Abstract: A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A surface engaging member on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyurethane ballast layer, the method for preparing the same and a railway comprising the polyurethane ballast layer. The polyurethane ballast layer provided in this invention comprises a polyurethane-filled ballast layer and a polyurethane external protective layer, wherein the polyurethane-filled ballast layer comprises ballasts and polyurethane foam filled in the space among the ballasts. The polyurethane ballast layer provided in this invention can reduce the probability of ballast crashing, shifting and cracking under heavy load, and separate the ballast track from the outside environment to prevent rain, snow and wastes from entering into the internal space of the ballast track bed. Furthermore, the polyurethane ballast layer can keep the polyurethane foam filled in the ballasts layer away from water in the outside environment to avoid hydrolysis.

Abstract: A leveling control system and method for heavy equipment, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for measuring twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment, and detecting working state information of working devices; a control unit for receiving the twist angles, the traveling speed, and the working state information, calculating a correction angle for the leveling control of the upper frame, and generating a control signal for instructing an operation of an actuator in accordance with the correction angle; and a driving unit for performing the leveling through the actuator in accordance with the control signal received therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a machine configured so that its ground speed is at least in part dependent on the measured force that is applied to an attachment attached thereto. The present disclosure also provides an attachment for a machine that is configured to provide feedback to the machine it is configured to be attached to, wherein the feedback is representative of the force applied to the attachment. The present disclosure also provides a method of automatically controlling the ground speed of a machine based on feedback measured in an attachment attached to the machine.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered, mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having an opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.

Abstract: An excavating system may include a nozzle attached to an extendable arm of an excavating vehicle and a fluid supply. The fluid supply may supply fluid to the nozzle and create a fluid stream flowing from the nozzle, where the fluid stream may excavate earth away from an underground line. A method of excavating earth away from an underground line that may include the steps of generating a fluid stream flowing from a nozzle at a flow rate greater than approximately 11 gallons per minute, and excavating earth away from the underground line by directing the fluid stream toward the earth surrounding the underground line. A method of excavating earth away from an underground line that may include the steps of generating a fluid stream flowing from a nozzle, trenching alongside the underground line with the fluid stream, and excavating earth away from the underground line with the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: Couplers for attaching an accessory to an excavator arm of an excavator. Couplers having a first side for attaching the coupler to the excavator arm and a second side onto which the accessory will be coupled. The coupler includes a latch for selectively securing and releasing an attachment pin of the accessory in a jaw, groove, hook or slot in the second side of the coupler. The coupler is fully controllable from within the cab of the excavator and it allows improved security in the securement of the accessory to the coupler, i.e. preventing accidental decouplings, but while still allowing intentional decoupling operations to be carried out without undue burden.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for material distribution, including a draw-bar to which is fixedly connected a bucket body. Wheels are attached to the drawbar on opposite sides of the bucket body between an open side and a gate thereof. A lower edge of the open side of the bucket body, which can receive material, is in the form of a cutting blade or teeth. The gate, which is disposed opposite from the open side, can be opened and closed. At least part of a top side of the bucket body forms a platform for an operator. At least one engine is provided and is drivingly connected to the wheels. A handlebar is connected to the bucket body, forward of the platform, for pivoting the bucket body about the wheels so that the cutting blade or teeth can be brought into or out of contact with a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for remediation of contamination in aquatic environments. The apparatus comprises: a vessel including an opening, and an uptake line or pump coupled to the vessel and configured to transport the contained and suspended materials from an interior of the vessel to an exterior of the vessel. The opening is facing a bottom of a body of water, and the vessel is in direct physical contact with the bottom of the body of water. The vessel has been configured to contain and suspend materials inside the vessel. The uptake line or pump housing includes an attachment selected from the group consisting of an impeller, e.g. an air and/or water cannon, a pump, and a sliding collar.

Abstract: A cutter head according to the invention is particularly suitable for breaking relatively hard ground, is self-sharpening and has an extended service life.

