Abstract: A control system for a trimmer head assembly includes a first arm including a first mowing device, a first cylinder connected to the first arm, a source of fluid in selective communication with the first cylinder via a fluid line, and an accumulator in selective communication with the first cylinder when the first cylinder is not in communication with the source of fluid. The accumulator is adapted to receive fluid from the first cylinder when an external force is applied to the first arm and to deliver fluid to the first cylinder when the external force has been removed from the first arm.

Abstract: A mower head has a deck with at least three sides and at least one side wall depending from the deck. A cutting blade is rotatably mounted to the deck on an axis extending through the deck. The deck is disposed above and generally parallel to the blade. A guard assembly includes an actuating member mounted on the deck. The guard is attached to the actuating member and pivotally attached to the deck via a hinge along two sides of the deck. A flap depends from the guard. A flap also depends from one of the three sides of said deck. A top surface of the guard and a top surface of the deck can be located in the same plane. In a second embodiment, the guard includes a first wall having a plurality of angled sections which matingly interconnect with angled sections of one of the deck sides. In a third embodiment, the top surface of the guard and the top surface of the deck are located in different planes.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism which allows a substantially 180.degree. pivoting motion of a frame, and hence a boom arm secured to the frame, around the frame's pivot axis includes a mast to which the frame is fixedly secured, the mast being pivotably mounted on a pivot axis to an associated support frame. First and second hydraulic cylinders, each having a piston rod end and a cylinder end, are connected to respective sides of the mast. A control member is operatively associated with the first and second hydraulic cylinders for effecting a linear movement of the piston rods thereof and hence a pivotal movement of the mast and thus the boom arm secured to the mast about the mast's pivot axis. An overload protection circuit is connected to at least one of the first and second hydraulic cylinders such that the mast, and the frame and boom arm, will pivot around the pivot axis in the event an associated tool secured to the boom arm meets an obstruction. This avoids damage to the associated tool as well as the boom arm.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism which allows a substantially 180.degree. pivoting motion of a frame, and hence a boom arm secured to the frame, around the frame's pivot axis includes a mast to which the frame is fixedly secured, the mast being pivotably mounted on a pivot axis to an associated support frame. A first hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod end and a cylinder end is pivotably secured at the piston rod end to a first side of the mast. A second hydraulic cylinder having, a piston rod end and a cylinder end is pivotably secured at the piston rod end to a second side of the mast. A control member is operatively associated with the first and second hydraulic cylinders for effecting a linear movement of the piston rods and hence a pivotal movement of the mast and thus the boom arm secured to the mast about the mast's pivot axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a pump, a hydraulic motor and a motor hydraulic circuit interconnecting the pump and the motor. The circuit includes a first hydraulic fluid line extending between the pump and an inlet of the motor and a first control valve located in the fluid line for selectively allowing the flow of fluid between the pump and the motor inlet. A second hydraulic fluid line extends from an outlet of the motor to the first control valve. A circuit is provided for allowing a flow of fluid between the first and second fluid lines. Located in the circuit is a flow control orifice for slowing a flow of fluid between the first and second fluid lines.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a pump, a hydraulic cylinder and a cylinder hydraulic circuit interconnecting the pump and the cylinder. The circuit includes a first hydraulic fluid line extending between the pump and the cylinder and a control valve located in the fluid line for controlling the communication of fluid between the pump and the cylinder. A second hydraulic fluid line is in fluid communication with the first line downstream from the control valve. A first relief valve is located in the second fluid line and a first shut off valve is also located in the second fluid line and interposed between the first relief valve and the first fluid line. The shut off valve is solenoid actuated to a closed position. A motor hydraulic circuit includes a third hydraulic fluid line and a solenoid actuated motor control valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the third fluid line. An interconnect system is provided for operating the first shut off valve and the motor control valve in unison.

