Abstract: A mining machine includes a base having two drive tracks configured to rest on a ground surface and to move the mining machine along a first direction. The drive tracks each have a length along the first direction between a front end of the drive track and a rear end of the drive track. The mining machine further includes a carbody that extends between the two drive tracks, a turntable coupled to the carbody that defines an axis of rotation, and a stabilizer appendage coupled to the carbody. The stabilizer appendage extends forward from the carbody along the first direction and includes a roller or plate to contact the ground surface and provide stabilizing support during a digging operation. The axis of rotation is positioned closer to the front end of the drive tracks than the rear end of the drive tracks.

Abstract: In several aspects, a system and associated method may be used to estimate a load weight carried by an implement of a work vehicle. In doing so, the system and method may allow for the implement load weight to be estimated by taking into account operator-initiated control commands that may impact the accuracy or reliability of the estimated weight.

Abstract: A crane includes a carrier having a carrier deck with a recessed section, at least a first axle and a second axle, a superstructure mounted to the carrier, an engine, and an engine exhaust aftertreatment system fluidically connected to the engine and configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine. The engine exhaust aftertreatment system is mounted in the recessed section to be positioned at least partially below an upper surface of the carrier deck between the first axle and the second axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable suspended-ballast guide for a crane with suspended ballast, comprising at least two lattice pieces which are pivotally connected to each other by means of at least one swivel joint, and a swivel drive for changing the swivel angle or for changing the ballast radius, wherein the suspended-ballast guide can be arranged on the crane via the first lattice piece, characterized in that the second lattice piece comprises at least one kink joint in order to kink the second lattice piece downwards or backwards in the direction of the crane to reduce the ballast radius.

Abstract: A balanced cantilevered feeding apparatus for coupling with a jib, and a complementary method for its operation, configured to facilitate depositing and removing of a load through an opening in a building. The apparatus includes two spaced apart upright hoisting assemblies disposed on the jib, and a fly beam hoisted, balanced, and selectively positioned along a lateral axis by the two hoisting assemblies. A load securing member is mounted on a cantilevered extension portion of the fly beam, wherein the member extends beyond one of the two hoisting assemblies toward the building, and a counterweight is connected to the fly beam in the vicinity of another of the two hoisting assemblies.

Abstract: A mobile lifting apparatus, comprising at least one truck, provided with a first drive device comprising at least one internal combustion engine connected by power transmission means to one or more user devices of the truck hydraulically actuated, and at least one boom provided with a second drive device.

Abstract: A boom assembly for a pipelayer includes a boom member having a first end and a second end. The boom assembly includes a first boom block adapted to be removably coupled to the second end of the boom member. The boom assembly includes a second boom block adapted to be removably coupled to a chassis of the pipelayer. The boom assembly includes a first hook block adapted to be removably coupled to the second end of the boom member. The boom assembly includes a second hook block adapted to be operably coupled to the first hook block. The boom assembly also includes a first lifting connector disposed on the first boom block and a second lifting connector disposed on the first hook block. Each of the first lifting connector and the second lifting connector is adapted to removably receive a lifting strap therethrough.

Abstract: A construction machine improves ease of assembly of travelling body weights installed in a truck frame and allows a worker to easily move between one pair of side frames through the travelling body weights. The construction machine includes a lower travelling body of a crane includes a truck frame, a left side frame and a right side frame, and a front weight and a rear weight. The front weight and the rear weight each include a lower weight and an upper weight. An upper surface part of the upper weight extends continuously along a left and right direction, and a moving passage is formed between the one pair of side frames.

