Abstract: A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body mounted on the lower traveling body, an attachment attached to the upper turning body, and a control device mounted on the upper turning body and configured to assist an excavating motion with the attachment. The control device is configured to derive a target excavation depth based on the hardness of an excavation target.

Abstract: A material handling machine includes a linkage assembly connected to a machine frame of the material handling machine. The linkage assembly configured to transport material from a front side of the machine frame to a rear side of the machine frame. The linkage assembly includes a first and a second guide rails associated with the machine frame. The linkage assembly further includes a first boom and a second boom having one end pivotally connected to the first guide rail and the second guide rails. A first and a second lift mechanism are pivotally connected to the first boom and second boom, respectively.

Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for displacing earth, comprising: a driver-operable powered vehicle at a forward position of the apparatus; one or more ground-displacing units coupled to the vehicle to be pulled thereby, the or each ground-displacing unit including a ground-engageable implement; and a powered dolly coupled to the unit(s) so as to provide to the apparatus locomotion which supplements that provided by the vehicle.

Abstract: There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters.

Abstract: A machine (A) includes a frame (16) and a platform (58) on which a boom assembly (B) is mounted. Two arms (332) of a U-shaped pivotal member (330) are pivotably mounted to the frame (16) about a first pivot axis (380) perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the frame (16). A front end (302) of a mounting plate (310) is pivotably connected to an intermediate section (336) of the pivotal member (330) about a second pivot axis (382) perpendicular to and spaced from the first pivot axis (380). Two rams (400) are mounted on opposite sides of a rear end (304) of the mounting plate (310). Each ram (400) includes a lower end (404) pivotably connected to the frame (16) and an upper end (402) pivotably connected to one of the sides of the mounting plate (310). The boom assembly (B), the mounting plate (310), and the pivotal member (330) pivot about the first pivot axis (380) and/or the second pivot axis (382) relative to the frame (16) due to relative movement of the rams (400).

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a hitch assembly frame. A tow bar includes a shaft having a first end pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and a coupling member attached to a second end of the shaft. A push plate is pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and defines a vertically aligned slot. The tow bar is movable within the vertically aligned slot. Such a hitch assembly may be used to operate machines, such as tractor scrapers, in a push-pull configuration.

Abstract: A soil fracturing tool includes an excavator bucket having a first side, a second side, and a bottom surface defining a soil receiving portion. The bottom surface has a leading edge toward a front of the excavator bucket. A first blade and a second blade extend downward from the bottom surface of the excavator bucket. The distance between the first blade and the second blade is substantially the same as the width of the excavator bucket. A cutting depth guide guides the depth of the first blade and the second blade. A digging depth guide guides the depth of the leading edge of the excavator bucket.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a hitch assembly frame. A tow bar includes a shaft having a first end pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and a coupling member attached to a second end of the shaft. A push plate is pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and defines a vertically aligned slot. The tow bar is movable within the vertically aligned slot. Such a hitch assembly may be used to operate machines, such as tractor scrapers, in a push-pull configuration.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly comprises a wheel hub support housing and a wheel hub drive assembly rotatably connected to the wheel hub support housing. The wheel end assembly also includes a hydraulic motor operatively coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly, the hydraulic motor being disposed to deliver a torque to the wheel hub drive assembly. The wheel end assembly further includes a pump, fluidly coupled to the wheel hub drive assembly and the hydraulic motor, the pump being disposed to provide a flow of hydraulic fluid to the wheel hub drive assembly.

Abstract: A tree spade (40) that is mounted on an all terrain vehicle (12) is disclosed. The tree spade (40) includes a support frame (48) that is able to pivot relative to the all terrain vehicle (12) between a transport position and an operational position. A blade frame (70) is mounted on and movable relative to the support frame (48). At least two blade assemblies (85) are mounted to the blade frame (70) for digging holes, lifting a tree and a corresponding dirt core, and supporting the same during transport. A pulley system (110) is interconnected with each of the all terrain vehicle (12), the support frame (48), and the blade frame (70) such that operation of a single actuator (74) moves the blade frame (70) along a column (54) of the support frame (48) and also pivots the support frame (48) relative to the all terrain vehicle (12).

