Abstract: A mining vehicle with an improved tailgate design for raising the tailgate above or lowering the tailgate below the mining vehicle depending on operating conditions. The tailgate is comprised of a tailgate door and at least one side bracket which is coupled to the mining vehicle via a respective pivot point. At least one forward hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled at a first end to the at least one side bracket and the second end pivotally coupled to the vehicle at a respective first attachment point. The tailgate is further comprised of at least one pivot point hydraulic cylinder, having a first end pivotally coupled to the tailgate door and a second end coupled to the vehicle, such that the tailgate can be raised above or lowered below the mining vehicle as desired.

Abstract: A battery and battery lifting system for a mining or construction vehicle, the vehicle having a frame, the system having a battery, the battery having at least one slot, the at least one slot having vertical sidewalls which extend toward convergence, and at least one wedge-shaped arm for lifting the battery, the at least one wedge-shaped lifting arm having a bellcrank and a leveling arm for pivotally coupling to the frame, whereby the at least one wedge-shaped lifting arm is guided and aligned with the battery as the at least one wedge-shaped lifting arm moves inwardly in the direction of convergence along the vertical sidewalls. The at least one wedge-shaped lifting arm having a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder having a shaft with a locking plate located at the end of the shaft. The locking plate is used to lock the battery to the at least one wedge-shaped lifting arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pivoted lifting device having a main support frame selectively pivotable about a horizontal axis and engagement arms connected to the main support frame by a pivot pin. The engagement arms include an engagement surface. The pivoted lifting device allows the entire engagement surface to contact an article prior to the article being moved from an at rest position. The invention includes hydraulically actuated spring biased shaft having an unlocked position and also a locked position wherein it is located adjacent the engagement arms to lock the engagement arms in an upright position.