Abstract: A digging attachment device for use with a toothed earth working bucket includes a contoured plate configured to be at least the width of the combined teeth of the bucket and extends over the ends of the teeth when seated. The device further includes a plurality of slots coupled to a lower surface of the plate. The slots are configured to accept the teeth of the bucket. The slots are tapered such that its internal distance within the slots relative to the lower surface of the plate progressively decreases to match the contour of the bucket teeth. The device further includes a fastener hole and fastener in communication with at least one of the plate and slots. The fastener is configured to be set within the countersink of the teeth fasteners. The device is secured without manipulation, adjustment, and removal of any portion of any earth working bucket.

Abstract: A post pulling attachment system which easily attaches and detaches from a bucket to aid in safely and efficiently removing a post from the ground. The post pulling attachment system generally includes an outer securing plate and an inner securing plate which are positioned on either side of a bucket. Each of the securing plates includes a plurality of corresponding apertures through which a pair of removal members are extended both to secure the present invention to the bucket and to aid in removing a post. When installed, the removal members will extend outwardly from the bucket in spaced-apart relationship. By positioning a post between the removal members, rotating the bucket to jam the post therein and then lifting the bucket, a post may safely and efficiently be removed from the ground without use of a chain.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a digging bucket for controlling the depth cut, including an elongated member operationally connectable to a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an actuator operationally connectable to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connectable to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connectable to the cutting edge and operationally connectable to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground. Positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.

Abstract: A kit for modifying a digging bucket for controlling the depth cut, including an elongated member operationally connectable to a hoe bucket defining a cutting edge, an actuator operationally connectable to the elongated member, an electronic controller operationally connectable to the actuator, and a position sensor operationally connectable to the cutting edge and operationally connectable to the electronic controller. The actuator may be energized to pivot the elongated member to a position adjacent the cutting edge for engaging ground. Positioning of the elongated member adjacent the cutting edge prevents the cutting edge from digging ground.

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: A single pointed ripper bucket excavation tool (SPRB) for use mounted to an arm of an excavation machine has a body mounted for rotation from the arm and a pair of generally flat, side plates mounted to the body and narrowing from a first width in a region of the body to a second, relatively smaller width at a tip region spaced from the body. A single ripper tooth is mounted in the tip region of the ripper bucket. One or more plates are mounted to span a region between the side plates, rearward of the ripper tooth in a direction of ripping motion, to define, with the side plates, a ripper bucket volume for receiving material ripped from the substrate during ripping motion.

Abstract: An apparatus coupled to an excavation bucket for creating a trench sidewall having indentations formed therein.

Abstract: A gooseneck frame is attached to the forward ends of a pair of lift arms which extend forwardly from a vehicle such as a skid steer vehicle with the forward end of the gooseneck frame being secured to the forward end of a silt fence installing machine so that the silt fence installing machine is pulled through the ground in advance of the vehicle. An improved coulter disk includes a cylindrical hub which limits the downward movement of the coulter disc with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A ripper tooth for use mounted on an excavation tool having a tool body mounted for rotation on an excavation machine arm, the ripper tooth being mounted to the tool body for ripping engagement with a substrate. The ripper tooth has first and at least second portions, each with a tip disposed for ripping engagement with the substrate. The first and second portions are laterally spaced apart generally along the axis of rotation of the tool relative to the arm, and the first and second portions are angularly spaced apart generally in a direction of substrate ripping motion. The first portion is disposed on a first axis and the second portion is disposed on a second axis, the first and second axes being different. Ripper excavation tools with one or more ripper teeth of the disclosure mounted to the tool body are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus coupled to an excavation bucket for creating a trench sidewall having indentations formed therein.

Abstract: A removable scraper blade attachment for a toothed bucket of an earth working machine, such as a backhoe bucket, to allow the bucket to remove debris from a smooth surface such as a paved surface. A plurality of tooth receiving pockets are space along the upper surface of the mounting plate and are sized to receiving a single tooth. A scraper blade extends across a leading edge of the mounting plate and includes a beveled edge to improve cutting and scraping of the blade. The scraper blade attachment is readily removably attachable to the bucket and does not require modification to the lower lip of the bucket or require removal of teeth from the bucket. A self tensioning system is provided to insure the scraper blade attachment remains tightly secured to the bucket.

