Abstract: A vehicle, equipment for loading a load carrying device onto the vehicle, and a sensor that determines a deviation angle between longitudinal axes of the vehicle and load carrying device. A control compares the deviation angle to a maximum deviation angle, and if less than maximum deviation angle a loading procedure is performed, which procedure includes engaging a loading tool with an attachment part at an end of the load carrying device; lifting the end by the loading tool while another end of the load carrying device is on the ground; adjusting the vehicle position to decrease the deviation angle while the working equipment lifts the end of the load carrying device; monitoring the deviation angle during adjustment, comparing the deviation angle to a threshold deviation angle, and moving the load carrying device onto the vehicle in response to the deviation angle being less than the threshold deviation angle.

Abstract: A mobile shaft winch includes a carrier vehicle with a vehicle drive, which has an internal combustion engine, a rigid base frame and a rotary platform which is arranged on the base frame via a rotary connection. A drum winch is arranged on the rotary platform with a rope drum which is driven by a winch drive and designed for the winding on and unwinding of a haulage rope. The winch drive includes only an electric motor. A control system is designed for a selective operation of the electric motor on a mains supply system or on an electric generator. The internal combustion engine of the vehicle drive, drives the generator, and the generator and the internal combustion engine are arranged on the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: A trenching and edging attachment for a riding lawn mower or compact utility tractor preferably includes a base frame, a cutter drive, a pair of pivoting height wheels and a cutter cover. The base frame preferably includes a lengthwise support member, a cutter support member, two support wheel extensions, a drive support extension, a pivot extension member and two attachment yokes. The pivot extension extends outward from the lengthwise support member and includes at least one retention hook. Each pivoting height wheel includes a wheel roller, a wheel yoke, and a height adjustment device. The wheel yoke is pivotally retained in the support wheel extension. The cutter drive preferably includes a cutter driven shaft, a right angle gearbox, a chain drive and a cutter drive shaft. A drive hub is attached to substantially an end of the cutter driven shaft to retain a trenching blade or an edger.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic hybrid system for a vehicle utilizes both the advantages of the hydraulic hybrid system and the electric hybrid system to maximize the collection of energy lost during a braking process and to provide launch assists in an acceleration process. The electro-hydraulic hybrid system includes an ECU that controls the electro-hydraulic hybrid system, a hydraulic drive pump, an accumulator, a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a power converter, and a battery. The hydraulic reservoir is in fluid communication with the accumulator through the hydraulic drive pump that functions as the main component of the hydraulic regenerative braking system. The hydraulic reservoir is also in fluid communication with the accumulator through the hydraulic pump that acts as the main component of the electro-hydraulic inter-conversion unit along with the electric motor, the at least one battery, and power converter that are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: A winch is disclosed for a pick-up bed having a floor, and a front wall. The winch includes a winch motor and spool assembled to the truck body below the floor. An upper pulley is assembled to the front wall with a cable wound around the spool that is extendable and retractable from the spool. The cable is routed over the upper pulley through an opening defined by the front wall. The opening is spaced from the floor to facilitate loading articles into and unloading articles from the truck bed.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Rotation of the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A retainer may be included in the clutch which retains the biasing member in operative connection with the output shaft and translates axially relative to the input shaft upon rotation of the output shaft. The axial translation may cause the biasing force to vary by varying the compression of the biasing member.

Abstract: A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and a biasing member. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Rotation of the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A retainer may be included in the clutch which retains the biasing member in operative connection with the output shaft and translates axially relative to the input shaft upon rotation of the output shaft. The axial translation may cause the biasing force to vary by varying the compression of the biasing member.

Abstract: A portable powered winch is provided suitable for coupling to a vehicle. The winch is comprised of a frame which mounts the winch and a housing. The housing houses a battery and mounts a control panel thereto. The frame has a mount for receiving a mounting tube of a vehicle, and is disconnectable when not desired for mounting and for use portably. A dolly may be included for transporting the winch.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus comprising a first part to be removably secured to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The first part is removably integrated with a boom receiver. The boom receiver can be removably connected to a boom extending upward at an angle from the first part. An electric powered winch can be attached to the boom receiver. The winch includes a cable to hang down from the boom. Coupled to the cable is a device to connect an object to be moved by the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable winch suitable for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement includes a mounting frame positionable at a top opening of a hole such as a receiving pit or manhole. A telescoping mast having a series of nested, top and bottom mast sections is mounted on the frame. A powered winch unit, also mounted on the frame, includes a drive unit and a cable. A guide assembly includes a sheave that guides the cable from the drive unit to the bottom mast section. Suitable means are connected to the frame for mechanically raising and lowering the mast into and out of the hole. As such, the mast according to the invention does not require assembly or disassembly at the beginning and end of each job. The mechanical means for raising and lowering the mast is preferably the powered winch unit.

