Abstract: A mounting bracket is designed to interchangeably connect a processor attachment to the stick of a larger excavator or the boom of a smaller excavator in place of the stick. The mounting bracket includes mounting assemblies that are designed to operatively attach the bracket to the stick and related bucket cylinder linkage assembly of a larger excavator. The mounting bracket also includes mounting assemblies that are designed to operatively attach the bracket to the boom and related stick cylinder of a smaller excavator. The mounting bracket may avoid the need to obtain and maintain plural mounting brackets for different mounting applications (e.g., stick or boom).

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 attachment interface adapted for use with a loader is discussed. The attachment interface includes a horizontally extending cross member configured to be pivotally attached to the loader at each of first and second ends. The attachment interface further includes a first attachment mounting bracket having a generally flat portion and a brace that is attached to and perpendicularly extends from the generally flat portion. A second attachment mounting bracket is spaced apart from the first attachment mounting bracket. The horizontally extending cross member is attached to the brace and the second attachment mounting bracket and wherein the second attachment bracket is otherwise unattached to the first attachment bracket.

Abstract: A hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement to the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicle providing a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibration operation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame that pivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof. The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on the implement providing a quick connection. An electrically powered hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the other end connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a socket therefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle at two spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment for varying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

Abstract: A quick coupler includes mounting structure for mounting the coupler to a machine, and for mounting the coupler to an implement. The mounting structure on the coupler includes wedge coupling surfaces and a tube. The mounting structure on the implement includes hooks for engaging the tube, and complementary wedge coupling surfaces. The wedge coupling surfaces wedge together during coupling to produce and tight fit and solid hold between the coupler and implement. The mounting structure is robust, and can accommodate future possible wear. The kinematic impact on the performance of the implement due to the use of the quick coupler is minimized.

Abstract: A control system for a tool coupling of the type that attaches a tool to an excavator dipper stick and provides for rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis, and further provides for tilting of the tool, includes a rotation sensor and a tilt sensor. The rotation sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis. The tilt sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of tilt of the tool with respect to gravity. A control is responsive to the rotation sensor and to the tilt sensor for determining the orientation of the tool.

Abstract: A coupler for a construction attachment includes a frame including: (i) an upper portion adapted to be secured to an associated excavator; and, (ii) a lower portion adapted to be releasably coupled to a construction attachment. The lower portion of the frame includes a first hook and a second hook. A lock member is movably connected relative to the frame and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The first and second hooks include respective open mouths and the lock member obstructs the open mouth of the second hook when the lock member is in the extended position. An actuator is operably connected to the lock member and is adapted to move the lock member between its extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An implement pivots with respect to an earth moving or materials handling machine to which the implement is attached. The implement may be a bucket adapted to pivot laterally with respect to an excavator or other machine to which the bucket is attached. An adjustment arrangement includes a linear actuator which operates along a substantially fixed axis to drive the pivoting movement. The linear actuator may drive a rack which engages with a pinion to cause pivoting movement.

Abstract: A universal mount bracket that provides two pairs of adapter plates, one pair for each side of the front end loader. Each adapter plate can be adjusted laterally to match the width of virtually any size loader arm produced, and then be adjusted to the overall width of the loader (distance between the left and right loader arms). Once each pair of adapter plates have been matched to the loader arms (left and right), the equipment implement must then be centered and secured in place to prevent any lateral displacement of the unit while the implement is in use.

Abstract: A mounting system for excavator attachments or implements (10) having a pair of spaced mounting ears (12, 13) extending from implement includes a mounting pin receptor (19) engaged in each of at least one aligned pair of holes (14, 16) in the ears (12, 13), the pin receptors (19) each having an eccentric pin receptor hole (23) adapted to receive one of the mounting pins (17, 18). The pin receptors (19) are rotatable about their axes to vary, relative to the ears (12, 13), the position of the engaged mounting pin (17, 18). A locating plate (24) engaged with the mounting pin (17, 18) has one or more locating surfaces (32) to engage a cooperating surface on the ears or the attachment. The locating surfaces (32) and their engagement with the cooperating surfaces determines the relative position of the mounting pin (17, 18) engaged with the pin receptor holes (23).

Abstract: A coupler comprising two jaws and a latch for each jaw, one of the latches being powered for movement between a latching position and a non-latching position, and being associated with a blocking mechanism that is remotely movable between a blocking position and non blocking position, and the other latch being independent of the blocking mechanism, but being also remotely moveable between a latching position and a non-latching position, wherein the powered latch, in its non-latching position, can maintain both the blocking mechanism in its non blocking position and the other latch in its non-latching position, irrespective of the orientation of the coupler.

Abstract: A quick-change device in which the arrangement of centring discs and of control plates prevents jamming during the insertion operation. In accordance with an embodiment, the quick change device includes: catch bolts; centring disks fixed to the quick-change device transverse to an axis of the catch bolts, each centring disk having a circumferential outer boundary line which is at a variable distance from the axis of the catch bolts; and control plates fixed to a tool holder on a counterpart of the quick-change device, the tool holder comprising catch hooks for engaging the catch bolts during an insertion process of the catch bolts into the catch hooks of the tool holder, the control plates engaging a movement-space of the centring disks during the insertion process, wherein the circumferential outer boundary line of each centring disk moves along a surface of a corresponding one of the control plates during the insertion process.

