Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first component fixedly mountable on the implement, having an annular gripping surface, and a second component connectable to the operating arm having a pair of gripping members displaceable along a first line of travel into and out of gripping engagement with the gripping surface of the first component, and am actuator for selectively displacing the gripping members into and out of such gripping engagement, the first component having at least one pair of spaced abutment surfaces disposed in opposed relation to the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members relative to the first component along a second line of travel intersecting the first line of travel and at least one abutment surface engageable by the gripping members for restricting displacement of the gripping members along the first line of travel for retaining at least a portion of the gripping members in opposed relation to the

Abstract: An adjustable hitch having a body, the body connected to a first vehicle at a central point about which the body is rotatable. The body also includes a radially offset connecting point at which the body is rotatably connected to a second vehicle. The rotatable connections of the body to the first and second vehicles accomodates vertical offset between one or more links connecting the vehicle. The arc of rotation of the body may limited by a pair of protruding stops.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling an implement to an operating arm of a machine generally consisting of a first coupling component fixedly mountable on the implement, having a plurality of sets of opposed abutment surfaces spaced circumferentially relative to a given axis thereof and disposed substantially radially relative to such axis, and an axially spaced abutment surface, and a second coupling component disposable in mating relation with the first coupling component, having apparatus for detachably connecting to the operating arm, at least one locking member displaceable between an extended position and an retracted position received between a selected set of the radially disposed, opposed abutment surfaces and the axially spaced abutment surface, when the components are disposed in mating relation, and apparatus for selectively displacing the locking member into the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An improved implement attaching device for construction equipment is disclosed. The device has an implement mount link hinged to the arm of the construction equipment. A first bracket is provided on the rear wall of the implement and supports the link. A pair of key holes are provided on opposite sides of the first bracket. A pair of keys are provided on the link such that the keys are horizontally movable relative to the link to be inserted into or taken out of the key holes and thereby detachably attaching the implement to the implement mount link. The device also has a lever and a linkage for linearly moving the keys horizontally. The linkage achieves a pantographic motion in accordance with a turning motion of the lever and detachably attaches the implement to the link.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for connecting a work tool, such as a bucket, to an arm and a tilt link of a work machine includes a first hook arrangement connected to the arm and a second hook arrangement connected to the tilt link. Each hook arrangement defines a recess which engages a supporting pin connected to the work tool. An adjustable link is connected between the first and second hook arrangements and is adapted to apply a force to the hook arrangements to maintain engagement between the supporting pins and the recesses.

Abstract: A quick coupling for attaching and detaching an implement, such as a bucket, pick or compactor, to the end of a boom or dipperstick of an excavator, backhoe, or other earth moving machine. The quick coupling is compatible with industry standard type hook-ups used on a bucket. The quick coupling is primarily a hook member, for receiving a front pivot pin on the top of the bucket or other implement, and a pivot pin assembly having axially movable end portions which move between a first position in which the end portions are contained within the main body of the coupling and the implement is detached, and a second position in which the end portions project from the main body and engage respective holes located on the implement and adapted to receive the pivot pin end portions thereby coupling the bucket or other implement to the end of the boom.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for use with a pair of tractor lift arms for selectively detachably attaching implements to the tractor. The hitch apparatus includes a pair of hook members that are detachably attached to the lift arms of the tractor. A spreader bar extends between the hook members and functions to both attach the hook members to the lift arms and to retain the hook members apart from one another at a preselected distance. A safety arm is pivotally connected to the hook members and is biased via a spring in a first position over the hook mouth for preventing an implement shaft from exiting the hook, or in a second position whereat the implement mounting shaft can easily be inserted or withdrawn from the hook mouth.

Abstract: An attachment implement for tractors or other vehicles permits the orientation of the desired attachment, such as a box scrapper, to be varied on tilt, pitch, height, and lateral angle. Variation of orientation of these four settings does not require a central attachment point.