Abstract: A lifting machine with a counterweight includes a sensing system for assisting in ensuring proper operating conditions are reliably achieved. The machine includes a lifter for moving the counterweight from a lowered position to a raised position. A first sensor is associated with the lifter for sensing a parameter corresponding to an amount of the counterweight (such as a pressure value associated with the rod end of a lifting cylinder), and a second sensor is provided for sensing a condition of the lifter (such as the position or extended length of the lifting cylinder). The amount of counterweight present may be determined by the output of the first sensor when the lifter is in a pre-determined (e.g., midpoint) position. The operator may be polled to verify the amount of counterweight present, thus providing a check against unintended operating conditions and ensure that reliable operation of the lifting machine is achieved.

Abstract: A construction machine allows a worker to easily move between one pair of side frames through a travelling body weight. The construction machine includes a lower travelling body of a crane includes a truck frame, a left side frame and a right side frame, a front weight and a rear weight, and scaffolding members. Scaffolding upper surface parts of the scaffolding members and upper surface parts of the front weight and the rear weight are disposed in line with each other along a left and right direction, and form a moving passage that allows the worker to move between the left and right side frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding suspended ballast guide for a crane having suspended ballast comprising two lattice pieces pivotably connected to one another, wherein in an inwardly pivoted position of the lattice pieces, one of the lattice pieces is at least partially arrangeable in the other lattice piece. The invention is further directed to a crane having a corresponding suspended ballast guide.

Abstract: A pipelayer machine is provided. The pipelayer machine has a main body, a boom pivotally connected to a first side of the main body, a hook winch provided on the first side of the main body and a boom winch provided on the second side of the main body. The boom winch and the hook winch can be connected to a structural assembly that positions the boom winch proximate the second side of the main body and positions the hook winch proximate the first side of the main body of the pipelayer machine. The hook winch can be provided in a hook winch frame and the hook winch frame can form a structural member in the structural assembly.

Abstract: A catwalk and crane system for transporting equipment of a well system includes a substructure, a directing frame pivotally coupled to the substructure, a pipe transporter configured to transport a tubular along the directing frame, a first actuator coupled to the directing frame and configured to rotate the directing frame relative to the substructure, and a crane coupled to the directing frame, wherein the crane is extendable from a first end of the directing frame.

Abstract: A boom truck includes a truck chassis having a frame, a boom assembly connected to the frame, and a boom counter weight assembly rotatably connected to the boom assembly. The boom counter weight assembly is configured to be disposed between a first position to extend a wheel base of the boom truck and a second position to define a counterweight relative to the boom assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mobile crane with a drivable undercarriage and a rotatable superstructure mounted thereon, where on the one side there is pivoted a swiveling jib, and on the other side a counterweight arrangement is mounted which is movable relative to the superstructure. According to the invention, the counterweight arrangement has a counterweight base plate, on which at least two stacks of counterweights are arranged and able to swivel about a vertical axis.

Abstract: In a car body, a lower travelling body of a crawler crane includes a pair of left and right crawler frames, the car body connecting the crawler frames and supporting an upper slewing body, and a pair of car body weights are disposed on front and rear sides of the car body. The car body supporting device includes a supporting mechanism for movably supporting at least one of the paired car body weights, and a drive section for moving the car body weight supported by the supporting mechanism to thereby shift a center of gravity of the lower travelling body in a front and rear direction. The car body weight supporting device can improve postural stability.

Abstract: A manipulator includes first and second link arms which are connected together by a hinge. A cable actuation and tensioning system is provided between the link arms and includes a spreader arm, a driven element attached to each link arm and a cable engaged with the respective driven element and attached to the spreader arm. At least one of the arms, or all of the arms, can telescope to shorten or lengthen the arm(s) by movement of the system. The spreader arm may also be configured to slide relative to the first and second link arms to change the position of the spreader arm relative to the first and second link arms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile crane having an undercarriage and a superstructure rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the undercarriage and having a ballast mounting apparatus couplable to the superstructure. The present disclosure is furthermore directed to a corresponding ballast mounting apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retaining device for an instrument, comprising at least one joint having at least two parts that can be moved relative to each other and at least one drive unit associated with the joint. The drive unit is designed to move the joint by driving at least one of the parts of the joint that can be moved relative to each other. The retaining device also comprises a securing device, which has a locking mechanism associated with the joint and a release unit that can be activated, wherein the locking mechanism interacts with the release unit in such a way that the locking mechanism holds the joint in a locked position as long as the release unit is not activated. The securing device is designed to permit a motion of the joint out of the particular locked position within a specified range of motion even if the release unit is not activated. The invention further relates to a corresponding securing device for a retaining device and to an operating method for said securing device.

