Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed and a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed and having a second end; and at least one hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned and configured so as to be able to raise the second end of the mast from the mast being in a near horizontal position to a position where the mast is used during crane pick, move and set operations. In a preferred embodiment, at least one arm is pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and cylinder are connected together such that extension and retraction of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder causes the second end of the arm to raise and lower.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody and at least four crawlers attached to the carbody, each crawler having a crawler frame attached to the carbody by a trunnion having an axis. The crawler frame is attached to the carbody so as to be able to pivot with respect to the carbody about the axis of the trunnion. The crane also includes a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the crawlers and a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed. A linear actuator is connected between the crawler frame and the carbody and extends through the trunnion. The linear actuator is part of a self attachment mechanism. The trunnion includes a tubular member with a longitudinal axis, a first end configured for connection to the crane carbody and a second end configured for connection to the crawler frame. At least one of the ends is configured to allow rotational movement of the crawler frame relative to the carbody about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A crawler has a track connection system. The crawler includes a crawler frame; at least one drive tumbler supported on the frame; a track made of a plurality of track shoes connected in series to produce a track having a first end and second end that can be connected together to form the track into an endless track. The track is wrapped around the frame, with the first and second ends spaced apart but each adjacent a section of the frame. The track connection system is mounted to the frame and includes a mover device connected to the frame; and a track engagement member coupled between the mover device and the track; iii) whereby actuation of the mover device causes the track engagement member to move the track into a position where the first and second ends can be connected.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed; a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed; a backhitch connected between the mast and a rear portion of the rotating bed; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one hydraulic cylinder; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed and a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed and having a second end; and at least one hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned and configured so as to be able to raise the second end of the mast from the mast being in a near horizontal position to a position where the mast is used during crane pick, move and set operations. In a preferred embodiment, at least one arm is pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and cylinder are connected together such that extension and retraction of a piston within the hydraulic cylinder causes the second end of the arm to raise and lower.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed; a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed; a backhitch connected between the mast and a rear portion of the rotating bed; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one hydraulic cylinder; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.

Abstract: A crawler that includes a first crawler assembly and a second crawler assembly attached to the first crawler so that the first crawler assembly is aligned with the direction of travel of the second crawler assembly.

Abstract: A crawler that includes a first crawler assembly and a second crawler assembly attached to the first crawler assembly so that the first crawler assembly is aligned with the direction of travel of the second crawler assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for powering the crawlers of a crawler vehicle. The apparatus comprises one or more hydraulic drive motors mounted on the vehicle, car body, a track drive gear box mounted on the crawler, and one or more mechanical drive shafts connected between the hydraulic drive motors and the track drive gear box to transmit power from the drive motors to the track drive gear box. The mechanical drive shafts are disconnectable from between the hydraulic drive motors and the track, drive gear box so as to permit the disassembly and removal of the crawlers from the car body.

Abstract: A crane having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works and a boom pivotally mounted on the upper works, wherein the crane further comprises an apparatus and method for lifting, positioning, and assembling a counter weight to the upper works. The apparatus and method includes pivotally connecting a counter weight pivot frame between the counter weight and the upper works and lifting the counter weight into position with the hydraulic boom hoist cylinder. The crane further comprises a boom parking device.

Abstract: A self-erecting mast and boom for a lift crane including self-storing mast cylinders for erecting the mast and rotating a pivoted boom carrier into position to receive the boom which may then be raised by the boom hoist mechanism of the crane. A back hitch assembly including hydraulic cylinders is employed to initially raise the mast and the gantry members which may be lowered into horizontal position to reduce the crane profile for self-propelled transport between job sites.