Abstract: A superior ram-boring machine “mole”, employing compressed air to drive a reciprocating piston onto either forward or rearward anvils thereby imparting momentum. Wherein a control valve received into the rear of the piston interacts with ports therein determining its stroke characteristics. The end receiving impacts, and hence the direction of action are determined by accurately positioning the control valve forwardly or rearwards. Incorporating a robust, air-on, fail-safe “Rapid Reverse” mechanism, actuated by a small rotation of the air hose. Whereby guide means and an indexing collar incorporating or comprising encompassing spring or elastic means having inter-engaging features deforms by flexing and or compression to disengage and is biased to re-engage with corresponding features to position and lock the control valve into forward and reverse settings; thereby assisting easy switching, location and retention of operating positions.

Abstract: A protective cover (30) for a PTO shaft and a universal joint (now shown). The protective cover includes: (a) a sheath (40) moulded from plastic material, wherein the sheath includes a housing (31) disposed between a sleeve (32) and a skirt (34); (b) a locking ring (33) moulded from plastic material; and (c) a bearing (35) located securely within the housing in rotational communication with the sheath, the bearing including a compressible inner core (5) with a central opening and internal bore (50) extending therefrom, the inner core being surrounded by an external hard shell (6). The external outer shell (6) may contain lubricious material, and the compressible inner core may be substituted for fasteners extending radially inwards from the outer shell, said fasteners engaging against the shaft member so as to secure the shaft internally of the bearing (35).