Abstract: A hydraulic shovel includes an engine; a hydraulic pump driven by the engine; an excavating attachment which is driven by high oil discharged from the hydraulic pump; a motor generator that assists a power supply of the engine; and an assist control unit that controls the motor generator to assist the engine in a latter part of the excavating operation by the excavating attachment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of excavation with pointed cutting elements, comprising the steps of providing a excavating assembly with at least one pointed cutting element, the pointed cutting element comprising a rounded apex that intersects a central axis, the pointed cutting element further has a characteristic of having its highest impact resistance to resultant forces aligned with the central axis; engaging the at least one pointed cutting element against a formation such that the formation applies a resultant force against the pointed cutting element; determining an angle of the resultant force; and modifying at least one excavating parameter to align the resultant force with the pointed cutting element's central axis.

Abstract: A method puts into operation a clearing apparatus suitable for picking up ballast and is disposed in an endless configuration during employment so as to encircle a railroad track. The clearing apparatus has a horizontal cross-duct which, prior to a start of the employment, is intended to be positioned below the railroad track and connected, on the one hand, to a rising duct and, on the other hand, to a return duct of the clearing apparatus. The method includes displacing ties of the railroad track in a longitudinal direction of the railroad track to create a tie gap; lowering the cross-duct through the tie gap between two rails of the railroad track and transferred, below the ties, into a working position extending crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the railroad track; and connecting the cross-duct to the rising duct and to the return duct.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered, mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having an opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A system for recovering immerged sediments from a seabed and discharging them. From a free sailing extraction ship a mixture of water and sediment is suctioned by a submerged pump unit through a flexible hose adapted to be rolled on a rotative reel positioned on the extraction ship, while the ship is sailing over the concession. The suctioned mixture is then immediately delivered to one of a series of free sailing carrier and transport units that sail alongside.

Abstract: An improved material handling bucket assembly for construction or agricultural front loading or backhoe applications is disclosed. 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: The invention relates a method for transporting sediments in dammed bodies of water, especially in hydraulic power plants, said sediments being deposited because there are no erosion processes as a result of the absence of a current. According to the invention, the sediment deposits are picked up in the sedimentation zone of the reservoir and are transported to the erosion zone near the discharge element/s of the reservoir such that the sediments are transported into current water by the erosion processes of the effluent water caused by the current.

Abstract: A peat moss harvesting apparatus includes a conveyor mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism is guided through a peat moss bed to cut a section of peat moss. The section of peat moss is progressively loaded onto the conveyor mechanism as the section of peat moss is being cut.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of soil working is provided for performing one or more of soil fracture, soil excavation and soil treatment. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a source of pressurized gas; supplying a source of fluidized material; positioning a nozzle adjacent the soil; directing a stream of the pressurized gas through the nozzle at the soil being worked; and entraining a stream of fluidized material in the gas stream prior to the stream reaching the soil.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered, mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having an opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an automatic leveling of heavy equipment. The system, in which a lower frame having a traveling unit and an upper frame are combined together by a tilting unit, includes a sensor unit, provided in the equipment, for sensing twist angles of the lower frame and the upper frame against a reference horizontal surface and a traveling speed of the equipment. A control unit receives the twist angles and the traveling speed, sets a limit of an operation time for the automatic leveling in a standstill state of the equipment while calculating a corrected angle to which a twist angle of the upper frame is to be corrected, without setting the limit of the operation time for the automatic leveling, in a traveling state of the equipment, and generates a control signal for instructing an operation of a tilting unit in accordance with the corrected angle. A driving unit performs a tilting control through the tilting unit in accordance with the received control signal.

Abstract: Method and device for removing alluvial deposits from the bottom of a watery area, whereby the layer of alluvial deposits (6) situated on the bottom (13) is carried to a place of discharge (16) and whereby the removal of the alluvial deposits (6) takes place under a diving bell (2) placed on or in the vicinity of the water bottom (13) and in which an air pressure is generated which is practically equal to or larger than the pressure of the water column measured outside the diving bell (2) as of the lower edge (5) of the diving bell (2) up to the water line (17), characterized in that the alluvial deposits (6) are sucked in in situ by a pump (14) and are carried to the place of discharge (16) via a tube (15).

