Abstract: A quick coupler provides a way to securely lock implements to the coupler utilizing a design which receives hooks at connection locations and then directs pins into pockets at a rear of the implement. Instead of directing the pins along a pocket axis (as is done in the prior art), the pins are directed at an angle relative to the pocket axis thereby securely connecting the coupler to the implement. In fact some embodiments can have a pin extension system spaced from a wedge plate surface defining the pocket of the implement.

Abstract: A hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader mates selectively and interchangeably with first, second or third different female coupler portions. The coupler portion includes a frame having first and second arm pin-on locations adapted for connection to associated first and second arms, respectively; at least one tilt member pin-on location adapted for connection to an associated tilt member; and first and second coupler halves including first, second and third hook-engaging mounts, first, second and third rib locking locations aligned with the respective hook-engaging mounts, plunger pin(s) slidably connected to the frame, movable between locked and retracted positions possibly moving toward the center line of the frame when locked or in opposing directions.

Abstract: A female coupler portion includes first and second vertical ribs arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. The ribs comprise first and second hooks and first and second ears, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ears includes at least one shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom. A male coupler portion includes a frame having a front region and a rear region that is pinned to the machine. A first pair of hook engaging mounts are adapted to be received respectively by first and second hooks of a female coupler portion; a first pair of openings are adapted to receive first and second ears of a female coupler portion; first and second lock members are movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to engage the ears of the female coupler portion. The ribs can be constructed from conventional ribs. The male coupler portion optionally includes multiple mounting locations for mating with different female coupler portions.

Abstract: A loader coupler or other attachment includes first and second roll-back stops located on opposite lateral sides. The stops include a mounting location such as a boss, a bumper or stop member releasably secured to the mounting location, and optionally one or more shims disposed between the mounting location and the stop member. The number and thickness of the shims may be used to control the spacing of the first and second stop members from their respective mounting locations to thus control the angular position of the coupler when the stop members contact the respective arms of the machine carrying the coupler.

Abstract: A hybrid male coupler portion for a front-end loader mates selectively and interchangeably with first and second different female coupler portions. The coupler portion includes a frame. The frame includes: (i) first and second arm pin-on locations adapted for connection to associated first and second arms, respectively; (ii) at least one tilt member pin-on location adapted for connection to an associated tilt member; and (iii) first and second coupler halves. Each of the first and second coupler halves includes: a first hook-engaging mount; a first rib locking location aligned with the first hook-engaging mount; a second hook-engaging mount; a second rib locking location aligned with the second hook-engaging mount; and, a plunger pin slidably connected to the frame and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The plunger pin, when extended, is adapted to engage and retain an associated female coupler portion rib ear located in one of the first and second rib locking locations.

Abstract: A female coupler portion includes first and second vertical ribs arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. The ribs comprise first and second hooks and first and second ears, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ears includes at least one shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom. A male coupler portion includes a frame having a front region and a rear region that is pinned to the machine. A first pair of hook engaging mounts are adapted to be received respectively by first and second hooks of a female coupler portion; a first pair of openings are adapted to receive first and second ears of a female coupler portion; first and second lock members are movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to engage the ears of the female coupler portion. The ribs can be constructed from conventional ribs. The male coupler portion optionally includes multiple mounting locations for mating with different female coupler portions.

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: 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 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 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: 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: 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 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 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.