Abstract: A lift crane includes a carbody and movable ground engaging members mounted on the carbody. A rotating bed is rotatably connected to the carbody and includes a counterweight support frame including a rack coupled directly to a lower surface of the rotating bed. A boom is pivotally mounted to the rotating bed. A counterweight unit movement device is configured to move the counterweight unit toward and away from the boom. At least one auxiliary member includes a counterweight pad that is configured to not touch the ground during a pick, move, and set operation. A linear actuator is configured to adjust a distance that the counterweight pad is above the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a crane with a traversable undercarriage, an uppercarriage rotatably mounted on the same with luffing main boom and derrick boom arranged thereon, wherein an auxiliary crane with telescopic boom as derrick ballast is connected with the crane and via the telescopic boom of the auxiliary crane the derrick ballast radius is adjusted. According to the present disclosure, a suspended ballast is lifted in addition to the auxiliary crane provided as derrick ballast for erecting the main boom, wherein first the auxiliary crane is lifted, before the suspended ballast is lifted, when necessary. The present disclosure also relates to a crane for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ballast apparatus for attaching to the rear of a crane superstructure, in particular of a crawler-mounted crane, having a base plate and a plurality of stackable ballast plates, wherein at least two carrier plates for receiving stacked ballast plates are connected to the base plate in an articulated manner pivotable about vertical pivot axes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing improper lifting of tubular members are described, in which sensing devices are used to detect when a tubular reaches a selected position within a lifting device suitable for engagement, and/or to detect when a lifting operation is initiated that would exceed the capacity of a lifting device. Operators are engaged with the tubular member and provided with a preselected force corresponding to the weight of one or more tubular members, such that when the weight of a lifting operation exceeds the preselected force, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output, to immediately alert individuals, such that the improper lifting operation may be halted. Similarly, an audible device may be actuated responsive to sensor output when a tubular member reaches a selected position within the lifting device, such that additional movement may be ceased.

Abstract: An article transport facility in which the attitude of its support mechanism can be easily corrected to an appropriate attitude. The facility includes an angle sensor configured to detect an angle of a first reference surface of an article supported by a vertically movable member with respect to the horizontal plane, one or more winding mechanisms, one or more second actuators configured to actuate the one or more winding mechanisms, and a controller. Each winding mechanism is configured to selectively take up and feed out a target elongate flexible member. The controller controls one or more second actuators to adjust the angle of the first reference surface to a preset angle with respect to the horizontal plane based on the detected information from the angle sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine includes an undercarriage; a rotating structure rotatably mounted on the undercarriage and configured to rotate with and with respect to the undercarriage; a first controller configured to receive user input and configured; a user interface configured to accept commands from a user and output a command signal to the controller; and a first gyroscope fixed to the rotating structure and electrically connected to the controller and configured to provide a data signal of rotation information of the rotating structure to the controller. An axis of rotation of the gyroscope is parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating structure. The controller is configured to generate a control signal to control the rotating structure and cause the rotating structure to rotate with respect to the undercarriage based on the command signal from the user interface and the data signal from the first gyroscope.

Abstract: A lower portion is formed in a vicinity of an end portion of a bottom member of a storage container. A lift member configured to lift parts kept on standby on the lower portion is arranged in a state of being movable up and down along an inner wall of the storage container. A transport unit configured to transport the part, which is lifted and transferred thereto by the lift member, to a target position is arranged, and a position at which the parts are to be transferred to the transport unit is set in a vicinity of an upper position of the lift member.

