Abstract: A boom-mounted grappling and manipulating apparatus is provided that may be rotatably mounted on a vehicle, comprising an articulated boom with a grappling and manipulating head rotatably and pivotally mounted thereto. The head is provided with opposable jaws comprising jaw members that apply an even pressure to an object being gripped. A drive coupling may be provided to provide a continuous rotary link between hydraulic lines on the boom with lines the head. The coupling comprises a coupling body rotatably housed within a sheath with a groove between the coupling body and the sheath. The groove permits fluid to be transmitted from the body to the sheath while they are rotated relative to each other. The boom may be provided with a link joining two of the segments, provided with dual articulated cylinder mounts on opposing sides and capable of permitting approximately 360 degrees of rotation between the segments.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus is provided that may be rotatably mounted on a vehicle, comprising an articulated boom with a gripping head rotatably and pivotally mounted thereto. The head is provided with opposable jaws comprising jaw members that apply an even pressure to an object being gripped. A saw may be pivotally mounted to the head. A drive coupling may be provided to provide a continuous rotary link between hydraulic lines on the boom with lines the head. The coupling comprises a coupling body rotatably housed within a sheath with a groove between the coupling body and the sheath. The groove permits fluid to be transmitted from the body to the sheath while they are rotated relative to each other. The boom may be provided with a link joining two of the segments, provided with dual articulated cylinder mounts on opposing sides and capable of permitting approximately 360 degrees of rotation between the segments.