Abstract: Tool designed to be fixed at the end of the arm of a shovel. The tool includes a curvilinear blade formed by a portion of a straight cylindrical surface whose generating lines extend parallel to an axis of rotation of the tool on the arm. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A work machine has a boom and a boom lock. The boom lock is arranged to lock the boom in a raised boom position. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated ripper tool mounted as an attachment on a hydraulic aim of a carrier or excavator is used for demolition of large metal walled structures such as storage tanks in a very short time. The ripper tool has a sharp point for punching entry holes into the tank walls, so that no torch cutting of entry holes needs to be used, particularly where there might be volatile residues left in the tank. The ripper tool has a concave, sharp inner edge and is operated by the hydraulic aim in reciprocation so as to provide a shearing force to cut quickly through metal walls in “can-opener” fashion. The ripper tool facilitates making long vertical cuts into the tank wall from top to bottom, so that a series of vertical cuts can be made to weaken a side of the tank and allow the top of the tank structure to be brought down.

Abstract: A multi-shank ripper excavation tool has a body mounted from an arm, e.g. a dipper arm or a boom arm, and at least first and second shanks mounted to the body. Each shank is perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the tool, and each the shank includes a ripper tooth positioned for ripping engagement with a substrate. The shanks and ripper teeth are laterally spaced apart along the axis of rotation relative to the arm, and the ripper teeth are angularly spaced apart in a direction of substrate ripping motion. In some implementations, plates are mounted to span a region between two or more shanks, rearward of the teeth in a direction of ripping motion, and define, with the shanks, a bucket volume for receiving material ripped from the substrate. Methods for ripping excavation of a substrate employing the above excavation tools mounted on a dipper stick or a boom arm are also described.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A cultivating tool for breaking up and spreading plant material over and into the ground has opposed ends and upper, lower and intermediate portions extending longitudinally between the ends. The lower portion includes a cutting edge. The intermediate portion includes a forward outer surface extending concavely upwardly and forwardly from the lower portion to the upper portion and a rearward outer surface extending concavely upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion to the upper portion. Cultivating apparatus includes the tool coupled to the end of a support arm. The arm may be an articulated arm and the coupling may be a pivotal coupling.

Abstract: A grapple rake adapted for receiving subsoiler shanks is useful for multiple post-timber harvest management activities. A pair of downwardly-depending, forward-oriented subsoiling shanks is mounted on the underside of the rake, allowing the implement to accomplish the tasks of (1) grapple piling to deal with post-timber harvest fuels reduction and (2) subsoiling to improve soil productivity by reducing soil compaction. The implement is optionally equipped with a coulter blade. This invention will be useful for decommissioning forest roads, skid trails, landings, and harvest units with new and/or legacy compaction without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: An excavator bucket adapted to receive subsoiler shanks and an optional coulter blade enables multiple treatment of compacted soil. In a preferred embodiment, the shanks depend downward below the bucket and curve forward toward the bottom of the bucket. The shanks allow a single implement to be used for both excavating and subsoiling, and also for contouring sloping terrain. One application for such an implement is for decommissioning forest roads without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an edging device for an earth moving machine having a bucket including at least one receiver detachably attachable to the bucket of earth moving machine. The receiver has a plate and an attachment member for engaging the bucket. The receiver can be sized to extend substantially the width of a bucket and the edge member can be substantially co-extensive in length with the receiver. The edge member is configured to be detachably attached to the receiver, where the edge member has a leading edge for contacting the earth.

Abstract: An attachment for a front end loader that provides a method and apparatus for ripping solid ground that includes a hollow tube mounted between the arms of a front end loader directly behind the bucket. The hollow tube is slidably mounted on a solid shaft. Closely machined bushings are welded and braced on support brackets on the inside bottom surface of the arms of the loader. These closely machined bushings are adapted to receive the shaft which extends from the ends of the hollow tube. Ripper brackets are welded to the exterior surface of the hollow tube. On the end of each ripper bracket are mounted ripper teeth in a manner such that the pointed ends of the teeth are pointing towards the rear of the front end loader. Connecting rods are attached to both the hollow tube and the loader bucket. When the bucket is tilted toward the operator the hollow tube rotates downward to a ripping position.

Abstract: A power shovel (10) for use on a bucket (14) of a front end loader (12) includes no modifications are required to the bucket (14) other than several bolt holes to mount the upper support bracket (24) of the power shovel. Alternatively, the upper support bracket (24) may be welded directly to the upper portion of the bucket (14) without drilling holes for bolts. The power shovel (10) includes a lower support bracket (22) fit over the blade (16) of the bucket (14) and an upper support bracket (24) bolted onto the top of the bucket (14). Chains (26, 28) are tensioned between the lower and upper support brackets around the back of the bucket( 14) to secure the lower support bracket (22) on the bucket (14). A digging portion (20) is welded to the lower support bracket (22) and further supported by support arms (30, 32) extending between the upper support bracket (24) and the digging portion (20).