Abstract: A coupling hook 5 for a lower steering arm 3 of a three-point attaching device of a tractor has a hook member 6 with a locking catch 7 which is spring-loaded in the direction of the locking position. The locking catch 7 is arranged in a recess 12 of the hook member 6 and extends through an aperture 13 into the bearing recess 10 to receive a bearing ball 11. For the purpose of supporting and guiding the locking catch 7, the hook member 6 is provided with a first stop face 14 and a second supporting stop 15, arranged at a distance therefrom and offset towards the rear. In the locking position, the locking catch 7 is supported on the hook member 6 by means of a first supporting face 19, a second supporting face 21 and a blocking face 22.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ensilage slicing attachment for slicing compacted ensilage. The device is particularly adapted for attachment to a skid steer loader. It is especially useful in an open pit, trench, or bunker silos in which compacted ensilage may be sliced from a vertical compacted facing to produce a forkable product. The attachment typically includes a hydraulically driven reel equipped with flat slicing blades (such as sickle blades) which perpendicularly extend outwardly from the reel. The slicing blades are staggered so as to create uniform and even slicing action. Particularly effective are staggered slicing blades which transversely cut against the ensilage facing at a lateral spacing of about one to about two inches per reel revolution. The skid steer boom serves to sweep the reel along the face while slicing depth may be controlled by forward and backward movement.

Abstract: A lightweight snowplow configured of a number of small components, each easily lifted, moved, assembled, dis-assembled and stored by an average individual. The snowplow is especially suitable for use with small vehicles such as small trucks, utility vehicles and cars. The snowplow features novel alternate arrangements for operational lifting, stopping and lowering of the snowplow and a quick-hitch/release mechanism for easy plow attachment purposes. Finally, the mounting structure to which the plow is attached and detached is designed so as to be able to fit most small utility vehicles with two fore and aft frame chassis members and a frame mounted metal bumper without need for welding or special custom fit-up.

Abstract: A system for the fast road transportation of a cumbersome equipment comprises a first plate coupled with a lifting unit and connected by a hydraulic jack to the equipment. Against this plate a second plate is coupled which is provided with two parallel, horizontal and elongated curved slots cooperating with four fixed pins, three of them being placed at the apices of a horizontal base triangle, the fourth being located in the middle of the horizontal base of the triangle. The slots extend as anti-clockwise curved slots, the upper one directed downward, the lower one directed upward and having radiuses equal to the distance of the fourth pin respectively from the apex pin and from the base pin. A further anti-clockwise curved slot is provided directed downward which starts from the lower slot at a distance from its end equal to the double of the distance from the fourth pin to the base pin.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a maneuvering member to a working implement generally consisting of a first coupling component mountable on the working tool, a second coupling component mountable on the maneuvering member and cooperative with the first coupling component for selectively coupling the coupling components together, the first coupling component having an annular undercut portion providing an outwardly facing, beveled gripping surface, the second coupling component having a fixed gripping member and a moveable gripping member displaced relative to the fixed gripping member along a line of travel, the gripping members having arcuate undercut portions providing inwardly facing, beveled gripping surfaces engageable with the outwardly facing, beveled gripping surface of the second coupling component, means for selectively displacing the moveable gripping member relative to the fixed gripping member along the line of travel into a fully coupled condition of the coupling components and a fully uncoupled condit

Abstract: A coupling device or "quick coupler" which permits the rapid connecting and disconnecting of implements to an earth-working device having a hoe boom comprising at least one primary lifting arm fitted for a hinge pin and a "curling linkage" mechanism having either two idler links and a power link, or a single part functioning as an idler link interacting with a power link, either alternative being powered by hydraulic cylinder(s) and fitted for a link pin. The quick coupler has a housing, which can be temporarily attached to the hoe boom using the hinge and link pins or can be built into the hoe boom itself, and which contains a connection for attaching the coupling device to a variety of implements. The effective operating distance or range of motion of the connector can be adjusted so that the coupler can be used with various implements having different center line distances between the hinge and link pins.

Abstract: A coupling hook (5) for the lower steering arms (3) of a three-point attaching device of a tractor has a hook body (6) with a locking pawl (7). The pawl (7) is spring-loaded in the direction of the locking position. The locking pawl (7) is arranged in a recess (12) of the hook body (6) and projects through an aperture (13) into a bearing recess (10), which receives a bearing ball (11). For the purpose of supporting and guiding the locking pawl (7), the hook body (6) includes a first stop face (14), a second supporting stop (15) offset backwardly at a distance therefrom and a locking stop (16). In the locking position, the locking pawl (7) is supported on the looking stop (16) via a first supporting face (19), a second supporting face (21) and a locking face (22).

