Abstract: A vehicle grade control system and method of controlling an implement position of a motor grader moving along a path of a surface. The motor grader includes a frame supported by wheels and an implement adjustably coupled to the frame. The control system includes a processor and a memory configured to receive a grade target to grade the surface to a desired grade with the implement based on the grade target. Surface irregularities of the surface in a path of the motor grader are located. An angle of the frame is determined based on the located surface irregularities and a difference between the identified angle of the frame and the grade target is determined. A position of the implement with respect to the frame based on the determined difference is identified and the surface is graded with the identified position of the implement.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a skid steer trimmer assembly usable for contouring the ground.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting an implement on a vehicle includes a support frame attachable to the vehicle, a lever pivotable on the support frame between a first and second positions, and a biasing assembly connecting the lever to the support frame. The implement is connectable to the lever via an implement support frame. The biasing assembly is movable between an extended position and a compressed position and is biased toward the extended position. The lever and the biasing assembly define an acute angle that opens toward the vehicle when the support frame is removably attached to the vehicle and the lever is in the first position.

Abstract: A work attachment for a motor grader includes a moldboard and a trip edge assembly coupled to the moldboard. The moldboard defines a plurality of first apertures. The trip edge assembly includes a trip edge structure. The trip edge assembly also includes a pivoting mechanism for pivoting a portion of the trip edge assembly in a first direction with respect to the moldboard when the trip edge assembly encounters an object in a drive path of the motor grader. The trip edge assembly further includes a mounting structure defining a plurality of second apertures. The plurality of second apertures are aligned with the plurality of first apertures to receive mechanical fasteners for removably coupling the trip edge assembly with the moldboard.

Abstract: A loader toolbar that can be attached to loaders, skid steer or tractor front end loaders that are compliant with the standard industry interface. The loader toolbar is designed to be a platform from which an array of agriculture and construction tools can easily and quickly be attached. The tools are pinned to the tool bar and can be installed or removed in minutes. The tool bar is designed to take advantage of the mechanical leverage of a fulcrum or pivot point for those tools such a tree extractor when prying or pulling tree by its roots. The loaded toolbar does not rely entirely on the hydraulics of the skid steer. The non-reliance on hydraulics, combined with the inherent maneuverability of a skid steer, allows operator to position tools to accomplish task safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A support frame assembly for supporting a plow, or another front-mounted implement, on a small vehicle such as an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is provided. The frame assembly comprises a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is typically raised with respect to the rear portion, allowing the plow to be pivotally attached to the front of the frame assembly at a higher location. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism allowing the frame assembly to be easily mounted to the underside of the vehicle. A releasing mechanism, operatively connected to the locking mechanism, allows for the easy removal of the frame assembly from the vehicle.

Abstract: At least one arm, adapted to connect to a vehicle implement, is pivotally connected to one of front and rear portions of a frame of a motorized vehicle. The at least one arm is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. A lock, disposed on at least one of the at least one arm and the frame, locks the at least one arm in the second position. When in the first position, the at least one arm is in a position for connection with the vehicle implement. When in the second position, the at least one arm is in a stowed position. The at least one arm has a shape at least partially generally complementary with a portion of a corresponding one of a front portion and a rear portion of the vehicle. A vehicle implement assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A quick-attach assembly for quickly and easily securing an implement to the forward end of a push tube assembly mounted on an off-road vehicle. A rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear quick-attach assembly is secured to the rearward end of the implement. When connected together, the rear quick-attach assembly is received within the front quick-attach assembly.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle includes a vehicle implement pivotally connected to one of a front portion and a rear portion of a frame of the vehicle by at least one arm. The vehicle implement is pivotable between a first position and a second position vertically higher than the first position. In the first position, the vehicle implement is disposed forward of the front portion when connected to the front portion, and disposed rearward of the rear portion when connected to the rear portion. In the second position, the vehicle implement is disposed at least partially vertically above the corresponding one of the front and rear portions, and overlaps at least partially longitudinally with the corresponding one of the front and rear portions. The at least one arm is at least partially generally congruent with a portion of the corresponding one of the front and rear portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved material handling bucket assembly is configured for construction or agricultural front loading or backhoe applications. Scraper and grader blades pivotally mounted relative to the bucket bottom cooperatively move to provide normal bucket operation, or scraping, or grading operations. A scraper blade selectively rotates between a first position closing an opening through the bottom wall of the bucket to a second position extending below the bucket for removing ground soil during a scraping operation and directing the removed soil into a collection chamber of the bucket. A single power source and linkage assembly controls movement of the scraper and grader blades, which also cooperatively move to change the size of the opening in the bottom wall during a scraping operation.