Abstract: A ripper attachment (22) for an excavation device (20) includes first and second support members (50, 52) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). In particular, first and second support members (50, 52) are adapted to connect to a coupling apparatus (30) of a tool coupler (28) so that the ripper attachment (22) is fixed relative to the coupling apparatus (30). A body (54) of the ripper attachment (22) is disposed between the first and second support members (50, 52). The body (54) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first and second mounting sections (64, 66) of the body (54) are removably attachable to an interface area (70) of the first and second support members (50, 52). A brace element (56) of the ripper attachment (22) is interposed between and couple together the first and second support members (50, 52).

Abstract: A ripper attachment (22) for an excavation device (20) includes first and second support members (50, 52) configured for connection to the excavation device (20). In particular, first and second support members (50, 52) are adapted to connect to a coupling apparatus (30) of a tool coupler (28) so that the ripper attachment (22) is fixed relative to the coupling apparatus (30). A body (54) of the ripper attachment (22) is disposed between the first and second support members (50, 52). The body (54) has a ripper tip (60) disposed on a distal end (62) and first and second mounting sections (64, 66) disposed on a proximal end (68). The first and second mounting sections (64, 66) of the body (54) are removably attachable to an interface area (70) of the first and second support members (50, 52). A brace element (56) of the ripper attachment (22) is interposed between and couple together the first and second support members (50, 52).

Abstract: An excavating bucket mountable on the handle of an excavating machine generally consisting of a pair of side walls; an upper wall interconnecting such side walls; a downwardly and forwardly curved rear wall merging into a forwardly curved bottom wall, interconnecting such side walls and providing a transversely disposed cutting edge; at least one ripping tooth mounted on the rear wall, projecting rearwardly and having a curved lower edge merging with the curvature of the rear and bottom walls to provide a substantially continuous curved line; and mounting brackets for detachably connecting to the bucket to the handle of the machine.

Abstract: A grubbing tool is provided for attachment to an excavator or other earth working machine, of the type having extensions from the boom such as a dipper stick and dipper stick linkage. The tool is moved arcuately and vertically to pull rooted brush having substantially sized taproots. The excavator's power is optimized at the cutting blade by the attachment of the dipper stick and dipper stick linkage near the top of the tool, as well as, the sizing and the configuration of the two primary side members. The cutting blade and both side members have both front and rear cutting edges, allowing a fore and aft pattern of approaching brush which optimizes tool effectiveness. The side members have substantially straight front and rear edges, which can be positioned flush with the disturbed surface following brush removal, providing a leveling function as the tool is moved laterally.

Abstract: A bucket assembly mountable on the handle of an excavator machine and the like generally consisting of a bucket; a pair of ripper teeth mounted on the bucket for pivotal movement about a common axis; abutment surfaces disposed on the bucket for restricting the angular displacement of the ripper teeth between storage positions and operative positions; and devices for retaining the ripper teeth in their stored and operative positions, operable upon causing portions of such ripper teeth to engage the ground and the bucket to pivot in a selected direction relative to the handle, to release the ripper teeth.

Abstract: An excavation attachment for a powered loader, e. g., skid steer loader, front end loader, etc., provides considerably greater leverage for removal of stumps, large imbedded concrete blocks and stones, etc., from the underlying surface. The attachment includes a transverse cylinder or drum with one or more tines extending generally radially therefrom. The attachment is secured to a conventional front end loader, skid steer loader, etc., and the tines inserted beneath the object to be moved. The drum is lowered, and the attachment is rotated using conventional load bucket tilt hydraulics. The drum serves as a fulcrum immediately adjacent the prying tines, thereby providing a considerable increase in available force and precluding lifting of the opposite end of the machine if the load is too great. A second embodiment includes one or more hydraulically actuated tines opposed to the fixed tines, for use as a grappler device.

Abstract: A guard attachment for removably mounting to a plow blade having a blade edge. The guard attachment includes a guard member having an arcuate surface which is adapted to shield the blade of the plow such that the guard member may be brought into sliding engagement with the surface to be plowed without catching or snagging obstructions on the surface. Furthermore, the guard member includes a fastening mechanism which removably mounts the guard member to the plow.