Abstract: A coupler is provided for implementation with front end loaders. A male face plate is connected to the arms of the front end loader, having spring biased and hydraulically released cams on the back surface thereof and maintained in juxtaposition to an aperture passing through the base plate. A female coupler portion is attached to an appropriate implement. The female coupler portion includes a pair of ribs having hooks at the top thereof for engaging the bridge pins of the male portion, and legs having cam pins extending from bottom portions of the ribs. The legs and cam pins pass through the aperture of the faced plate to make locking engagement with the cams.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes an axle body and a vehicle substructure. A generally vertical lifting structure is rigidly attached to the vehicle substructure and engages a lifting frame which is adjustable in height. The lifting frame carries coupling and/or drive arrangements for implements. A hydraulic cylinder is arranged between the lifting frame and the axle body. The cylinder is connected to a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir and functions as an elastic spring support. A lock can be engaged to fix the lifting structure rigidly to the axle body. A transport lock can be selectively engaged to rigidly connect the lifting structure to the lifting frame. A selector valve selective connects the pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder with either a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir or with a lifting control arrangement. Preferably the lifting structure is designed as a rollover structure.

Abstract: Tool mounting is effected by engagement of profiled parts of the end piece of the machine jib between a face of the tool and corresponding profiled parts of the tool. The profiled parts have ramps that are maintained in engagement by a locking mechanism exerting a transverse pressure so that the play is automatically taken up. The mounting is compact and favorable from a mechanical point of view in that the ramps, not the locking mechanism, carry the working load.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly 201 incorporates a vertical ground parting blade 202 with a front cutting edge 203 and a ripper tooth 208. The blade 202 is bifurcated rearwardly of the cutting edge 203, the blade 202 being formed by two spaced-apart side plates 214. The upper part of the plates 214 constitute a support frame which is pivotally connected by a pin 205 to a base plate 240. Attached rearwardly of the pivot pin 205 and preferably cantilevered beyond the plates 214 is a vibrator unit 232. The vibrator unit 232 when operational provides a vibratory frequency of between 5 Hz and 17 Hz to the ripper tooth 208 in both a vertical and arcuate path. The pivot pin 205 is preferably located above or forwardly of the cutting edge 203. The base plate 240 and support frame, by virtue of the vibratory unit 232, experience relative movement in the manner of a pair of jaws the mouth of which extends rearwardly.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for connecting a working implement to a front end loading tractor or other heavy load carrying machinery. The latching mechanism has a plate assembly, a pivotal coupling device, a cross rod mounted on the tractor, a latch device, and a locking device for releasably retaining a first and a second pivotable members. The pivotal coupling device includes a coupling formed on the plate assembly, and a receiver formed on the tractor for relatively rotatably receiving the coupling. The latch device includes the first and second pivotable members attached to the plate assembly to be pivotable between a first position and a second position. The first and second pivotable members define recesses having an opening for receiving the cross rod when in the first position. The opening is closed when the pivotable members are in the second position, to retain the cross rod received.

Abstract: A quick coupling device adapted for mounting a tool to a boom of a carrier includes a coupling structure defining at least one notch and a cam assembly. The cam assembly includes a channel having an open end and a seating wall. The cam assembly is rotatable between an open position and a closed position to facilitate installation, locking and release of the tool from the boom. To lock the tool to the boom, the cam assembly is rotated until the seating wall engages a tool mounting pin received in the channel to effect a firm gripping of the pins.

Abstract: An inventive three-point hitch assembly that attaches to the front end of a truck or pickup and supports at three points a plurality of implements or tools. It has a belt-driven power take-off for rotary tools that is controlled by an electric clutch and driven by a pulley attached below the truck engine pulley. A hydraulic lift cylinder raises and lowers the hitch and implement or tool, which by the hitch parallelogram form maintains the implements in a vertical orientation. The lift cylinder hydraulic pressure is supplied by connections to the truck power steering system via electrically controlled solenoid valves.

