Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic system and hydraulic system for raising and lowering a boom in extreme climates. When the temperature is below a low temperature the system is operated open center while a variable displacement pump providing a constant flow of hydraulic fluid. When the temperature is between the low temperature and a moderate temperature the variable displacement pump provides at least a minimum flow of hydraulic fluid to the system, and the minimum flow decreases linearly with an increase of the temperature. When the temperature is above the moderate temperature, the system is operated closed center while maintaining at least a system pressure when in neutral and wherein the variable displacement pump provides hydraulic fluid to the actuator when a control valve is actuated.

Abstract: A telescoping arm with securable pole-tilt assembly for manipulating a utility pole and comprising a pair of opposed jaws and a saddle, the arm comprising a boom and an elongate pin for selectively securing the pole tilt assembly in an operating position to the end of a telescoping boom section or in an out of operation position to an intermediate boom section wherein in the out of operation position the telescoping boom section can extend through the pole-tilt assembly and the elongate pin engages the jaws of the pole-tilt assembly preventing them from being articulated downwards towards the saddle, thereby preventing damage to the telescoping boom.

Abstract: An outrigger is disclosed for stabilizing a wheeled vehicle having an extensible service equipment mounted to a chassis thereof. The outrigger is deployable between a stowed and a deployed position where a foot of a telescopic leg assembly comes into contact with the ground thus stabilizing the vehicle. The telescopic leg assembly is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle such that travel of the foot is initially in a horizontal direction with no downward component followed subsequently by travel in a substantially vertical direction with limited horizontal movement such that when the foot comes into contact with the ground, lateral forces are limited. There is also disclosed a stabilized wheeled vehicle comprising opposed pairs of outriggers.

Abstract: An outrigger is disclosed for stabilizing a wheeled vehicle having an extensible service equipment mounted to a chassis thereof. The outrigger is deployable between a stowed and a deployed position where a foot of a telescopic leg assembly comes into contact with the ground thus stabilizing the vehicle. The telescopic leg assembly is mounted to the chassis of the vehicle such that travel of the foot is initially in a horizontal direction with no downward component followed subsequently by travel in a substantially vertical direction with limited horizontal movement such that when the foot comes into contact with the ground, lateral forces are limited. There is also disclosed a stabilized wheeled vehicle comprising opposed pairs of outriggers.

Abstract: A boom articulation mechanism for interconnecting and displacing a pair of boom members. The mechanism comprises a connector link having a pair of opposed external boom pivot connections. Each of the booms has a pivot end connected spaced apart to a respective one of the external pivot connections. The connector link also has a pair of internal cylinder pivot connections spaced apart closer than the external pivot connections. The external boom pivot connections and the internal cylinder pivot connections are disposed on parallel axes spaced apart a distance not greater than the distance between the external boom pivot connections less the distance between the cylinder pivot connections. A first hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected at one end to a first of the booms, and has a piston rod end connected to an associated one of the internal cylinder pivot connections.

Abstract: A jib assembly displaceably attached to an articulated boom comprising an elongated jib member having an attachment sleeve element secured thereto. A planetary gear reducer having a driving element, is coupled to a gear train and securable inside the boom. The gear train has an output drive gear protruding adjacent a side wall of the boom. A drive gear coupling element is secured to the jib attachment sleeve and in toothed engagement with the output drive gear for rotatably connecting the sleeve element closely spaced to the boom side wall to reduce stress on the gear coupling caused by the load associated with the jib assembly. Also, stress is reduced on the bucket support shaft associated with said boom by providing a closer spacing of the bucket to the boom.

Abstract: A hydraulic pivot device for pivotally connecting a support housing to a boom of the type secured to a vehicle. The hydraulic pivot device comprises a main housing having a gear-engaging piston which is axially displaceable in a piston cylinder provided therein. The piston has opposed piston heads and is sealingly displaced placed in the piston cylinder by fluid pressure applied at a selected one of opposed ends of the piston cylinder. The piston is also positively interlocked by the use of lock valves which are port-mounted at each end of the piston cylinder. A drive shaft having a drivable pinion gear is supported within the housing with a drivable pinion gear being in toothed engagement with a toothed section of the piston so that axial displacement of the piston wall impact axial rotation to the drive shaft.