Abstract: A device for cutting filler material from concrete joints comprises a blate attached to the front of an elongated arm, the elongated arm is pivotably joined to a mounting plate. The elongated arm is limited in its movement by a retention bar located on a front edge of the mounting plate and a spring which biases the elongated arm toward the center of the mounting plate. An attachment lip is provided on the front edge of the mounting plate to assist in securing the mounting plate to a bucket of a power machine such as a front end loader. Bolts extending through the mounting plate and a rear turnbuckle also assist in securing the device to the bucket. Mounting is accomplished by placing the mounting plate in the bucket and hooking the lip around the front edge and under the bottom of the bucket. The rear turnbuckle includes a V-plate that engages the top rear of the bucket along the top rear edge.

Abstract: An implement adapter for providing excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation tool assembly for mounting a working implement thereon. The implement adapter comprises a frame for holding a working implement, wherein the frame is coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation tool assembly. A parking projection holds the coupling element of the frame at a sufficient height above a surface when the implement adapter is detached from the excavation tool assembly and supported on the surface by the parking projection and a lowermost portion of either the frame or the working implement. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the parking projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation tool assembly without the need for any manual assistance.

Abstract: An implement adapter for providing improved excavation versatility that couples with and attaches to an excavation tool assembly for mounting a working implement thereon. The implement adapter comprises a frame for holding a working implement, wherein the frame is coupled and semi-fixedly attached to an excavation tool assembly. A parking projection holds the coupling element of the frame at a sufficient height above a surface when the implement adapter is detached from the excavation tool assembly and supported on the surface by the parking projection and a lowermost portion of either the frame or the working implement. The height at which the coupling portion is held by the parking projection enables engagement of the coupling portion with a cooperative coupling element on the excavation tool assembly without the need for any manual assistance.

Abstract: A ditch trenching device is adapted to be connected to earth moving equipment that use buckets. A dirt port is dimensioned in a lower portion of a bucket. A trencher is attached to the dirt port and is defined by two side members each with a front, back, top, and floor that are spaced apart the width of the dirt port; a floor member with a distal end is attached to the floors; and a back member is attached to the backs. There is an acute angle between the front and floor. A first cutting edge is placed at the distal end and a second cutting edge is connected to the front by the floor.

Abstract: A frost hook attachment for fixed attachment of connection between a quick-coupler on the outer boom of a back-hoe and the back-hoe bucket, wherein force from the back-hoe boom is transmitted from the quick-coupler to the frost hook and thence to the bucket to which the frost hook is attached, the bucket and frost hook rotating in unison about the main pivotal axis of the bucket.

Abstract: An excavating attachment for conventional earth moving equipment that is capable of moving a shovel in generally horizontal, linear, non-arcuate, paths to dig and remove soil and other material from underneath a structure such as a series of pipes leading to a chemical facility. The excavating attachment comprises a frame including structure for securing same onto the free end of the longitudinally extending boom of conventional earth moving equipment, flexible hoses for connection to the power plant of the conventional earth moving equipment, a pair of parallel hollow, tubes; a shovel member including a pair of parallel, steel tubes, for reciprocating movement within the hollow tubes of the frame, and a shovel or scoop; and hydraulic cylinders secured to the frame and the shovel member and in communication with the flexible hoses for reciprocating the shovel member relative to the frame in linear, non-arcuate paths.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus adapted for connection to a tool of a construction vehicle comprises a framework having a proximal end and a distal end, the framework including a trenching device positioned intermediate the proximal end and the distal end for digging a furrow in which a silt fence is positioned. The proximal end has a mounting arrangement for clamping the framework to the tool of the construction vehicle and the distal end has a depth limiting arrangement for limiting the digging depth of the trenching device.

Abstract: An earthworking loader bucket has a specially designed bottom side reinforcement structure which includes a unitary base plate member extending rearwardly from the bottom side front bucket lip and having a front side edge welded to the rear side edge of the lip. Slots are formed in the rear side edge of the base plate and receive bottom end portions of plate-shaped lifting and tilt ears transversely welded to the curved rear side wall of the bucket. Closeout plates are interposed between the bucket rear side wall and rear side portions of the base plate, and the bottom end portions of the ears are welded to the base plate. A spaced plurality of elongated ear extension members longitudinally extend forwardly from the ear member bottom end portions and along adjacent bottom side portions of the base plate and lip, with the extension members being welded to the ear member bottom end portions, the base plate and the lip.

