Abstract: An access system (10) for a vehicle, equipment or installation, the access system (10) including at least one section having multiple treads/steps (56), a retraction mechanism with at least one actuator (28), the retraction mechanism arranged to retract and allow deployment of the access means (12), and at least one handrail assembly (32), the at least one handrail assembly (32) being pivotably connected to the access means (12) such that the handrail assembly (32) collapses relative to the at least one section for stowage and extends to provide a handrail for supporting a user when the access means (12) is deployed.

Abstract: A vehicle retrieval trailer for use in towing a failed vehicle. The trailer has a chassis supporting a towbar with first attachment means to releasably attach the trailer to a tow vehicle and a second attachment means to releasably attach the trailer to a vehicle to be towed, and ground engaging means supporting the support structure, and a hitch separate from the first attachment means for attaching the trailer to a transport vehicle. The retrieval trailer can include an on-board air compressor and an on-board hydraulic power pack. The retrieval trailer can be used for rescuing failed or dead vehicles, particularly mining vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle retrieval trailer for use in towing a failed vehicle. The trailer has a chassis supporting a towbar with first attachment means to releasably attach the trailer to a tow vehicle and a second attachment means to releasably attach the trailer to a vehicle to be towed, and ground engaging means supporting the support structure, and a hitch separate from the first attachment means for attaching the trailer to a transport vehicle. The retrieval trailer can include an on-board air compressor and an on-board hydraulic power pack. The retrieval trailer can be used for rescuing failed or dead vehicles, particularly mining vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means, e.g., ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means.

Abstract: A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means (10) e.g. ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism (25) therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means.

Abstract: An access system (10) for earthmoving equipment to allow a person to move from ground level to an elevated position, said access system having an access means (20) mounted to the earthmoving equipment via a pivot, and a retraction mechanism (50) therefor, said pivot allowing the access means to be retracted through a compound angle from a downwardly and outwardly deployed position to a retracted position generally adjacent and aligned beside the vehicle, the access means may be collapsible, such as with steps (30) pivotably mounted to the sides of the access means via secondary pivots (62).

Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.

Abstract: An access system for a vehicle (42) has an access device (40) (such as a stair or ladder), an actuation mechanism for extending and retracting the access device, the access device being extendible from a contracted configuration for deployment to permit access to the equipment and retractable to a contracted configuration for normal operation of the equipment by the actuation mechanism. The access device has a multiplicity of treads to support a user thereof during use, the treads being connected such that the access device retracts by contracting with treads closing together, and wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation ram (50) (hydraulic, pneumatic) and linkages (52, 64, 66), and at least one pivot (68) with at least one respective pivot axis about which the access device rotates during retraction or deployment effected by operation of the ram. Thus the access device not only retracts and extends but rotates backwards for stowage under a cab or chassis of the vehicle when retracting.

Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.

Abstract: An access system (10) for earthmoving equipment to allow a person to move from ground level to an elevated position, said access system having an access means (20) mounted to the earthmoving equipment via a pivot, and a retraction mechanism (50) therefor, said pivot allowing the access means to be retracted through a compound angle from a downwardly and outwardly deployed position to a retracted position generally adjacent and aligned beside the vehicle, the access means may be collapsible, such as with steps (30) pivotably mounted to the sides of the access means via secondary pivots (62).

Abstract: A vehicle access system and method with retractable access means (10) e.g. ladder or stairs and a retracting mechanism (25) therefor. Force applied to the access means is sufficient to retract the access means from a fully deployed position to a partially retracted position but not sufficient to not be physically resisted by a user during at least part of the retraction. With the access means in a fully retracted position, force exerted on the retracted access means can be sufficient to hold the access means in a retracted position without the need for auxiliary restraining means.