Abstract: A holder block and pick assembly including a pick, a washer, and a block body. The pick includes a shoulder and a shank extending rearwardly from the shoulder and having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the shoulder. The washer has a central opening adapted to fit about the shank adjacent to the shoulder and a substantially flat edge disposed substantially perpendicular to a radius of the central opening. The block body includes a bore for receiving the shank, a base surface at a lower end of the body for mounting the body to a rotatable element of a rotary cutting machine, and a stop extending frontwardly from the front face of the body and having a surface located substantially perpendicularly to a radius of the bore such that when the pick shank is inserted into the bore with the washer disposed about the shank adjacent to the shoulder, the flat edge of the washer engages the surface of the stop to substantially prevent the washer from rotating with respect to the block.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of excavation with pointed cutting elements, comprising the steps of providing a excavating assembly with at least one pointed cutting element, the pointed cutting element comprising a rounded apex that intersects a central axis, the pointed cutting element further has a characteristic of having its highest impact resistance to resultant forces aligned with the central axis; engaging the at least one pointed cutting element against a formation such that the formation applies a resultant force against the pointed cutting element; determining an angle of the resultant force; and modifying at least one excavating parameter to align the resultant force with the pointed cutting element's central axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an excavating device, comprising a floating device which can be moved in a navigating direction and to which a drag head (1) is attached which during use is dragged over the bottom (50) and herein loosens soil, and a suction conduit (4) which connects to the drag head (1) and which discharges the loosened soil. The excavating device is provided with a steering device (10) for moving the drag head (1) out of the navigating direction. The invention also relates to a method for excavating ground (50) using the excavating device, and a computer program for performing the method.

Abstract: A digging system includes a machine having a machine frame, and an implement assembly mounted to the machine frame. The implement assembly includes an elongate boom and a trenching mechanism having a plurality of drawing cutters coupled with an endless drive chain movable about a drive system mounted to an elongate boom. The implement assembly further includes an undercutting mechanism having first and second rotating cutters projecting in opposite axial directions from the distal boom end. The implement assembly defines a compound projection profile in a plane which includes first and second axes of rotation of a drive wheel and guide wheel of the drive system. The compound projection profile includes a relatively narrow proximal stem segment corresponding to the trenching mechanism and a relatively broad distal footing segment corresponding to the undercutting mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag head (1) of a trailing suction hopper dredger, comprising a visor (2) which is dragged over the bottom in a dragging direction and herein loosens soil, and a suction conduit (5) which connects to the visor (2) and which discharges the loosened soil. The drag head is provided with cutting bodies for loosening the soil, with the proviso that the cutting bodies comprise bits (20). Harder soil can also be dredged with the drag head by applying bits (20). The invention also relates to a method for dredging at least partially hard bottoms under water with a trailing suction hopper dredger equipped with the drag head.

Abstract: A cutter head for dredging ground under water is disclosed. The cutter head is suitable for attachment to the ladder of a cutter suction dredger and for being moved through the ground therewith in a lateral sweeping movement. The cutter head includes a rotation-symmetrical revolving body which is rotatable around its rotation axis by means of drive means and which is provided along its peripheral surface with a number of cutting tools for penetrating into the ground, wherein the rotation axis of the cutter head runs substantially perpendicularly of the longitudinal direction of the ladder and substantially tangentially to the direction of the sweeping movement. Likewise, a method for breaking ground underwater, making use of the cutter head is shown.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag head of a trailing suction hopper dredger. The drag head comprises a visor which is dragged over the bottom and herein loosens soil, and a suction pipe which is connected to the visor and which discharges the loosened soil. The visor comprises at least two individually movable pressure elements transversely of the dragging direction which comprise a number of substantially disc-shaped penetrating bodies. The penetrating bodies transmit forces to the bottom via their peripheral edge under the influence of the weight of the pressure element in which they are received, whereby the bottom is broken. The drag head has an improved efficiency.