Abstract: A quick change device for earth moving vehicles for changing working implements and separably connected to the vehicle via an adaptor pivotable about a horizontal axis and provided on a jib of the earth moving machine, the adaptor having displaceably mounted coupling members rigid with the housing and with which there are on the working implements coupling members rigid with the housing, the displaceably mounted coupling members of the adaptor being locking bolts which have conical coupling surfaces and with which there are associated on the working implement coupling members which have conical surfaces and which are constructed in supporting fashion only over a range of 180.degree. with the corresponding conical surfaces of the associated coupling members of the working implement which are rigid with the housing.

Abstract: A telescoping draft link assembly includes a hollow first tractor-coupled link and a second implement-coupled link slidably received by a channel in the first link. A pocket is formed in the first link next to the channel. A plate is pivotally mounted in the pocket and is pivotal from a release position wherein the plate is entirely received in the pocket to a locking position wherein at least a portion of the plate projects into the channel. The second link has a notch formed therein, an end of the notch forming a shoulder which is engageable with the plate to releasably hold the second link in the retracted position. A spring is biased to urge the plate towards its locking position and a knob is attached to the plate so that an operator may pivot the plate to a release position.

Abstract: A mechanism for the convenient and quick engagement of a power take-off of a farm tractor with a driven implement without the need for the operator to leave the tractor. The device is usable with a three point hitch for an implement and includes a spring loaded engagement shaft so that the power take off engagement is delayed until the implement is securely hitched.

Abstract: The trailer hitch has a base frame adapted to be carried by a vehicle and a hitch frame adapted to engage the base frame. A power liftable actuator is attached to the base frame and the hitch frame for raising and lowering the hitch frame to engage the tongue of a trailer. A vertically arranged connecting pin is also attached to the hitch frame and is adapted to be moved in a vertical path of travel from an elevated uncoupled position to a lowered coupled position. A power operable actuator is connected to the hitch frame and the connecting pin for moving the connecting pin from an elevated uncoupled position to a lowered coupled position. In addition, the trailer hitch has a horizontally swingable tongue guide positioned alongside the connecting pin and the hitch frame. The horizontally swingable tongue guide is adapted to guide the tongue of a trailer into proper position for being connected by the connecting pin.

Abstract: A hitch for attaching an implement with a tongue to an agricultural vehicle has at least one spacer bar which is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body about a horizontal axis. A rear end of the spacer bar is pivotally connected to the middle area of a lift arm. A drawbar hook is connected to a rear end of the lift arm and the lift is pivotal about an axis to adjust the height of the drawbar hook. A lift mechanism is pivotally connected to a forward end of the lift arm. This lift mechanism draws the forward end of the lift arm generally upwards. The hitch operates so that the drawbar hook moves substantially vertically and then horizontally when moved from its lowest position to a work height.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling an implement to a prime mover is disclosed, which includes a first connector assembly, having a mount for mounting the first connector assembly onto the prime mover, and a second connector assembly having a mount for mounting the second connector assembly onto the implement. One or, preferably, a plurality of complementary plug and socket members is provided for the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly with the plug member(s) and the socket member(s) being disposed on the connector assemblies at an upper medial location thereof and at a lower outer location at an opposite side of the medial location. The socket member is provided with a throat portion which is disposed with its entry axis being substantially horizontal and with entry to the throat portion being bounded by an outwardly diverging lip portion.

Abstract: A semi-automatic coupling apparatus is installed at the terminus of a backhoe dipper stick, crane boom or similar device and facilitates connection and disconnection of various earth working and material handling attachments. The coupler includes first, forward facing throats which engage a forward crossbar on an attachment such as a bucket and second, downward facing throats which engage a rear crossbar. A latching mechanism includes a pawl actuated by advance of the rear crossbar into the rear throats. The pawl releases a spring biased wedge member which retains the rear crossbar in the rear throat. A reset linkage may be manually activated to retract the wedge and permit release of the bucket from the coupler. An alternate embodiment of the coupler includes a remotely activated hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder which is coupled to the spring biased wedge member.