Abstract: A quick-attach mechanism for attaching an implement to the forward end of a push type assembly which is secured to an off-road vehicle. The quick-attach mechanism includes a front female quick-attach structure on the forward end of the push tube assembly and a rear male quick-attach structure attached to the implement. The front and rear quick-attach assemblies may be quickly selectively coupled together.

Abstract: A forward mount is disclosed which is secured to the frame of an off-road vehicle to enable the rearward ends of a push-tube assembly to be secured thereto. The forward mount of this invention may be attached to the main frame of off-road vehicles of different manufacturers in various ways.

Abstract: A skid steer machine having separate left and right hydraulic propulsion units includes an operating ratio change system by which the ratio of the propulsion speed of at least one of the hydraulic propulsion units versus the hydraulic flow directed to the propulsion units can be changed from at least a first ratio to a second ratio and inversely. The operating ratio change system includes an operating ratio change ECU which controls an operating ratio change device to operate in at least a first ratio configuration or a second ratio configuration, and the operating ratio change system operates in an automatic operating mode where the operating ratio change ECU selects the operating ratio according to machine parameters received by the operating ratio change ECU.

Abstract: A quick-attach mechanism is provided for attachment to the forward end of push tubes which are secured to an off-road vehicle to enable a plow blade or other implement to be quickly attached to the forward ends of the push tubes.

Abstract: An attachment device for a skid steer loader and a method of moving materials is provided. The attachment device can have a distal end; a proximal end; at least one side member extending from the proximal end towards the distal end; a blade member positioned at the distal end and extending generally perpendicular to a direction of travel of the skid steer loader; and at least one actuator operative to move the blade member substantially in a direction of travel of the skid steer loader. Materials can be moved by the attachment device by placing the attachment device along a ground surface so that the materials are placed in front of the blade member and, while the skid steer loader remains stationary, activating the actuator to move the blade member away from the skid steer loader to push the materials.

Abstract: The front end loader and method of the present invention provides front end loader lift arms that may be removed from an implement, such as a bucket, and secured to the bucket in a cantilevered position for storage of the lift arms. Connections on the implement and lift arms allow the lift arms to be securely interconnected with connections on the bucket without the use of tools or pins so that the center of gravity of the lift arms is above the bucket. The lift arms may then be removed from a utility vehicle. In this storage position, the lift arms are stored and maintained in a secure position so that they may later be easily and quickly reattached to the utility vehicle.

Abstract: A push tube adapter for an off-road vehicle which enables the rearward end of a push tube assembly to be mounted on various vehicle mounts.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface by spreading. The apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface is adapted to be fitted to a prime mover. The apparatus includes a mounting frame for attaching the apparatus to the prime mover, at least one grading blade carried by the mounting frame and mounted moveable laterally sideways relative to the prime mover and an actuator to controllably move the grading blade to move the grading blade substantially sideways relative to the prime mover. The lateral sideways movement of the apparatus relative to prime mover enables particulate matter to be moved independent of the direction of travel of the prime mover.

Abstract: A compactor wheel is disclosed that includes a hub mountable to an axle of a compaction machine and a rim mounted around an outer circumference of the hub, with the rim having a wrapper and inner and outer circumferential edges. The compactor wheel also includes a modular axle guard positioned near the inner circumferential edge and extending outward from the wrapper, the modular axle guard having a plurality of guard modules arranged about an outer circumference of the rim. Each of the guard modules includes a pair of wedge segments affixed to the wrapper and positioned on the wrapper in a spaced apart relationship and a guard segment positioned on the wrapper and seated between the pair of wedge segments. The guard segment includes a portion that extends radially outward from the wrapper and beyond the pair of wedge segments.

Abstract: A pivot assembly for a plow may include first and second subassemblies. The first subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. The first subassembly may include a latch mechanism displaceable between locked and unlocked positions. The second subassembly may be adapted to be coupled to the frame member and may be rotatable relative thereto. The second subassembly may include a power pivot assembly and a cam member. The power pivot assembly may be drivingly engaged with the cam member and operable to rotate the cam member in a first rotational direction to a first position where the cam member urges the latch mechanism into the unlocked position.