Abstract: A stabber for assisting in the lifting and installation of a cement head assembly onto a bore hole casing includes a support member comprising a first end opposite a second end. A first connection element is disposed proximate the first end of the support member and a second connection element is disposed proximate the second end of the support member. A first weight is mounted to the support member in closer proximity to the second end of the support member than to the first end of the support member. A second weight is connected to the support member between the first and second ends of the support member.

Abstract: A mobile crane includes: a crane main-body having a lower traveling body and an upper swing body; and a counterweight carrier. The counterweight carrier has a wheel, a wheel driving device, and a steering device. At least one of the crane main-body and the counterweight carrier has a controller which causes the steering device to steer the wheel. The controller causes the steering device to steer the wheel by a steering operation which requires a smaller steering amount of the wheel between one steering operation in which the steering device swivels the wheel in one direction to make the orientation of the wheel correspond to the front-back direction of the lower traveling body and another steering operation in which the steering device swivels the wheel in a direction opposite to the one direction to make the orientation of the wheel correspond to the front-back direction.

Abstract: A counterweight system for an industrial machine includes a body having a front end and a back end, the body defining a cavity, and a plurality of walls defining a plurality of discrete sections within the body, each discrete section having an aperture for inserting a counterweight into the cavity.

Abstract: Improvements to base beams and self-propelled derrick rigs are described. The base beam can have two or more stabilizer arms which can be deployed. The base beam is also designed to support the derrick rig. An optional counterweight assembly can be connected to the front of the rig. The self-propelled derrick rig can be easily and quickly mounted to the base beam, and when mounted, the assembly will be able to withstand high hook loads and wind loading without the danger of the rig coming off of its wheels or falling over.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a crane having a movable undercarriage and a superstructure rotatably supported thereon with a luffable main boom and derrick boom arranged thereon, wherein an auxiliary crane having a telescopic boom is connected to the crane as derrick ballast and the derrick ballast radius is set via the telescopic boom of the auxiliary crane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a crane comprising: a lower body; an upper slewing body; a counterweight unit including a plurality of wheels to travel on the ground in a turning direction equal to a slewing direction of the upper slewing body while being suspended from the upper slewing body; a steering actuator for rotating each of the wheels around a steering-rotation center axis to change the steering angle; and a steering control device for controlling the steering actuator. The steering control device includes: a slewing-identification-signal receiving section which receives a slewing identification signal for identification of the slewing direction of the upper slewing body; and an actuator operating section operates the steering actuator to orient each of the wheels to the inside of a tangent line to an orbit of the wheel at the steering-rotation center axis, based on the identified slewing direction identified from the slewing identification signal.

Abstract: A counterweight block apparatus includes a pair of interconnecting counterweight blocks having top and bottom surfaces, the counterweight blocks forming a plane of interconnection along adjacent sides thereof; and a shear bar releasably secured between the adjacent sides of the interconnecting counterweight blocks, generally perpendicular to the plane of interconnection, to provide resistance to relative vertical movement of the interconnecting counterweight blocks along the plane of interconnection. In another aspect, each counterweight block includes in at least one side thereof an indentation from a top of the counterweight block to a depth more shallow than the thickness of the counterweight block, the indentation defining a lip for hand grabbing. An aperture may be formed through the rest of the thickness of the counterweigh block at each indentation, wherein a securing strap can be run through each aperture of a stacked plurality of counterweight blocks to secure them to each other.

Abstract: A ballast assembly for a work vehicle includes a ballast weight having a central groove. Two pairs of coupling pins extend across the central groove. A pair of support rods are attached to an underside of a frame part of the vehicle. The assembly also includes a pair of ballast bracket, each of which is releasably coupled to a corresponding pair of the coupling pins. The assembly also includes a pair of links, each having an end pivotally coupled to a corresponding ballast bracket, and having a body with a slot which slidably receives a corresponding support rod. A hydraulic cylinder has a first end pivotally coupled to one of the links and a second end pivotally coupled to the frame part. Each ballast bracket includes a latch member which releasably holds the ballast bracket to the corresponding pair of coupling pins.