Abstract: A coupling for a plow which includes push beam which is attachable to the front of a vehicle and a supporting frame which is attachable to the back side of the plow. The push beam has at least one forwardly extending arm at each end of the beam and a transversely extending connecting pin for each arm. The supporting frame has a pair of rearwardly extending arms. The coupling also includes a slotted mounting tab which is attached to the rearward end of each rearwardly extending arm for receiving the pins and a retaining rod which is removably attached to the tabs for blocking the downward movement of the forwardly-extending arms and preventing the pins from moving out of the slots in the tabs.

Abstract: A coupling hook (5) comprises a housing (7, 8) defining a recess (10) in which a bearing ball (12) of an implement pin (41) is received. The hook also comprises a springt-loaded locking catch (14). The catch (14) is pivotal about a bearing pin (19) with play in the direction of a first line (18) connecting the center (13) of the recess (10) to a contact point (15) between the locking catch (14) and a ball (12) in the recess (10). The coupling hook (5) also comprises a locking stop (23) engaging the locking catch (14) in an undercut recess (25) thereof to define the locking position. The size of the undercut is less than or equal to the size of the play of the catch (14) on the bearing pin (19).

Abstract: Adjustable fitments for attaching any one of a variety of implements to the ends of the lifting and tilting arms of a tractor of the type normally used with front end loaders. Each fitment has a base member and a travelling member movably connected together by a rod assembly, such as a threaded rod assembly, whereby the spacing between the members can be adjusted to coincide with that of the mounting pins of the implement to be attached. Each of the members has a socket for receiving and holding one of a pair of vertically spaced horizontally disposed implement mounting pins. One of the sockets opens forwardly and the other socket opens upwardly. A manually operable latch mechanism is provided on the member which has the forwardly open socket to lock a corresponding implement pin in that socket and thus retain each pin of the pair in its respective socket.

Abstract: A vertical angle adjustable quick-attaching coupler for attaching an implement to the three point hitch of a vehicle. The coupler comprises a coupler frame, attachment means for pivotally mounting the coupler to the three point hitch of the vehicle, hook members for attaching the coupler to the implement, and angle adjustment means which includes a lever arm and a hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the vertical angle of the plane defined by the three attachment points of the three point hitch relative to the plane defined by the hook members of the coupler.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an interfacing lift hitch for connection between a tractor and an implement. The hitch includes retractable, implement connecting hooks and is U-shaped to allow operation of the power takeoff of the tractor. The disclosure further includes a drawbar mounting device connectable to the U-shaped lift hitch when the power takeoff is not being operated, and a four point hitch mechanism connected to one of my lift hitches and being operable when the hooks are moved to an out of the way position.

Abstract: Plow attaching apparatus for attaching a plow having a blade and a frame to a vehicle in a quick and efficient manner. The attachment apparatus includes a pair of attaching pins which are extended into mounting holes attached to the vehicle, and correspondingly retracted therefrom, by a pair of operating arms which are capable of pivoting with respect to mounting means. The apparatus may include adapter brackets mounted to the vehicle and a jack mounted on the plow. Novel methods of attaching and detaching the plow to the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: An improved stud and alignment tool which may be pivotally engaged to forcibly slide the draw bar of a hitch assembly onto the stud of an implement frame includes a stud having an elongate body and a spherical tip member attached at a first end thereof. The alignment tool has a similar elongate body and has, at a first end thereof, a cavity extending longitudinally through a portion of the tool body. The cavity is shaped so as to receive the spherical tip member of the stud, thereby releasably and pivotally coupling the alignment tool with the stud. A method for aligning a stud with a hitch assembly draw bar includes the steps of pivotally and slidably engaging the alignment tool with the draw bar, pivotally engaging the alignment tool with the stud, and pivoting the alignment tool into axial alignment with the stud while slidably forcing the draw bar off the alignment tool and about the stud.

Abstract: A device for attaching a working machine to a vehicle in which a heavy weight working machine can be detachably and fixedly attached to the vehicle and a three point link type working machine can also be attached through a three points linking mechanism when the heavy working machine is not attached to the vehicle. The device includes an attachment frame at a rear portion of the vehicle body, and a working machine connecting portion for attaching the heavy weight working machine. Further, a three point link connecting portion for connecting the three point linking mechanism is provided on the attachment frame.

