Abstract: The invention is improved reel-carrying apparatus for facilitating cable-installing operations of the type with a carrier frame and a shaft supported at its opposite end portions by cradles on the frame. Bearings are secured to the shaft end portions, such bearings having inner members on the shaft end portions and outer members resting in the cradles, the outer member cross-dimensions fitting through the reel center hole. The outer portions preferably have cross-dimensions less than the cross-dimension of the shaft to protect the bearings during insertion and removal from the reel.

Abstract: A trenching machine including a digging boom rotatably attached to a tractor and a digging chain rotatably mounted on the digging boom wherein a crumber assembly is provided that is rotatable between work and transport positions. The crumber assembly includes a support boom attached to the digging boom, a crumber rotatably attached to the support boom, and an actuator for rotating the crumber. The crumber may be folded toward the support boom so that the digging chain of the trenching machine can be moved into close proximity with a vertical wall, such as a building foundation, thereby minimizing or eliminating the need for manual excavation adjacent to the wall.

Abstract: A hydraulic liquid reservoir includes a tank that has a plurality of walls and a baffle structure which divides the inside of the tank into three compartments. An inlet is connected to one lower compartment while an outlet is connected to the second lower compartment and a third upper compartment is interconnected with both the first and second lower compartments at a location below the liquid level in the tank. The baffle structure is designed such that there are high points in each the first and second compartments which are in communication with the inside of the tank above the liquid level in the third compartment to vent any air from the first and second compartments into the top of the tank within the third compartment.