Abstract: A frame attachment and link between a materials moving implement, for example a dozer blade, and a vehicle for instance a conventional farm tractor which enables the operator to laterally adjust and raise and lower the dozer blade a substantial distance and yet is relatively easily connected and disconnected with the vehicle. The attachment described herein is a U-shaped frame having a front end including a central pivot attachment point at the base of the U, and several hydraulic attachment points which permit the lateral movement of the dozer blade relative to the vehicle. The U-shaped frame defines an opening which is large enough to accommodate the front frame and body of the of the tractor or vehicle so that the U-shaped frame when in a raised position, encompasses within the opening the front frame and body of the vehicle so that there is sufficient vertical articulation of the dozer blade without interference from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A tool carrier assembly of an earthworking implement is comprised of two components that contact a surface being worked; an earthworking tool and a depth guide. The tool carrier assembly is pivotably connected to a support structure. The support structure is removably attached to a lift arm assembly of a motive source. As the front wheels of the motive source are raised off the ground by downward force applied to the lift arm assembly, the depth guide assumes the function of bearing the load of the implement and a portion of the motive source. The vehicle steered and powered by the rear wheels may then move in any direction and the tool carrier assembly will articulate on a controllably variable vertical axis. As the earthworking tool moves material on the surface, the tool carrier pivots about a controllably variable horizontal axis to maintain contact with the surface as the tool carrier assembly pivots in response to uneven terrain.

Abstract: A lift bar is disclosed for mounting on the forward end of an off-road vehicle such as a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, riding mower or garden tractor. The lift bar extends forwardly from the suspension of the vehicle and provides a way for tying off the winch or other actuator of the plow so that the plow may be raised and lowered relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position.

Abstract: A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The mounting apparatus further includes a transition apparatus having a hitch tongue constructed and arranged to be securable to the vehicle; the transition apparatus having a subframe including a plate having apertures; wherein the apertures in the plate can facilitate placement of the subframe at various heights with respect to the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grading apparatus (10, 210) comprising an elongate support arm assembly (12, 212) having a mount (16, 216) at one end for attachment to a vehicle (100), and a grading blade (14, 214) attached to the opposing end of the support arm assembly. The grading blade can be positioned outwardly of the vehicle to grade a surface beside the vehicle as the vehicle moves forward.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for use with a vehicle includes an arm support assembly and an attachment interface assembly pivotally mounted to the arm support assembly. The attachment interface assembly includes an interface plate configured to accept a work attachment. The attachment interface assembly and interface plate pivots under the influence of respective lift and tilt actuators. The attachment interface assembly is removable from the arm support assembly, and the actuators are pivotable into stowed positions, upon removing a pin that attaches the lift actuator piston rod to the attachment interface assembly, a pin that attaches the tilt actuator piston rod to the interface plate, and a pin that pivotally attaches the attachment interface assembly to the arm support assembly. The pins may be used to secure the actuators in the stowed positions, and an additional clip may be used to secure one or both of the actuators in the stowed position.

Abstract: A vehicle for grooming sand or the like includes a quick attachment for connecting a front bulldozer blade or other implement to a steerable front wheel of the vehicle. When the front wheel pivots while steering, the front blade pivots with the front wheel to minimize catching the front blade on the lip or edge of a golf course bunker. The front blade is pivotal relative to the quick attachment against the bias of springs to minimize the tendency of the blade to dig into the sand. The pivotal motion of the front blade can be locked out if desired. The quick attachment is connected by a four bar linkage to the vehicle.

Abstract: An attachment configured to be attached to a power machine is disclosed. The attachment includes a blade having opposing first and second major surfaces and first and second edges. The attachment has first and second end plates each having opposing inner and outer surfaces. The end plates are fixedly attached to the first and second edges of the blade. The inner surfaces of the first and second end plates are positioned adjacent to and extend from the first major surface of the blade. The attachment further includes a support structure coupled to the blade. The support structure includes a first support member fixedly attached to and extending from both the second major surface of the blade and the outer surface of the first end plate.