Abstract: An open mesh apparatus or net can be used for collecting and removing fallen snow, leaves, fruits, or other debris from an area of ground. The apparatus can include several panels hinged together for capturing snow or other material between the panels.

Abstract: An attachment system to fasten a power system to a frame of a loader is discussed. The frame has a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second opposing sides. The power system has an engine, and an arrangement of one or more hydraulic pumps attached to the engine. The attachment system has first and second connection points positioned in close proximity to a center of gravity of the power system relative to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the loader. The attachment system also has a third connection point positioned distally from the first and second connection points, wherein the positions of the first, second and third connection points connect the power system to the frame to allow most of the weight of the power system to be loaded onto the first and second connection points.

Abstract: A method of removing a T-type fence post from the earth with a powered, mobile piece of equipment controlled by a human operator includes attaching a substantially flat plate to a lift arm of the powered mobile piece of equipment such that the plate hangs substantially vertically from the lift arm and can move in an arc, the plate having a opening with a top wall and a bottom wall, moving the powered, mobile piece of equipment in a first direction to pull the plate over the fence post such that an upper portion of the post enters the opening with the bottom and upper walls of the opening engaging the post with sufficient force to retain the post in the opening when the post is pulled from the earth and raising the lift arm to pull the post from the earth in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A number of front working, trench filling face-compressing, inclinedly disposed sliders are arranged alternately with cutter bits on an endless chain of a trench-forming endless chain cutter on a transporting chassis, and driven with the chain by a drive means so that backward oriented, inclined facet portions of the sliders compress a filling in the trench toward and on a front working face of the wall being formed. An elongate, filling face-compressing shield is adapted to be extended down into the trench and supported with its underground portion on the underground portion of a guide post of the cutter or on the trench bottom for forward and backward oscillation by a drive means to compress the filling face adjacent to the shield. The compacted filling is in these ways being formed by horizontal pressure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underwater excavation apparatus (2) comprising mass flow excavation means (4) and jet flow excavation means (6). The mass flow excavation means (4) causes a mass flow at a pressure less than that of a jet flow of the jet flow excavation means (6). The mass flow excavation means (4) causes a mass flow at a volume flow rate greater than that of a jet flow volume rate of the jet flow excavation means (6). An outlet (16) of the jet flow means (6) is provided within an outlet (18) of the mass flow means (4).

Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A soil removal apparatus in one embodiment has a motive power unit and an excavator joined to the motive power unit by a coupler, the excavator extending laterally of the motive power unit. The coupler includes a manipulator for manipulating the excavator to loosen and displace soil material in a path lateral to a path of movement of the motive power unit. The method relates to undercutting an object with a motive power unit, selectively halting and moving the motive power unit, and loosening and displacing soil lateral to the path of travel of the motive power unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an excavation machine that is configured to minimize or otherwise account for the unintended stoppage (i.e., jamming/stalling) of a digger tool. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure a machine is provided with one or more drive systems that automatically stop and reverse to avoid excavation tool jamming. The machine and methods of the present disclosure provide an efficient method and machine for excavation operations.

Abstract: A dump block with a self-adjusting bearing includes two side sections, a sheave with a peripheral groove and a central bore, a bearing assembly, and a sheave pin. The sheave pin has a first end with a shoulder, a second end with a threaded portion, and a bearing support section of a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The sheave pin is positioned within the bearing assembly and adjusted by urging the sheave pin to translate in the direction of the second end. A fastener is secured to the threaded section at a location between the two side sections.

