Abstract: A failsafe brake actuating assembly for crawler-type tractors which automatically engages a braking device in situations where there is a loss of engine power or the like with resulting incapacitation of the tractor's primary braking system. The brake actuating assembly includes a brake actuating cylinder connected to a brake actuating arm for rotating the arm in opposite directions. The assembly further includes an adjustment member having a first bearing support for rotatably mounting the brake actuating arm and a plurality of peripheral teeth members. The actuating arm includes a second bearing support, the axis of which is eccentric to the axis of the first bearing support. A torsion spring connecting link is mounted on the second bearing support with one end of the connecting link attached to the actuating arm and the other end of the connecting link engaging the teeth of the adjustment member.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism mounted on the implement support bracket selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the slide plate. One of the features of the invention resides in attaching lift cylinders to the side shift frame assembly at positions as far outboard as possible on the opposite ends of the frame assembly to reduce the bending and twisting moments on the frame induced by the implement.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism mounted on the implement support bracket selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the slide plate. One of the features of the invention resides in attaching lift cylinders to the side shift frame assembly at positions as far outboard as possible on the opposite ends of the frame assembly to reduce the bending and twisting moments on the frame induced by the implement.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a vehicle that has two separate ground engaging members on opposite side of a body with fluid motors driving the ground engaging members and fluid pumps supplying pressurized fluid to the motors and where the control means includes separate individual controls for the respective pumps to control the direction and amount of fluid flow and a separate control for simultaneously varying the output speed of both fluid motors simultaneously.

Abstract: A control mechanism for adjusting the angle and lateral position of a plow blade, which is particularly useful for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The disclosed control mechanism includes a fixed frame, which is supported on a suitable vehicle and a slide frame, which supports the plow blade. The slide frame is slideably supported on a horizontal rail of the fixed frame. A piston or other power means is connected to the fixed and slide frames to adjust the lateral position of the supported plow blade. The disclosed plow includes a support frame which is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a slide frame and the control mechanism includes means to angularly adjust the blade on the pivot.

Abstract: A vibratory plow particularly suitable for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The plow blade is pivotally mounted on a frame assembly on a resilient mounting. The frame assembly includes a U-shaped yoke pivotally mounted at opposite ends to the frame assembly. A vibrator is mounted on the yoke and the yoke is pivotally connected to the blade by a link which is pivotally connected at opposed ends to the blade and the yoke. The blade is thereby vibrated in an orbital plowing motion as the blade is drawn through the earth by a suitable vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical lift and tilt control for plows which is particularly suitable for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The vertical lift mechanism includes a mast assembly having a generally vertical rail and a slide frame slideably mounted on the rail. The plow assembly is supported on the slide frame and a power means, such as a piston, is connected to the mast and slide frames for raising and lowering the plow assembly. The mast assembly is pivotally supported on a suitable vehicle and a second power means, such as a piston, is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the mast assembly for adjusting the tilt or attack angle of the plow blade.

Abstract: A cable guiding chute suitable for attachment to a ground slitting blade to dispense a plurality of cables includes a pair of generally vertical sidewall members, forward and trailing webs extending between the sidewall members to define a cable passageway, and a plurality of generally J-shaped separators extending the length of the passageway to define a plurality of cable guiding conduits. One of the sidewall members is releaseably secured to the forward and trailing webs and may be removed to expose the cable guiding conduits for lateral insertion or removal of cables. The forward web member includes a flange which is received within a plurality of retainer clips carried by the removable sidewall for stabilizing the forward end of the removable sidewall against lateral displacement. A channel-shaped latch is connected to the trailing edge of the removable sidewall and receives a locking bar member pivotally mounted on the trailing web for securing the removable sidewall in a cable dispensing position.