Abstract: A scraper for plowing and gathering earth specifically adapted to fit to the front end of a skid steer vehicle. The scraper includes a frame for holding a scraper bowl. A caster wheel assembly is coupled to the front end of the scraper frame and is adapted to cause the scrapper bowl to adjust to the terrain. A hydraulic actuation assembly is arranged to lift the scraper bowl to carry its contents from a first site to a second site. A gate is coupled to the front end of the scraper bowl to capture the contents of the scraper bowl when its contents are moved from a first site to a second site. An implement quick-attach assembly is also provided for coupling the skid steer vehicle to the scraper frame in such a way that the frame can be made to pivot to vary the pressure between the earth being traversed and the cutting blade.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted tool, such as a blade, may be disposed in an upright position for dozing or other pushing functions when the vehicle moves forwardly and then flipped over into an inverted position for back-dragging or the like when the vehicle moves in reverse. Flipping of the blade is accomplished using a cylinder operated from the seat of the vehicle. The blade is mounted on a swivel head that is controlled by a pair of oppositely actuating swivel cylinders from the operator's seat so that whether the blade is upright or inverted, it may be swivelled left or right into any number of obliquely disposed positions.

Abstract: A snowplow and mount assembly comprising a mount frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle, and a snowplow frame. One of the mount frame and the snowplow frame has first and second arms and the other of the mount frame and snowplow frame has first and second receivers, the first and second receivers receiving the first and second arms, respectively. Respective ones of first and second latch pins removably secure the first and second arms in the first and second receivers. A latch lever is operably associated with the first and second latch pins and simultaneously actuates the latch pins to latched and unlatched positions. The snowplow frame includes a jack stand movable to and between an extended ground contacting and snowplow frame supporting position and a retracted ground noncontacting and snowplow frame nonsupporting position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a snowplow system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for snowplowing with an all terrain vehicle. The system includes an all terrain vehicle, at least one control member, a latch, and a blade. The latch is configured to lock the blade at a particular horizontal rotational orientation. When the latch is released, the blade is coupled to the all terrain vehicle in a manner that allows for horizontal rotation. The at least one control member is coupled to the blade and positioned on the all terrain vehicle such that a user can horizontally rotate the blade from a sitting position on the all terrain vehicle. This allows a user to efficiently remove snow from an area.

Abstract: A plow mounting assembly is provided for removably attaching a plow blade to the front end of a vehicle. The plow mounting assembly includes a frame assembly semi-permanently connected to a front end of an associated vehicle. A blade assembly includes a plow blade and a grasping assembly in a closed position removably connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A small vehicle-mounted power assisted implement that employs an independent motor associated with or located on the vehicle. The implement features a floatdown system for applying a continuous bi-directional force to the implement and to the vehicle to improve ground surfacing capabilities and efficiency.

Abstract: A plow mounting assembly is provided for removably attaching a plow blade to the front end of a vehicle. The plow mounting assembly includes a frame assembly semi-permanently connected to a front end of an associated vehicle. A blade assembly includes a plow blade and a grasping assembly in a closed position removably connected to the frame assembly.

Abstract: A front equipment mount for attaching a piece of equipment to a front end of a wheeled vehicle having an independent front suspension includes a longitudinal frame and a transverse frame member connected to the longitudinal frame. The longitudinal frame has a forward and end which is positionable proximate the front end of the vehicle and a rearward end which is attachable to the vehicle rearward of the front suspension. The transverse frame member has opposed left and right ends connectable to respective left and right suspension members of the vehicle. The piece of equipment is attachable to the forward end of the longitudinal frame such that the weight of the piece of equipment is supported by the left and right suspension members as unsprung weight.

Abstract: This device can be attached to the standard tractor blade and converts the tractor blade into a scoop or bucket. This device will increase the utility of a standard tractor by increasing its functions. It will be lightweight and durable and can be easily placed on the tractor blade and easily removed.

Abstract: Changing operating characteristics of an implement can expand the capabilities of and enhances the productivity of the implement. The disclosed method and apparatus for changing operating characteristics of an implement comprises, providing the operating characteristics of the implement with a predetermined operational range consisting of a plurality of values, connecting the implement with a work machine, sending a first input signal identifying the operational range to an electronic control module, operating the implement at a first value within the operational range, sending a second input signal relating to a second value within the operational range to the electronic control module, and sending an output signal from the electronic control module to one of the work machine and the implement to change from the first value to the second value.

Abstract: A heavy-duty scraping and rake attachment for excavator buckets for clearing brush-covered earth. The attachment is easily mountable to the bucket, thus avoiding the work and expense of removing the bucket from the arm. The scraper portion provides for offset toothed scrapers, a combination of toothed scraper and blade, and blade only use and is used in conjunction with a heavy-duty rake and power-operated thumb to grasp and remove the material rooted or scraped up from the earth by the scraper. The scraper portion and rake are included in a single unit, attachable and detachable from the excavator bucket. Scraper and blade attachments either detachably connected to the unit with bolts or permanently welded in place as desired.