Abstract: The present invention is a hitching system for attaching a trailer to a tractor. The tractor includes a frame, a front axle, and rear axle. The trailer includes a frame and a gooseneck arm extending from the frame. A hitch-receiver pair is provided to fixedly attach the trailer to the tractor. One of the hitch and the receiver is attached to the gooseneck arm, and the other of the hitch and the receiver is attached to the tractor frame above and ahead of the rear axle. The hitch is configured to freely rotate with respect to the receiver by freely pivoting, pitching, and oscillating.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a swiveling construction machine includes at least one hydraulic travel motor, a first hydraulic actuation device, a second hydraulic actuation device and a hydraulic diverter valve assembly. The at least one hydraulic travel motor is configured to move the swiveling construction machine in a first travel speed and a second travel speed based on a variable pilot pressure signal. The first hydraulic actuation device is configured to actuate a first function of an implement. The second hydraulic actuation device is configured to actuate a second function of an implement. The hydraulic diverter valve assembly is configured to divert hydraulic power between the first hydraulic actuation device and the second hydraulic actuation device while maintaining operation of the at least one hydraulic travel motor in one of the first and the second speeds.

Abstract: A method is provided for dissipating power in a propelled machine having an electric drive system and a mechanical brake system. An inclination of the machine is determined. A speed of the machine is determined. A retarding requirement is determined based on the determined inclination and speed. A first portion of the retarding requirement is allocated to be met by the electric drive system, the first portion being less than or equal to a retarding capacity of the electric drive system. A second portion of the retarding requirement is allocated to be met by the mechanical brake system if the retarding requirement is greater than the retarding capacity of the electric drive system.

Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper is provided with a tractor and a bucket having a bottom, a left side, a right side, a back end and a front end defining a bowl for collecting dirt and having an open front portion and a scraper blade attached along the front portion and at the bottom of the bucket for scraping dirt into the bucket. The bucket is rollingly supported on an axle between left and right rear wheels. A draft frame pivotably connects between the tractor and the bucket. A pair of cylinders is operatively connected to the bucket and the cylinders are actuatable to provide vertical components of force to tilt the bucket, up on one side and down on the other side of the bucket to thereby controllably tilt the bucket and the scraper blade attached thereto for scraping dirt at a cross-grade angle relative to the axle and wheels.

Abstract: A tiltable bucket assembly having a working edge on the leading end of the bucket and a forward extending extension arms, a pair of support arms, a pair of first wheels, a pair of second wheels, a pair of bucket-rotational members, a bucket-pivoting member, a bucket-linking arm, and a displacement body having an output shaft disposed therein. The support arms are connected at one end to each corresponding first wheel and extend forward from the corresponding first wheel. The extension arms are connected to the support arms at a point away from the first wheels. The bucket-rotational members are attached at one end to the bucket at a point away from the working edge. The other end of the bucket-rotational members are linked to the corresponding first wheels so that vertical displacement of the first wheels result in a substantially equivalent vertical displacement of the other end of the bucket-rotational members.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for modification of a scraper, or similar heavy equipment, for operation in wet or swampy areas including dredge disposal areas. A floatation tire assembly is described which is removably affixable to the scraper to give the scraper the amphibious capability to operate in the wet, swampy environment.

Abstract: A trenching apparatus for attachment to a three-point hitch on a tractor includes a bucket pivotally mounted on the lower end of a mounting post. The mounting post is held in position by a pair of spaced apart generally horizontal beams connected to a frame to define a parallelogram. The frame is connected to the three-point hitch in conventional fashion. The mounting post and support beams are configured to extend rearwardly of the mounting frame between two parallel planes extending along the sides of the excavation bucket toward the mounting frame and vertically thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a predetermined amount of contaminated overburdened soil. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to move along the soil. It is advanced forward and controlled by a backhoe or other crane configuration. A blade is attached at the front end of the container to cut a predetermined layer of overburdened soil. Vertical plates are included to cut the edge of the soil at the outer ends of the blades and confine the soil within the container. An air control device is also provided for controlling the flow of airborne particulates resulting from the cutting operation.