Abstract: Counterweight fixing device (1) for a crane, which is comparatively easy to install and can also be used in particular for cranes with a derricking jib, in which the derricking jib is rigidly connected to the mast (3), and at the same time provides a safe design without generating a high noise level during operation. The core principle of the design of the counterweight fixing device (1) is that the counterweight blocks (4) are simply suspended on a carrier bar (2), but the generation of noise is kept to a low level due to the suppression of the freedom of movement of the counterweight blocks (4).

Abstract: A portable lifting system includes a moveable base component including a scissors lift assembly, and a crane assembly coupled the movable base component, the crane assembly including a support member and a boom coupled to the support member.

Abstract: The wind turbine assembly system of the present invention comprises a lifting structure comprising at least first structural support elements configured to transmit stresses to the wind turbine tower during the hoisting of a wind turbine component and a crane configured to displace the wind turbine component towards the tower axis, the system further comprising a displaceable climbing element with respect to the lifting structure by means of guiding mechanisms, the displaceable climbing element incorporating second structural support elements dimensioned to at least partly support the weight of the lifting structure, where the first structural support elements are displaceable so that their relative position can vary with respect to the lifting structure.

Abstract: A counterweight loading and unloading device and a movable crane have a freestanding pallet (10) with two ends whose upper end faces are used for holding a counterweight (61). The two ends of the freestanding pallet (10) are both equipped with a cavity, and at least one telescopic oil cylinder (11, 12, 13, and 14) is provided in the cavity. A fixed end of the telescopic oil cylinder is fixed with the freestanding pallet (10), and a telescopic end of the telescopic oil cylinder is coupled with a pallet lifting mechanism for lifting the freestanding pallet. The device is not limited by a planar space of a vehicle frame and a turntable height of the movable crane. An integral dimension of the movable crane is not increased, thus preventing integral dimension of the movable crane from exceeding a road traveling standard. The structure of the device is more compact, and the telescopic oil cylinder plays a role of the counterweight, thus enabling stress of the turntable to be more reasonable.

Abstract: A telescopic tower crane system has several tower layers of different outer diameters. Tower layers of smaller outer diameters are put inside the tower layers of larger outer diameters. Each of the tower layers consists of upstanding tower masts and crossbars connecting in between. The lower end of each of the tower masts has a lifting mechanism. Hoists are combined with the lifting mechanisms to lift the tower layers upward one by one from inside outward. The positioning mechanism at the lower end of each of the tower masts is positioned to the upper end of the adjacent tower mast. The crane tower is thus lifted to an extreme height and can lift heavy or long objects.

Abstract: An unloading and loading crane arrangement (35) with a boom (37), in particular a projecting boom, for loading and unloading a ship using a gripper (7) attached to the boom, which boom is hingedly connected to an arm (43) via a hinge point, wherein the arm is placed on at least one landside guide (59) and one waterside guide (61), wherein the waterside guide is placed at a higher level than the landside guide. An assembly of two or more such unloading and loading crane arrangements is also described.

Abstract: A ring derrick includes a carriage which moves on a fixed circular track around a stationary counterweight. A tension and compression column assembled from transportable tubular segments is affixed to the counterweight by a universal swivel joint. The back mast of the derrick is secured at its upper end to the tension column, while the main boom of the derrick extends radially away from the tension column. The main boom and back mast are hinged directly together at the carriage by massive hinge pins which pass through spherical bearings mounted on the carriage. The carriage's suspension distributes the load from the boom and mast to an array of trucks and has an automatic stabilizing system that compensates for uneven track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a counterweight which is filled with a heavy-weight concrete containing, instead of currently used iron ores, a heavy-weight aggregate that scarcely causes the material segregation from cement paste and which can be produced at a low cost and is effectively enhanced in the filling factor of heavy-weight concrete into a case. A counterweight 6 comprises a case 62 and heavy-weight concrete filled therein, wherein the heavy-weight concrete contains a heavy-weight fine aggregate containing 20 mass % or more of aggregate particles having particle diameters of less than 0.15 mm and 20 mass % or more of aggregate particles having particle diameters of 2.5 mm to less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.