Abstract: Mounted on a tractor is a sloper assembly which is adapted to push earth and debris away from a berm of a road. A support stand is pivotally connected to the tractor for rotation about a vertical axis. A first outrigger arm is pivotally connected to the support stand and extends outwardly therefrom. A first hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected between the support stand and the first outrigger arm. A second outrigger arm is pivotally connected to the first outrigger arm and supports a sloper assembly. A second hydraulic cylinder is attached between the first outrigger arm and the second outrigger arm. A third hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected between the second outrigger arm and the sloper assembly. A fourth hydraulic cylinder, having overload protection, is operatively connected between the tractor and the support stand.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly which can be used for controlling a motor or the like includes a first directional control member which selectively allows hydraulic fluid to flow from an associated hydraulic pump through a hydraulic fluid circuit to an associated reservoir and to an associated hydraulic motor. A second directional control member is connected to the fluid circuit for selectively allowing hydraulic fluid to flow directly to the associated reservoir as directed by the first member. A third directional control member is connected to the fluid circuit for selectively allowing hydraulic fluid to flow directly to the associated hydraulic motor as directed by the first member. A relief member is operatively connected with the fluid circuit for allowing hydraulic fluid to be relieved from the assembly to the associated reservoir.

Abstract: The ditching apparatus includes a prime mover (A) and an arm assembly (B) for selectively positioning a ditching head (C). The ditching head includes a rotatably mounted circular supporting member (34) to which a plurality of mounting brackets (44) are mounted transversely and radially about an axis of rotation (36). A plurality of blades (50) are mounted to the brackets by a plurality of bolts (84). Each blade has first and second faces (66, 68) which are disposed symmetrically about a face axis (78). The faces terminate at first and second edges (52, 54) which are disposed symmetrically about an edge axis (56) and at first and second ends (60, 62) which are symmetric about an end axis (64). The blade includes a plurality of mounting apertures (80, 82) which are symmetrical with respect to both the end and edge axes. In this manner, the blade is reversible about both the end and edge axes to be mounted selectively in any one of four positions.

Abstract: The ditching apparatus includes a prime mover (A) and an arm assembly (B) for selectively positioning a ditching head (C). The ditching head includes a rotatably mounted circular supporting member (34) to which a plurality of mounting brackets (44) are mounted transversely and radially about an axis of rotation (36). A plurality of blades (50) are mounted to the brackets by a plurality of bolts (84). Each blade has first and second faces (66, 68) which are disposed symmetrically about a face axis (78). The faces terminate at first and second edges (52, 54) which are disposed symmetrically about an edge axis (56) and at first and second ends (60, 62) which are symmetric about an end axis (64). The blade includes a plurality of mounting apertures (80, 82) which are symmetrical with respect to both the end and edge axes. In this manner, the blade is reversible about both the end and edge axis to be mounted selectively in any one of four positions.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus includes a tractor with a mowing unit attached to the tractor in varying operable positions with respect to the tractor. The mowing unit includes a pair of reversible blades which are rotated in a designated fashion about a pair of perpendicular first and second axes. Each blade has distinct cutting surfaces so that successive rotation of the blades presents a new cutting surface for continued operation and longer blade life. A stop mechanism is designed to prevent excessive rotation of the blades with respect to a mounting hub upon encountering a predetermined force.

Abstract: A prime mover (A) has an arm assembly (B) pivotally connected thereto. A cutting assembly (C) is operatively connected with the arm assembly to be positioned thereby. The arm assembly is connected to the tractor to pivot about both vertical and horizontal axes such that the cutting means is positionable fore-and-aft as well as up and down. A hydraulic control circuit (D) controls the position of the arm assembly. The control circuit includes a first through-rod-type hydraulic cylinder (60) which includes a piston (62) slidably disposed therein to divide the cylinder into two equidiameter chambers (64, 66). A through-rod (68) is connected with the piston and extends through both chambers of the cyylinder. The hydraulic cylinder and the piston rod each have the same diameter in both chambers such that as the piston moves, one of the chambers draws the same amount of fluid as the other chamber discharges.