Abstract: An accessory attachment/conversion assembly is disclosed for use on a small front-end loader type of construction implement. One form of accessory would be a backhoe bucket. The attachment assembly includes a frame for detachable mounting to the implement and includes a rotatable drum pivotally secured to the frame and rotatable in its mounting by means of chains, or other suitable forms of transmission means, which are secured at one of their ends to the drum and at their other ends to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame. An elongated arm or boom is secured at one end to the drum and extends outwardly thereof. The outer terminal end of the boom can carry a bucket or other suitable accessory. The arrangement being such that the boom and bucket can be swung approximately full left to full right, almost 180.degree..

Abstract: A new Tiered Trenching Backhoe Apparatus for creating a dual tiered trench which allows one service utility to be elevated above another service utility thereby preventing contact of the two service utilities resulting in increased safety. The inventive device includes a syncline plate with an interior angle of approximately 140 degrees, a first and second triangular coupler welded at one end to the syncline plate removably coupling to a pair of existing tooth shanks of a backhoe bucket, a first and second fluke welded to the syncline plate opposite of the triangular couplers, a first and second trihedral support members welded to the interior portion of syncline plate providing support, and a pair of replaceable teeth removably secured to the first and second flukes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt leveling device adapted for towing by a tractor which is characterized by one or more chisels attached to a transverse shaft on the front of the dirt leveling device having a rotatable relationship thereto, and a dirt leveling blade rotatably attached to the frame and controlled by a second hydraulically actuated ylinder. The hydraulically actuated cylinder for the chisels and the hydraulically actuated cylinder for the blade may be controlled by extensions to the vicinity of the driver of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A grading attachment for releasable attachment to an excavation bucket includes a generally V-shaped blade body portion and a blade/bucket attachment assembly, together defining a blade lateral axis and an equipment longitudinal axis. The attachment assembly provides for selective and releasable one-point adjustment of the relative distance between the bucket and blade attachment.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus adapted for connection to a tool of a construction vehicle comprises a framework having a proximal end and a distal end, the framework including a trenching device positioned intermediate the proximal end and the distal end for digging a furrow in which a silt fence is positioned. The proximal end has a mounting arrangement for clamping the framework to the tool of the construction vehicle and the distal end has a depth limiting arrangement for limiting the digging depth of the trenching device.

Abstract: A grading attachment for releasable attachment to an excavation bucket includes a generally V-shaped blade body portion and a blade/bucket attachment assembly, together defining a blade lateral axis and an equipment longitudinal axis attachment assembly provides for selective and releasable one-point adjustment of the relative distance between the bucket and blade attachment.

Abstract: A root grubber tool for brush which is attached to the boom of an excavator, such as, a track excavator or backhoe. The tool includes a framework which has a pair of side members which support, at the lower end thereof, a cutting blade with its leading edge swept inward and downward to accommodate centering the cutting blade on the roots and providing a deeper cut at the center than at the edges. The framework includes mounting arms to secure the tool onto the boom for working the tool. The framework may include a cross support for assisting in gathering smaller brush. Also, the lower edges of the side members are bevelled to aid in the cutting operation. The tool may be maneuvered to depths of 18 to 24 inches to grub out the roots of the brush and secure it between the boom and the tool for displacement from the right-of-way.

Abstract: In an excavating apparatus including a bucket removably coupled to a distal end of a hydraulically powered boom, a field-detachable and field-attachable ripper comprises a shank portion having a lower tip, a mounting portion disposed along an upper area of the shank portion and a detachable and re-attachable coupling element disposed along the mounting portion. The detachable and re-attachable coupling element secures the ripper to the bucket. There is optionally further included a detachable ripper tip coupled to the lower tip. The detachable ripper tip comprises a metal piece having a point disposed at a first end thereof and having a hollow disposed at a second end thereof. The hollow is adapted to accommodate the lower tip therein. The detachable ripper tip further includes an opening disposed on one side thereof and extending into the hollow. The opening is adapted to accommodate a fastener extending from the side and into the lower tip.

Abstract: An upper end portion of an excavation ripper shank is captively and removably retained in a ripper box using a specially designed flex pin connector longitudinally driven into generally aligned openings in the ripper box and shank. The connector includes first and second rigid pin members held in a spaced apart, parallel, laterally facing relationship by a plurality of elastomeric members bonded to facing side surfaces of the pin members. When the connector is driven into the aligned box and shank openings the elastomeric members are compressed, causing the first and second pin members to drive the shank and box into forcible abutment with one another to substantially eliminate relative side-to-side play therebetween. Additionally, as the connector passes through the first and second openings its first and second pin members are caused to pivot relative to one another about an axis parallel to the compression direction of the elastomeric members.