Abstract: A jack is mounted on a trailer tongue by a swivel connection to pivot between a vertically disposed active position and a horizontally disposed stowed position. The swivel connection includes a spacer sandwiched between a bracket on the tongue of the trailer and a bracket on the housing of the jack and rotatably received in a hole in the tongue bracket. The spacer serves to hold the two brackets out of contact with one another. A bolt extends through the housing bracket and the spacer with a non-rotatable fit and causes the housing bracket and the spacer to turn in unison relative to the tongue bracket. A nut and washer on the inner end of the bolt clamp the brackets together while allowing the housing bracket to pivot relative to the tongue bracket. The tongue bracket may either be clamped to the tongue by bolts or may be bolted to still another bracket which is welded to the tongue.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic swing mechanism is disclosed for operation of the boom assembly of a backhoe or similar implement. The swing mechanism includes a pair of double-acting hydraulic motors pivotally interconnected between the backhoe frame and the backhoe boom assembly. A novel multi-position sequencing spool valve is disposed in fluid communication between the head ends of the hydraulic motors and a manually operated directional control valve which directs swinging movement of the boom assembly. A straight-forward valve control linkage operatively connects the sequencing spool valve with the boom assembly so that the spool valve is selectively operated as the boom assembly is pivoted through its arc of travel. An improved hydraulic cushioning circuit is provided in association with the sequencing spool valve, with the entire system providing improved operation of the boom assembly, with significant improvement in the hydraulic cushioning and torque characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a tractor having a rear mounted backhoe is provided with a mechanism for adjusting the speed of the engine to control the flow of fluid in the hydraulic control system. In addition to a conventional hand throttle, the mechanism for adjusting the engine speed includes an electric solenoid that can be actuated by a switch to increase the speed of the engine beyond the speed at which the hand throttle is set, and preferably to full throttle. This enables the operator of the vehicle to use the backhoe at an intermediate engine speed to perform backhoe functions that do not require maximum engine speed. By actuating a switch, the operator can quickly and easily increase the engine speed to full throttle to perform backhoe functions that require maximum engine speed.