Abstract: An improved counterweight apparatus for vehicles includes a counterweight support structure, a set of separately installable and removable counterweights and a retaining plate. Each counterweight is shaped to be received by the counterweight support structure and each counterweight has at least one retaining plate surface. The retaining plate is retained adjacent to the counterweight support structure and can be moved between a retracted position and an advanced position. The retaining plate has a first surface located to register with the retaining plate surface of each counterweight. When a counterweight is placed in the counterweight support structure and the retaining plate is moved to the advanced position, the first surface of the retaining plate engages the retaining plate surface of the counterweight to secure the counterweight support structure. A counterweight can be removed from the counterweight support structure if the retaining plate is moved to the retracted position.

Abstract: A telescopically extendible camera crane arm includes a second section telescopically movable within a first section. A first actuator extends the second section and a second actuator retracts the second section. A control valve has first and second ports connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second actuators. An inlet port of the control valve is connected to a pressurized fluid source, such as a pump or accumulator of a hydraulic system. The control valve has extend, off, and retract positions. The control valve provides a threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators when in the off position, and provides a greater than the threshold amount of fluid pressure to the first and second actuators, when in the extend or retract positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a crane having a movable undercarriage and a superstructure rotatably supported thereon with a luffable main boom and derrick boom arranged thereon, wherein an auxiliary crane having a telescopic boom is connected to the crane as derrick ballast and the derrick ballast radius is set via the telescopic boom of the auxiliary crane.

Abstract: A balancing system for an agricultural vehicle includes a balance weight which has take-up pins at its sides. The pins are oriented coaxially to a common pivot axis so that the balancing weight can be taken up by the lower links of a three point implement hitch. When the balance weight has been taken up, it can be moved from a position of the center of gravity (S) of the balance weight close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle. In order to attain a balance as optimal as possible, the position of the center of gravity of the balance weight in its position close to the vehicle is located below the pivot axis. Pivoting devices are provided so that the balance weight can be pivoted about the pivot axis so that it can also be brought from a position close to the vehicle to a position distant from the vehicle, where the balance weight occupies a lower position of the center of gravity in the position close to the vehicle than in the position distant from the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivoting a boom relative to a frame of a pipe handling system between a first position and a second position has a hydraulic actuator assembly connected to the boom and to the skid, and a pneumatic spring connected to the boom and to the skid. The pneumatic spring has a cylinder with an end pivotally connected to the boom, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the skid. The hydraulic actuator assembly has a cylinder pivotally connected to the skid, and a piston with an end pivotally connected to the boom. The pneumatic spring urges the boom from the first position toward the second position while resisting movement of the boom from the second position toward the second position.

Abstract: A portable worker safety frame provides many of the benefits of a loading dock while enhancing worker safety. In one implementation, the safety frame provides a walking surface of adjustable height that may be placed adjacent to an arbitrary work surface of a transportation vehicle. The safety frame can provide a walking platform that has a similar length as the cargo bed itself, yet is portable by such conventional means as the forks of a lift truck. The portable worker safety frame also provides an overhead safety rail to which each worker may attach a safety harness cord.

Abstract: An operator ride enhancement system that is coupleable to the frame of a vehicle includes a counterweight platform moveably coupled to the frame, and a resilient member engaged with the frame and the counterweight platform. The mass of the counterweight platform is configured to be approximately at least equal to a total mass supported by the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle. The operator ride enhancement system attenuates and/or inhibits movement of the counterweight platform during operation of the vehicle.