Abstract: A hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist assembly can include a frame, a first sheave assembly fixed relative to the frame, a second sheave assembly movable relative to the frame, and a cable engaged with the first sheave assembly and the second sheave assembly. The first sheave assembly can include a first sheave comprising a first axis of rotation and a second sheave comprising a second axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The second sheave assembly can comprise a third sheave comprising a third axis of rotation and a fourth sheave comprising a fourth axis of rotation angularly-oriented relative to the third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation can be coplanar. The sheaves can be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a hoist apparatus on a vehicle to automatically load and unload a container. The vehicle includes a chassis, a hoist apparatus coupled with the chassis, and at least one lift mechanism operative to move the hoist apparatus with respect to the chassis in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid along a fluid flow path. The vehicle also includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one lift mechanism, a control system in electronic communication with the at least one valve, and a transceiver in electronic communication with the control system. The control system is operative to receive, via the transceiver, an initiation signal from a remote control unit. Further, the control system is operative to selectively actuate the at least one valve in response to the initiation signal to move the hoist apparatus.

Abstract: A rear guard assembly for mounting to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The rear guard assembly can comprise a rearward-facing guard plate and a pair of braces mounted to the rearward-facing guard plate. Each brace can comprise a collapsible shock absorber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis is aligned with the first end and the second end. Each brace can comprise a plurality of outwardly-deflecting portions between the first end and the second end, wherein a lateral axis traverses the outwardly-deflecting portions and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the outwardly-deflecting portions are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. A spacing block can be positioned intermediate the outwardly-deflecting portions and the rearward-facing guard plate. A support assembly can be connected to each brace and can include fixed arms and pivot arms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a hoist apparatus on a vehicle to automatically load and unload a container. The vehicle includes a chassis, a hoist apparatus coupled with the chassis, and at least one lift mechanism operative to move the hoist apparatus with respect to the chassis in response to the flow of hydraulic fluid along a fluid flow path. The vehicle also includes at least one valve in fluid communication with the at least one lift mechanism, a control system in electronic communication with the at least one valve, and a transceiver in electronic communication with the control system. The control system is operative to receive, via the transceiver, an initiation signal from a remote control unit. Further, the control system is operative to selectively actuate the at least one valve in response to the initiation signal to move the hoist apparatus.

Abstract: A hoist assembly is disclosed. The hoist assembly can include a frame, a first sheave assembly fixed relative to the frame, a second sheave assembly movable relative to the frame, and a cable engaged with the first sheave assembly and the second sheave assembly. The first sheave assembly can include a first sheave comprising a first axis of rotation and a second sheave comprising a second axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The second sheave assembly can comprise a third sheave comprising a third axis of rotation and a fourth sheave comprising a fourth axis of rotation angularly-oriented relative to the third axis of rotation. The third axis of rotation and the fourth axis of rotation can be coplanar. The sheaves can be removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A rear guard assembly for mounting to a chassis of a motor vehicle. The rear guard assembly can comprise a rearward-facing guard plate and a pair of braces mounted to the rearward-facing guard plate. Each brace can comprise a collapsible shock absorber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a longitudinal axis is aligned with the first end and the second end. Each brace can comprise a plurality of outwardly-deflecting portions between the first end and the second end, wherein a lateral axis traverses the outwardly-deflecting portions and is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the outwardly-deflecting portions are symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and the lateral axis. A spacing block can be positioned intermediate the outwardly-deflecting portions and the rearward-facing guard plate. A support assembly can be connected to each brace and can include fixed arms and pivot arms.