Abstract: A snow plow includes a primary moldboard and auxiliary plow positioned behind the primary moldboard. The snow plow may be a one-way or reversible snow plow. In the later case, the primary moldboard and auxiliary plow are attached to a drive frame that is rotatable about a frame. The frame is secured to the front of a vehicle by a frame and bracket, and controlled by hydraulic mechanisms. The auxiliary plow is operated independently of the moldboard by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and includes tines or a resilient blade for clearing snow and ice that is not taken up by the primary moldboard. The device also includes a mechanism whereby the scraping edge of the secondary plow follows the same path as the scraping edge of moldboard by sliding movement of the secondary plow relative to the drive frame, and the blade of the auxiliary plow may be formed by tines or a resilient blade.

Abstract: There is disclosed an underwater excavation apparatus (5) comprising: means (10) for disturbing or excavating an underwater location, comprising mass flow excavation means (20); and means (15) for extracting or sucking excavated material from the location to another location comprising further mass flow means (25). Means (30) to restrict spoil and/or direct spoil to the suction means (25) are provided and comprises a baffle (35) provided within a cavity (45) of a housing (40) having an open base (60). An outlet (105) of the mass flow means (20) and an inlet (110) of the suction means (25) are located within the housing (40), while an inlet (100) of the mass flow means (20) and an outlet (115) of the suction means (25) are located external of the housing (40).

Abstract: A method for trenching below the water table in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Florida Keys is shown. A first pass made by a trencher digs a first trench from the surface to the water table. During the first pass, relatively dry spoil is removed from the first trench. Next, a much deeper second trench is dug below the first trench; however, wet spoil remains in the now combined first and second trench, the combined first and second trench being large enough to accumulate the wet spoil with expansion. Thereafter, the combined first and second trench may be filled with the relatively dry spoil, packed and driven upon. Later, the packed spoil may be removed and water pipes, electric cables, sewer lines or the like buried in the trench. According to the requirements of the work area, the spoil may be used to partially fill the combined first and second trench or be hauled away.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction apparatus for foundation construction comprising a chassis, a mast for guidance of at least one ground working apparatus and a support mechanism for the mast, by means of which the mast is arranged in an adjustable manner on the chassis, whereby the support mechanism has at least one support arm, which is pivotably hinged about a pivot axis on the chassis. In accordance with the invention a rotary encoder is provided for detecting the pivot angle of the support arm relative to the chassis as a degree of an adjustment position of the mast.

Abstract: A drag head of a trailing suction hopper dredger. The drag head comprises a rotatable visor connected to a suction pipe for discharging soil via the suction opening of the visor, wherein the visor is provided with a catching construction for undesirable objects. The catching construction closes the suction opening except for passage openings, wherein at least a number of passage openings have a variable passage area. A method for breaking up and/or dredging at least partially hard grounds under water using a trailing suction hopper dredger equipped with a drag head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the dredging of an area by a dredge equipped with a cutter suction head (4) comprising the steps of: obtaining conventional soil information of the area to be dredged; measuring local soil parameters in and around the position of the cutter head during dredging; calculating dredging parameters for a current and subsequent cutter head position based on the combination of conventional and local soil parameters to optimize yield and cutter wear; and adjusting the dredging parameters so giving optimum efficiency at a current and subsequent cutter head position. It also relates to a system that implements the method.

Abstract: A coupler assembly to interpose between the arm of the vehicle and a parallel pinned implement having two docks, one on each of the two members able to be caused to slide relative to each other, each dock engagable outwardly to its pin with at least one pin being captive in its dock by a pivoted retention member.

Abstract: An excavation technique for a stratum capable of excavating a submerged stratum such as a layer containing an underground resource by using laser irradiation in liquid is provided. In this technique, a laser beam transmitted through laser transmission means 20 is irradiated in liquid 90 in form of a laser beam having a wavelength with high absorptance of the liquid 90 by laser-induced bubble generation means 35, generating a bubble flow 36, thus excavation of a submerged stratum may be carried out by using a laser-induced destruction effect. Moreover, a laser beam 41 having low absorptance of the liquid 90 is irradiated by laser irradiation means 39 and passed through the bubble flow 36, thereby applying a thermal effect to a stratum to destroy rock and excavate the stratum. The destruction effect and the thermal effect also may be cooperatively worked.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.