Abstract: A blade attachment for an off-road vehicle such as an ATV is provided. A mounting frame is pivotally connected at its rearward end to the ATV rearwardly of the forward end thereof. A hinge plate is pivotally mounted, about a vertical axis, to the forward end of the mounting frame and has the blade of this invention mounted thereon to enable the blade to be pivoted left, right, or positioned in a straight position. The blade is locked in its various positions by a blade position lever. The blade position lever is automatically moved to its unlocked position when the blade is moved upwardly to a predetermined position and is automatically moved towards its locked position when the blade is moved downwardly to a predetermined height. A winch is operatively connected, in a slip clutch fashion, to the hinge plate to enable the blade to be pivotally moved, about a vertical axis, between its various angular positions, when the blade position lever is in its unlocked position.

Abstract: A snowplow assembly comprises a lift frame and A-frame operably pivotally connected together and an actuator operably connected between the lift frame and A-frame for effecting relative pivotal movement between the lift frame and A-frame. A plow blade includes a blade frame. The blade frame includes a tube of circular cross section which is operably pivotally connected to the A-frame. The tube is pivotally received by a quadrant, which is operably connected to the A-frame. A resilient element is operable between the blade frame and A-frame normally biasing a lower edge of the plow blade forwardly. The resilient element is an elastomeric loop. The pivotal connection of the plow blade to the A-frame in combination with the resilient element provides a trip function of the plow blade. The plow blade is a composite. The circular tube of the blade frame provides torsional stiffness to the composite blade.

Abstract: A dampening means for a tool, the dampening means controlling pivoting of the tool with respect to a support means of a support structure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for shearing a soil layer and removing it is provided. An apparatus in accord with the present invention has a frame mounting a shearing blade reciprocally movable substantially vertically into an operational position where the shearing blade will extend below the ground surface to shear the layer of soil above the shearing blade from the soil beneath it. An apparatus will also have a pushing blade mounted for use in pushing sheared soil. In a method in accord with the present invention, apparatus is provided that includes a shearing blade and a pushing blade. Each of the blades is positionable in operational and non-operational positions. The pushing blade is placed in its non-operational position and the shearing blade is placed in the operational position and is used to shear an upper layer of soil to a desired depth to produce a sheared soil layer and to create a new surface layer below the sheared soil layer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a snow plow system capable of attachment to a vehicle. The snow plow system comprises a front snow plow assembly and a rear snow plow assembly. The front snow plow assembly includes a blade, a frame assembly and an attachment system. The attachment system is capable of attaching the blade to the frame assembly. The rear snow plow assembly includes a frame and a blade attached. The frame of the front snow plow assembly and the frame of the rear snow plow assembly comprise an aluminum material having a temper of at least T4.

Abstract: A hitch for hitching a plow to a vehicle. The hitch includes a vehicle portion and a plow portion. The vehicle portion includes a mounting member having a substantially planar face. The plow can be pivotally mounted to the plow portion of the hitch. The plow portion of the hitch can be removably mounted to the vehicle portion of the hitch. The plow portion can include a pair of clamping members with one clamping member being movable with respect to the other clamping member. The plow portion can also include a lift assembly for moving the plow between a plowing position and an elevated position.

Abstract: A blade attachment that can be attached to an excavator or backhoe in 10 seconds and removed in 3 seconds from the operator's seat without the need for tools, nuts, bolts, pins, chains, hoses or additional personnel. The blade attachment is secured to the bucket with two u-shaped adaptors welded to the inside of the bucket. The blade has opposing brackets which support a grab bar and adjustable striker bar, allowing it to be installed on numerous buckets without modification, and providing for quick removal. The design of the bucket adaptors and striker bar prohibits the blade from being removed during earth moving and grading operations, but allows the operator to maintain a level grade when the machine is sitting on as much as a 10% grade difference.

Abstract: A livestock bedding conditioning apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a self-propelled drive vehicle with a rotor arm attached to a frame on the vehicle. The rotor arm comprises a plurality of rotors, the device having hydraulic motor for rotating the rotors. Each rotor has a bit at its end, which engages the livestock bedding material. The rotation of the bit within the bedding material loosens, fluffs up and aerates the bedding material, resulting in a healthier and more comfortable bedding material for the livestock.