Abstract: An apparatus and method of preventing refuse from wrapping around the axle of a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, an axle, at least one wheel, an operator compartment, an engine, and an axle protection system. The at least one wheel has a rim extension having an outer portion. The axle protection system includes a roof guard and an axle guard assembly. The axle guard assembly has a plate and a labyrinth guard. A channel is provided by the configuration of the guard assembly, plate, and labyrinth guard such that the outer portion of the rim extension is received by the channel. The plate extends substantially vertically from the perimeter of the axle guard assembly. Preferably, a flexible member is attached to the edge of the plate and extends such that it is urged in contact with the roof guard.

Abstract: A cleaner module adapted for use on a compacting machine having (i) a compaction wheel and (ii) a pair of compaction tips secured to a peripheral surface of the compaction wheel such that the pair of compaction tips are spaced apart from each other so as to define a wheel space interposed therebetween is disclosed. The cleaner module includes a cleaner rod having a cleaning end. The cleaner module also includes a first bearing member which supports the cleaner rod.

Abstract: Conventional lift arm arrangements for construction machines include a pair of lift arms that are welded fabrications forming box-beams. The lift arms are typically connected by a cross tube that is welded to the inner walls of each lift arm. This type of construction creates an extremely heavy arrangement that requires several very labor intensive welding operations to manufacture. The present invention provides a lift arm arrangement that includes lift arms that are made of one-piece, cast members. Each lift arm includes an integral abutment portion that defines a surface that is adapted for welding to a cross tube assembly. The surface is configured to be spaced laterally from the inner side surfaces of each lift arm. Being so positioned, the stress concentrations created by the welded joint are moved to a location that is removed from the juncture between the cross tube assembly and the side surfaces of the lift arms.

Abstract: In the operation of a landfill compactor it is a common problem for the wheels to pick up debris, especially wire and cable, and carry it around the wheel as they rotate. When the debris falls from the wheels in the direction toward the frame and the axles, it becomes packed between the frame and the axle hampering machine operation and requiring hours of corrective maintenance. The wheel assembly of the subject invention provides teeth that are positioned across the width of the wheel assembly in a plurality of rows. The outermost row is positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the wheel assembly while the innermost row is spaced from the inner periphery a preselected distance (X).

Abstract: In the operation of construction vehicles, it is often desirable to quickly change from one work implement to another for various types of work. In order to accomplish this, adapting brackets or extensive support structure is added to the support arm and operating linkage of the vehicle to mount a specifically design work implement. Such designs have been known to alter the function of the operating linkages to a point where the performance of the work implement is sacrificed both in operational force capabilities and capacity. The coupling apparatus of the subject allows a plurality of work implements to be quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a vehicle. The coupling apparatus does so in a manner that maintains the operating geometry of conventional linkages and thereby maintains the appropriate operational forces needed for manipulation of the work implement with very little reduction in capacity from that of a convention work implement.

Abstract: Among the variety of bucket arrangements that are commonly available, several are specifically designed for ripping applications in materials that are extremely hard to penetrate. While these types of buckets are normally satisfactory in ripping hard, strong, brittle materials, their designs do not lend themselves to excavating and dumping weaker more plastic materials and thus exhibit little or no versatility. The bucket arrangement of the subject invention includes a first and second ground penetrating means that are selectively positioned on the bucket with respect to each other. The selective positioning allows sole engagement of either of the first or second ground penetrating means with the ground or simultaneous engagement of both penetrating means with the ground. Such an arrangement provides superior operation in a ripping capacity and yet the selective positioning of the first and second penetrating means also permits excellent operation in weaker or plastic materials.

Abstract: A load carrying structure (10) is, for example, the stick (12) of an excavator or another work element having at least three load input locations (70,72,74). In operating the excavator, for example, failure of the stick can occur owing to side, torsional, bending and columnar loading through bucket (16), boom (14), and control element connections (18,20,76) at associated load input locations. A method for making the structure (10) includes connecting top and bottom plates (22,24) and side plates (30,32) which extend outwardly to define respective load input locations (70,74). Other load input locations (72,74,144) are on a box structure (82) formed with the side and top and bottom plates (30,32; 22,24). The structure (10) has a more uniform construction, particularly without weld discontinuities, and resists input forces more effectively owing to the relationship of the load input locations to substantially overcome failures associated with such structures.

Abstract: A shovel linkage for a hydraulic excavator or the like has spaced parallel boom link rails which are coplanar with associated spaced parallel stick link rails and pivotedly connected thereto by means of pivot joints provided on the ends thereof.Bucket stops are provided on a bucket attached to the stick and are arranged to contact the centers of the stick rails for greater strength.

Abstract: A vehicle axle mount includes an axle assembly with first and second pairs of aligned connection joints, a vehicle frame having first and second pairs of aligned connection joints with the first pairs of joints of the frame and axle assembly being coupled together, and a pair of connecting links coupled between the second pairs of joints of the frame and the axle assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator having linkage providing for a front loading arrangement whereby the bucket opens away from the vehicle comprises power cylinders and linkage arranged to provide a balanced system providing maximum application of power and optimum use of power applied to the material-handling bucket. The power cylinders are connected to the linkage in a manner to utilize maximum leverage of the linkage when maximum power is needed.