mobile body having a forward end portion with a boom assembly mounted thereon. The boom assembly includes a pair of sections that are telescopically arranged to effect a change in the length of the boom. The outer end portion of the boom carries a material handling device which is operable to perform lifting, towing, recovery and other material handling operations in the mine. A pivot arrangement supports the boom assembly for lateral swinging movement on the front end of the mobile body. A pair of double-acting piston cylinder assemblies are mounted on the mobile body and are connected to the pivot arrangement for laterally swinging the boom assembly. The boom assembly is also connected to the pivot arrangement for upward and downward pivotal movement independent of the lateral swinging movement by operation of a lift cylinder.