Abstract: Quick coupling structure which is selectively connectible to a loader attachment and includes a spring-loaded latching pin located on the attachment and easily viewed from the operator station. A pin-contacting member located on the loader boom arm automatically releases the pin allowing it to move to a locking position as the attachment is rocked about a pivotal axis by an attachment cylinder. An alternate interchangeable coupling structure is provided which may be utilized on the attachment when a quick coupler is not needed, and the pivot points for the attachment remain the same with either the quick coupler or the alternate coupling attached. An attachment holder utilized with the quick coupler may be eliminated when the alternate coupling structure is connected to the attachment.

Abstract: A coupling assembly (10) for demountably attaching a work implement (15) to a prime mover (13). The prime mover (13) has a lifting mechanism (18, 118) and a tilting mechanism (23, 123). The coupling assembly (10) includes a master coupling element (11, 111) adapted to be mounted on the lifting and tilting mechanisms (19 and 20) of the prime mover (13) and an implement coupling element (12, 112) adapted to be atached to the work implement (15). The master coupling element (11, 111) has a frame (25, 125) with upper and lower transverse beam members (26 and 31 or 126 and 131). An aligning horn (28, 128) extends upwardly from the frame (25, 125) of the master coupling element (11, 111). A first, forwardly directed bearing surface (60, 160) extends along the upper transverse beam member (26, 126), and a second, forwardly directed bearing surface (61, 161) extends along said lower transverse beam member (31, 131).

Abstract: The invention relates to an three-point coupling device (3) for connecting a tractor to an implement (4). Two lower hitch arms (5, 5a) have been provided with catching hooks (7, 7a). An upper hitch arm (8) has also been provided with a catching hook (11). The lower hitch arms (5, 5a) may be raised or lowered by a power drive via lifting bars (10, 10a) and lifting arms (9, 9a). The upper hitch arm (8) is suspended from a holding device (20, 20a) which is associated with the lifting bars (10, 10a). As a result, the upper hitch arm (8) may be moved jointly with the lower hitch arms (5, 5a) upon actuation of the power drive which moves the lifting arms (9, 9a) and the lifting bar (10, 10a). It is no longer necessary for the tractor driver to hold the upper hitch arm (8) himself and place it on the upper coupling point (14) of the implement (4).

Abstract: A coupling means for detachably coupling a working implement to the operating arm of an excavating machine, said implement having an upper surface facing the operating arm, said coupling means comprising a first attachment member which is rigidly mounted to the upper surface of the implement and comprises a coupling element, and a second attachment member supported by the operating arm stick and operating cylinder via horizontal, parallel shafts and comprising a coupling element consisting of two locking parts arranged movable in relation to each other to be brought into locking engagement with the coupling element of the first attachment member by means of a power-generating means, said coupling elements having cooperating engagement surfaces which when the attachment members are connected together, are located in a common reference plane which is perpendicular to a common central plane for a stick and operating cylinder.

Abstract: A quick-attaching mechanism for mounting an implement to the remote end of a boom or the like includes a mounting structure provided at the end of the boom and a receiving structure provided on the implement. The mounting structure and receiving structure are provided with upper pivotable engagement means defining an upper pivot axis. When pivoting the mounting structure and the receiving structure about the pivot axis to an engaged position, a latch mechanism provided at the lower end of the mounting structure is automatically moved to its latching position for securely connecting the implement to the boom. The latching mechanism is a pivotable latch member, which is manually movable to a release position for allowing uncoupling of the implement from the mounting structure.

Abstract: A tractor includes front wheels and rear wheels. A three-point hitch connects a yoke to the tractor. The yoke is stabilized by stabilizer arms which are connected under the rear tractor axles and to the frame of the tractor forward of the rear tractor axles. The stabilizer arms lock up the yoke so that it is rigidly fixed to the tractor when an earth working implement tilling the soil is stressing the yoke. The stabilizer arms are connected to the yoke by chain links which permit the yoke to be raised and lowered by the three-point hitch, but which prevent any lateral movement or flexibility to the yoke. This rigidity in part is by having the chain link connection of each stabilizing link straddle the connection of the three-point hitch to the yoke. In addition, the two stabilizing arms are connected by a cross brace which is bolted in place. The cross brace may be unbolted in the event a power takeoff shaft is to be used, which would otherwise be blocked by the cross brace.