Abstract: A boom assembly (B) is pivotally connected at one end with a prime mower (A) and at a second end with a mowing apparatus (C). An orientation control (D) controls the orientation of the mowing apparatus relative to the boom assembly such that the mowing apparatus can mow vegetation on vertical, sloping, or level areas with the boom positioned with varying degrees of extension. The orientation control (D) includes a hydraulic cylinder (60) which is pivotally connected at one end with the boom assembly and at its other end with a linkage assembly (62). The linkage assembly includes a first link (64) which is pivotally connected with the boom assembly and a second link (68) which is pivotally connected with the mowing apparatus and the first link. The linkage assembly converts the longitudinal extensive and contractive movement of the hydraulic cylinder into substantially 180.degree. of relative rotational movement between the mowing apparatus and the boom assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic wing mower includes a central section (A) to which a left wing section (B) and a right wing section (C) are pivotally connected. A first hydraulic cylinder (100) is operatively connected between the central section and left wing section for selecting its angular position and a second hydraulic cylinder (100') is operatively connected between the central section and the right wing section for selecting its angular position. A hydraulic circuit provides hydraulic fluid under pressure from a reservoir (120) to a wing angular position control valve (170). The wing angular position control valve selectively directs hydraulic fluid under pressure to the first and second cylinders to select an angular orientation for the left and right wings. A pressure relief valve (180) is selectively connected between the hydraulic cylinders and the reservoir. When an upward force occurs on one or both of the wing members, e.g.

Abstract: A ditcher head assembly adapted for mounting on a tractor which moves with the tractor along the berm of a highway so that the ditcher head assembly clears earth and debris in a propellor-like action from the side of a ditch and throws it laterally either off the highway or onto the berm. With the ditcher head assembly of this invention it is possible to control the placement of earth and debris. The ditcher head is rotated axially of the ditch so that each incremental portion of earth in a ditch is engaged by a cutting blade. The ditcher head assembly is mounted on a tractor by means of a stand and outrigger members and extends over the berm of a highway, having the capacity to elevate and depress. The tractor is of regulation road width when in traveling position.The ditch head assembly is hydraulically controlled for positioning off the highway to a reasonable ditch depth. Hydraulic protection is also provided the ditcher head should it meet with an obstruction in its path.

Abstract: A primer mower (A) has an articulated boom assembly (B) connected to it. A mower head (C) is connected with the other end of the boom assembly. This enables the mower head to be positioned substantially parallel with the ground even along embankments and the like. The mower head includes a deck (20) and a downward extending skirt (22). A rotary cutter (16) is rotatably disposed below the deck and extends outward there beyond at a cutter exposing opening (24). A guard assembly (30) is moveably disposed across the cutter exposing opening for selectively exposing the cutter to permit the cutter to strike saplings and the like. One embodiment of the guard assembly includes a first guard member (32) connected by a pivot (38) to the deck and having a cutter exposing opening (44) therein. A second guard member (50) is connected by a pivot (58) with the first guard member.

Abstract: The trailing wing mower includes a first or central section (A) to which a second or wing section (B) is pivotally connected and a third section (C) is pivotally connected. The first section includes a plurality of tubular members (12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22) which are structurally and fluidically interconnected to function as a supporting frame and as a heat exchanger. A hydraulic fluid pump (122) pumps hydraulic fluid from a reservoir (120) to hydraulic motors (50, 90, 90') which are disposed on the first, second and third sections. Hydraulic fluid from the motors flows through the plurality of tubular members to be cooled and returns to the reservoir. The second and third sections are angularly positionable about the first section. The angular position is controlled by a fluid cylinder (100). A cylinder link (106) is pivotally connected with the first section and with the fluid cylinder.

Abstract: A mower attachment for tractors having a hydraulically articulated linkage system for controlling horizontal, vertical and angular movement of the mower.

Abstract: A mowing attachment for a tractor includes a horizontally and vertically swinging telescopic boom for positioning the cutter assembly. The horizontal swinging movement is controlled by a hydraulic circuit which includes a piston and cylinder unit and a pressure relief circuit for allowing relative movement between the piston and cylinder when the cutter strikes an obstruction.

Abstract: A mower head has a deck with at least three sides and at least one side wall depending from the deck. A cutting blade is rotatably mounted to the deck on an axis extending through the deck. The deck is disposed above and generally parallel to the blade. A guard assembly includes an actuating member mounted on the deck. The guard is attached to the actuating member and pivotally attached to the deck via a hinge along two sides of the deck. A flap depends from the guard. A flap also depends from one of the three sides of said deck. A top surface of the guard and a top surface of the deck can be located in the same plane. In a second embodiment, the guard includes a first wall having a plurality of angled sections which matingly interconnect with angled sections of one of the deck sides. In a third embodiment, the top surface of the guard and the top surface of the deck are located in different planes.