Abstract: A vehicle is provided for skidding timber. Conventional skidders are generally large tracked or rubber tired vehicles having a fixed frame to which a towing cable is attached. The cable load applied to such skidders is rearward of the rear wheels tending to reduce the load on the front wheels and increase the load on the rear wheels. A vehicle in accordance with the invention includes a frame pivotally mounted upon the vehicle's chassis. A cable sheave is mounted upon the outer end of the frame and a towing cable reeved over the sheave with a cable winch attached to the forward end of the cable. Attachment means secure logs to the end of the cable. Abutment means connected to the outer end of the frame engage the attachment means as the cable and log are drawn forwardly by the winch. When the attachment and abutment means engage further winching in of the cable rotates the frame from a rearward position to a forward position. In the rearward position, the cable sheave is rearward of the vehicle's rear wheels.

Abstract: A rotary actuator (11) having a vane (24) which is pivoted in a chamber (13) by fluid pressure to turn an actuator shaft (18) includes internal sump cavities (41A, 41B) that collect abrasive particles from the fluid and which hold such contaminants away from the path of movement of the vane (24). Shields (49A, 49B) protect the sumps (41A, 41B) from fluid turbulence. A magnetic element (47A, 47B) at each sump (41A, 41B) attracts and holds ferromagnetic particles and may be removed for cleaning without a general disassembly of the actuator (11) and with only a minimal draining of fluid. Actuator (11) durability is increased by reducing wear of moving components and maintenance is facilitated by simplifying cleaning. Among other uses, the invention may be employed in actuators (11) which swing a backhoe (34) relative to a supporting vehicle (32).

Abstract: A load handling vehicle is provided which comprises a generally elongated body having a pair of traversable masts thereon for side loading and unloading long and heavy loads. The masts are provided with articulating booms suspended from a horizontal spreader for grasping cargo containers by twist locks on their extremities. Means are provided for traversing the masts to the side of the body so that the load may be deposited thereon for travel. The body is equipped with motive power means for propelling the vehicle. Wheels at the four corners of the vehicle provide support and means for moving the vehicle sideways to the longitudinal direction of travel for picking up and depositing loads. Segments in the form of telescoping track members of the vehicle body can be extended so as to provide greater lateral stability when picking up and depositing loads.