Abstract: An earth working apparatus features a horizontally-oriented rigid support frame across a forward end of which is disposed a generally vertical scraper blade. Mounted forwardly of the frame is a roller. A holding device projects rearwardly from the frame and is pivotally coupled to a steerable motive vehicle in a manner which permits vertical swinging of the frame. A ram is disposed vertically above the holder. The ram is pivotally coupled at one end to the support frame and at the other end to the vehicle so as to effect swinging of the frame. Also pivotally mounted on the vehicle to swing vertically is an elevator linkage. The holder is pivotally coupled to a swinging end of that linkage and the ram is pivotally coupled thereto. Also mounted laterally across the support frame and forwardly of the scraper blade is a drag blade.

Abstract: Guide structure for assisting in the connection of a dipper stick of a machine, such as a back-hoe to a tool, such as a bucket, which is operated by the machine. The tool has a connection portion provided with a pair of aligned openings. The dipper stick has a tubular connection member which must be aligned with the openings in the connection portion for attachment of the tool to the dipper stick. In this invention a pair of guide flanges is attached to the connection portion of the tool. Each guide flange has an abutment portion which is positioned adjacent one of the openings in the connection portion. In the procedure of attachment of the dipper stick to the tool, the dipper stick is moved, and the tubular connection portion is guided along the guide flanges until the tubular connection member engages the abutment portions of the guide flanges.

Abstract: A device for automatically connecting a work machine to a tractor includes a connector for interconnecting the rear ends of top link and lower links of a three-point link assembly pivoted to the body of the tractor. The connector has an upper engaging portion and lower engaging portions automatically engageable with an upper connecting portion and lower connecting portions of the work machine, respectively. The connector is further provided with an assembly for automatically coupling the input shaft of the work machine to a transmission shaft connected to the PTO shaft of the tractor. The coupling assembly includes a coiled spring supporting the rear end of the transmission shaft freely movably and axially movably for accommodating misalignment of the input shaft relative to the transmission shaft when the two shafts are to be coupled together.

Abstract: The top link of a three-point link assembly on a tractor is connected to the two lower links thereof by a connecting assembly at the link ends toward a working implement. The connecting assembly has upper and lower connectors separably engageable with corresponding upper and lower connectable portions of the implement. An extendable transmission shaft having a pair of joints at its respective ends is interposed between the PTO shaft of the tractor and an input shaft of the implement. The connecting assembly has a clutch for operatively connecting an internally splined portion of the implement-side joint to an externally splined portion of the input shaft. The clutch has guides fixed to the connecting assembly and extending longitudinally of the tractor, a tubular case supported by slide members on the guides and movable axially thereof and an operating assembly for the case. The case has the implement-side joint inserted therein.

Abstract: A system for attaching a material handling tool to an arm of an excavating device includes a forward hook for engaging with a pin on the material handling tool and a rearward latch mechanism for engaging with a rearward fixture on the material handling tool. The rearward latch mechanism uses a rotating pin to lock the latch mechanism. By uniformly spacing the latch mechanism from the forward hook, and by also including a second latch mechanism, spaced from the rearward latch mechanism, a versatile standardized attachment device is created.

Abstract: Stabilizng arms are applied to an agricultural tractor having a three point hitch with a quick hitch frame. Specifically, a belly plate is added to the frame beams about half way between the front axle and the rear axle. A horizontal frame draw bar extends from the belly plate to a pivot pin mounted by a clamp below the rear axle housing. The stabilizing arms extend from the pivot pin below the axle housing back to a quick hitch frame pin, which is an extension of the quick hitch pin and extends outboard of the quick hitch frame on each side thereof. A cross brace extends between the stabilizing arms to form a rigid stabilizing frame. Because the pivot pin below the axle is not coaxial with the pin by which the normal draft links are connected to the differential housing of the tractor, it is necessary that the stabilizing arms be pivoted so that the quick hitch frame can be mounted to have its normal motion to raise and lower the tillage implements connected to the quick hitch frame.