Abstract: A winch assembly (38) comprising a winch (10) having a winch spool (23), an hydraulic drive motor (15), a clutch (17) for directly coupling the drive motor (15) to the winch spool (23) to effect rotation of the winch spool (23) by the drive motor (15), an hydraulic power pack (39) having an hydraulic pump (40) driven by an electric motor (42) for supplying hydraulic fluid to the winch drive motor (15) via a valve assembly (45) and a controller (43) for controlling operation of the hydraulic power pack (39) and the valve assembly (45) to control the supply of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic power pack (39) to the winch drive motor (15).

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a plurality of independent winches is provided. One winch may be mounted on the front of the all terrain vehicle. Another winch may be mounted at the rear of the all terrain vehicle. The winches are controlled independently of each other. For example, the front winch can be driven in a forward direction or a reverse direction independently of the rear winch, and the rear winch can be driven in a forward direction or a reverse direction independently of the front winch. Additionally, the front winch and the rear winch may be engaged to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: A hydraulic capstan to pull electric or communication wire through conduit or open trenches over long distances from a stationary position. The capstan is powered by a hydraulic motor. An operator can activate the motor from inside the cab of a vehicle to turn the capstan. The rope attached to the wire is wrapped around the capstan. When the rope is pulled tight on the turning capstan, the rope comes on one side and off the other side, pulling the wire load.

Abstract: A process for winching comprising attaching a first line to a jack, connecting a second line to the object to be winched, connecting a third line to the running gear of the jack, immobilizing the jack, connecting the third line to the second line and cranking the jack to move the object, and connecting the first line to the second line to hold the object in its new position. Apparatus for holding an object being winched in a new position including a winch tensioner bracket connected to a grab hook by a chain.

Abstract: Traction and traction-loading hoists which are mounted on vehicles for improving their progression capability, for helping other vehicles which are blocked, for dragging loads onto the platforms of vehicles as well as for lifting or lowering loads. The hoist of the present invention comprises the following members mounted on two supports: a winding drum, a winding drum switching mechanism that disconnects the drum for unwinding more rapidly the hoist cable, a reduction gear which is in the shape of one conical and one planetary gears connected by a linking shaft and has a lower reduction ratio than that of the current ones; and a mechanism for stopping the winding drum which is made in the shape of a toothed free-wheel clutch. In order to lower a load which has been previously lifted, the hoist comprises a brake system usually connected to an energy accumulator.

Abstract: A mobile service rig for servicing an oil well includes a variable speed engine and a multi-speed transmission that selectively powers a drive wheel for transport, a hoist for lifting and lowering well-related components, and a hydraulic circuit for a tong used in tightening and loosening sucker rods or tubing. A speed adjuster operatively coupled to the engine limits the speed of the engine when the tong is operating, while a flow restriction limits the rate of hydraulic fluid flowing through the tong. Such an arrangement reduces power consumption, reduces heat, and avoids over tightening a sucker rod connection.

Abstract: A winch pulley accessory for directing the pull of a vehicle-mounted winch to move a motor vehicle in any desired direction. The pulley accessory comprises an elongated tubular member and a pulley block. The tubular member slides into a box hitch mounted on the front of a vehicle. The pulley block is attached to the end of the tubular member. The pulley block has a sheave rotatably mounted on a pin. The pulley accessory allows a front-mounted vehicle winch to pull the vehicle backwards by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented horizontally and extending the winch cable under the vehicle, or laterally by sliding the pulley accessory into the hitch with the pin oriented vertically. The pulley accessory is lightweight, easy to install, and easy to remove for transport.

Abstract: A self-loading trailer has a flat deck that can be raised and lowered between a horizontal transport position and a downwardly and rearwardly inclined loading position. A pair of winches adjacent the front end of the deck are normally maintained in a stowed position slightly inboard from opposite sides from the deck but can be shifted outwardly into extended positions outboard of the lateral confines of the deck. In such extended positions, the winches may be used to draw a first container up onto the deck as the inclined deck is moved rearwardly under the container, and then a second container behind the first container, without interfering with the first container. When both containers are fully loaded, the winches are retracted back into their stored positions.

