Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a backhoe is disclosed wherein the controls are adaptable to be configured in a selected one of a two lever system, a three lever system, or a four lever system. The control mechanism includes a first pivot axis on which the control levers are pivotally mounted and a second pivot axis on which a series of bell cranks are pivotally mounted. Various linkages interconnect the control levers with the bell cranks, and the bell cranks with hydraulic valve spools in a manner in which the valve body does not have to be reconfigured depending upon which control system is utilized. The control levers are configured with a pivot casting having a bent control rod threadably received therein, the position of which is fixed by a lock nut permitting the control handle to be positioned in the orientation desired by the operator.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a backhoe is disclosed wherein the controls are adaptable to be configured in a selected one of a two lever system, a three lever system, or a four lever system. The control mechanism includes a first pivot axis on which the control levers are pivotally mounted and a second pivot axis on which a series of bell cranks are pivotally mounted. Various linkages interconnect the control levers with the bell cranks, and the bell cranks with hydraulic valve spools in a manner in which the valve body does not have to be reconfigured depending upon which the control system is utilized. The control levers are configured with a pivot casting having a bent control rod threadably received therein, the position of which is fixed by a lock nut permitting the control handle to be positioned in the orientation desired by the operator.

Abstract: A backhoe pivotally supported from a prime mover is disclosed wherein the hydraulic boom cylinder operably interconnecting the frame of the prime mover and the boom member for operably moving the boom assembly generally vertically relative to the prime mover is provided with a decelerator to slow the flow of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder as the cylinder becomes completely collapsed, corresponding to a placement of a boom assembly into a transport position. The decelerator is formed as a piston extension detachably connected to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder and having an orifice therethrough to permit passage of hydraulic fluid at a slower rate once the piston extension seal has passed the corresponding port. An annular gap between the piston extension and the wall of the boom cylinder permits the flow of hydraulic fluid through the decelerator to reach the exhaust port irrespective of the radial location of the orifice through the piston extension relative to the exhaust port.

Abstract: A connecting link for use on a bucket loader mountable on a tractor to control the pivotal movement of the bucket relative to the mounting frame to which the bucket is attached is disclosed wherein first and second members are telescopically associated to permit a varying of the effective length of the connecting link. A first pin is engageable through a first set of alignable holes through the first and second members to fix the telescopic position of the connecting link in an operative position. The first pin has a size sufficient to withstand the operating forces exerted on the connecting link during operation of the bucket. A second pin is engageable with the first and second members through a second set of alignable holes therethrough to shorten the effective length of the connecting link to a transport position and permit a rollback of the bucket for transport.