Abstract: A winch attachment for vehicles for aiding in freeing a vehicle that is stuck. The device includes eight tow forks adapted for coupling with a pair of opposed tires of a vehicle, four of the tow forks for each tire. Each of the tow forks have a generally L-shaped configuration. Inner ends of the tow forks have socket adapters disposed thereon for engaging lug nuts of the tires. Outer ends of the tow forks have an elongated slot formed therethrough. The elongated slots of each of the four tow forks are in alignment with one another for receiving a bolt therethrough. The bolt is engaged by a wingnut. A pair of long straps are securable to one of the tow forks of the opposed tires of the vehicle. Outer ends of the long straps have an aperture therethrough. A pair of anchor bars are received through the apertures of the long straps for securement within a recipient surface.

Abstract: A winch device which may be truck-mounted and operated by the truck's 12 volt electrical system utilizes an automotive starting motor that interacts with a large diameter disc-like gear. A brake drum and a winch drum are coaxially associated with one face of the disc gear. A brake cable is slidably wound upon the brake drum. A brake lever is provided to control the tension upon the brake cable with consequent adjustment of braking force. A tether is spirally wound upon the winch drum.

Abstract: A method of pulling electrical cable through an underground tubular conduit includes providing a backhoe with a boom and positioning the backhoe outside of the electrical housing building. The operator mounts a pulley to the end of the boom and inserts the boom into an open portal. The operator mounts a take-up reel to the backhoe and reeves the pull line through the pulley and around the take-up drum. Rotating the backhoe wheel will pull the electrical cable secured to the pull line through the conduit. The take-up drum utilizes inner and outer support flanges and drum bolts for extending through holes provided in the backhoe wheel.

Abstract: An auxiliary winch for mounting on the drive axle of an all terrain vehicle and operating by rotation of the drive axle to remove the all terrain vehicle from a stuck or bogged condition. In a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary winch is characterized by a split shaft fitting having matching split shaft halves for fixed retrofitting to the drive axle of the all terrain vehicle and a split reel characterized by a pair of matching split reel halves which mount on the split shaft fitting in normally rotatable relationship. A pair of wing nut bolts are used to couple the split shaft fitting to the split reel. One end of a winch line is anchored to the split reel, the winch line is extended through a pulley mounted on the vehicle frame above and in alignment with the split reel and the opposite end of the winch line is secured to a tree, stump or other fixed object when the all terrain vehicle is stuck or bogged.

Abstract: A trailed skidder vehicle driven from the power take-off of a tractor or other power driving vehicle performs the operations of a conventional skidder. The trailed skidder vehicle has an elongate structural frame supported by an axle and set of wheels at the rear end of the frame. The axle includes a differential drive for coordinated drive of the set of wheels. A load bearing superstructure arch-like support extends above the frame adjacent to the rear end. The arch support is constructed with braces on the frame for transmitting forces from a load applied at the top of the arch support to the axles. A superstructure cable bearing such as a cable roller arrangement or fairlead is mounted on the arch support for guiding and bearing a timber skidding cable. A winch is mounted on the frame forward of the superstructure arch support for extending and retracting a timber skidding cable over the cable bearing or roller arrangement.

Abstract: In order to overcome the disadvantage of overspinning of a winch drum when a disconnect device adjacent the drum is disengaged, a drag brake apparatus is provided for limitedly restricting the rotation of the drum when an actuator having a braking element is continually urged against the drum by a spring. A control mechanism includes a control lever assembly movable to operate a hydraulic valve assembly for the primary control of the winch drum, and movable to operate an associated valve for controllably directing pressurized fluid to the actuator for supplementing the spring force. Thus, a first drag brake mode can be attained for substantially freespool operation of the drum, and a second drag brake mode can be attained for controlled load dropping operation of the drum.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuated winch adapted to be manually mounted and dismounted from a three point hitch of a farm tractor. The winch is mounted on a specialized mounting member that is specifically designed to quickly mount onto the link connections of the three point hitch. Quick connections are provided on the hydraulic lines of the winch adapted to quick connect into the hydraulic power source of the tractor.

Abstract: A hoist cage is supported by a loop of rope extending around a drive sheave and an idler sheave respectively positioned at the ends of the hoist cage path and attached to the hoist cage by attachment of separate ends of the loop to separate drums rotatably attached to the hoist cage. The drums are coupled to rotate together to take up and pay out rope at different rates and in opposite senses with the rate being higher for the drum from which the rope extends downwardly.