Abstract: A coupler for a backhoe or other excavator includes a frame including an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted to be secured to an associated backhoe or excavator arm. The lower portion includes a first hook adapted to mate releasably with a first associated attachment pin and includes a second hook adapted to mate releasably with a second associated attachment pin. First and second safety locks are movably connected to the frame and move relative to the first hook between an engaged position for capturing the first associated attachment pin in the first hook and a disengaged position for releasing the first associated attachment pin from the first hook. An actuator is adapted to move the safety locks selectively between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A coupler includes a first hook assembly comprising a first hook adapted to receive a first associated attachment pin and a second hook assembly comprising a second hook adapted to receive a second associated attachment pin. The second hook assembly selectively pivots under force of an actuator relative to the first hook assembly by an actuator. The actuator comprises a screw jack that includes a locking sleeve to prevent unintended rotation of the screw member. The actuator can be a hydraulic cylinder and the coupler can include a locking cam that moves between a retracted position and an extended position, with a supplemental lock that selectively prevents movement of the locking cam from the extended position to the retracted position. In such case, the actuator is operatively coupled to the second hook assembly and the locking cam.

Abstract: Quick-change device (12) comprising a quick coupler (16) fastened on the driven-machine side, an adapter (16) which can be locked with the quick coupler (16) and is connected to a tool (14), and a hydraulic coupling (20) for producing a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic system on the driven machine and the hydraulics of the tool (14), wherein the hydraulic coupling (20) includes a first coupling part (20a) and a second coupling part (20b) and the two coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held relative to one another in an operating position, wherein the first coupling part (20a) and the second coupling part (20b) interact with at least mechanical retaining means (68,78,80) which are formed separately from the locking means of the quick-change device (12). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held frictionally in the operating position by the mechanical retaining means (67,78, 80).

Abstract: A lock device is improved in durability by operating the operation member of a boom lock device in a non-contact state to solve a problem in a conventional work machine because there is a problem that the operation member is worn at the lateral rotating part of a boom bracket. In the lock device 51 for locking a boom 16 of the excavating device to the main body, an engaging member is provided on one of the boom and a boom bracket 15 provided on the main body, and an engaged member is provided on the other of the boom and the boom bracket. The engaging member is constituted by a plate formed on one side thereof with a hook part 52a, and on the other side thereof with a slot 52c. A support pin 55 is inserted into the slot, and a stopped 53 is disposed above the support pin, so that the support pin 55 and the stopper 53 support the engaging member.

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

Abstract: Method for manufacturing at least one part of a device for mounting directly or indirectly on an arm of an earth-moving or material-handling machine, such as an excavator, tractor, harvester, forwarder or crane, whereby the device enables coupling and/or positioning (tilt and/or turn) of a tool (14), such as a bucket, grapple, fork, vibratory compactor or harvesting head, relatively to the arm of the machine. The method includes the steps of: a) forming a melt including unalloyed or alloyed ductile iron, b) casting at least one part of a device from the melt, c) allowing the at least one part of the device to cool, d) austenitizing the at least one part of the device, e) quenching the at least one part of the device, f) austempering the at least one part of the device, and g) allowing the at least one part of the device to cool.

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: An attachment arm assembly includes an attachment arm that is pivotal about an arm pivot axis using a hydraulic lift cylinder. The attachment arm assembly also includes an interface plate pivotal about an interface plate pivot axis and configured to mount a tool. The interface plate has a main body and includes a first side edge having a first end and a second end. The interface plate includes a second side edge having a first end and a second end. The interface plate also includes a top edge that couples the second end of the first side edge to the second end of the second side edge. The first ends of the first and second side edge are spaced apart from each other a distance greater than a distance between the second ends of the first and second side edges.

Abstract: An interface between a hydraulic power system and an hydraulically actuated engagement member includes a first portion that is pivotally coupled to a second portion, and has an inlet capable of being coupled to the power system. The second portion is fixedly attached to an attachment bracket capable of interfacing with an attachment. The first portion has a path to provide oil to the second portion, which in turn provides oil from the first portion to the attachment bracket. The attachment bracket includes a housing that accepts an engagement member capable of being hydraulically actuated to secure or release the attachment with respect to the power machine.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for releasably coupling a hydraulically activated work implement to a work vehicle includes an implement attachment device for attaching a work implement to a work vehicle, a first coupling assembly, and a second coupling assembly. The implement attachment device includes a forward side for facing the work implement and a rearward side for facing the work vehicle, first mounting members extending from the rearward side for mounting the implement attachment device to at least one boom arm of the work vehicle, and second mounting members for mounting the implement attachment device to the work implement. The first hydraulic coupling assembly extends from the rearward side, and includes a first coupler configured for fluid communication with a hydraulic power source on the work vehicle.

Abstract: A female coupler portion includes first and second vertical ribs arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. The ribs comprise first and second hooks and first and second ears, respectively, wherein each of the first and second ears includes at least one shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom. A male coupler portion includes a frame having a front region and a rear region that is pinned to the machine. A first pair of hook engaging mounts are adapted to be received respectively by first and second hooks of a female coupler portion; a first pair of openings are adapted to receive first and second ears of a female coupler portion; first and second lock members are movable between an unlocked position and a locked position to engage the ears of the female coupler portion. The ribs can be constructed from conventional ribs. The male coupler portion optionally includes multiple mounting locations for mating with different female coupler portions.

Abstract: A coupler for a backhoe or other excavator includes a frame including an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is adapted to be secured to an associated backhoe or excavator arm. The lower portion includes a first hook adapted to mate releasably with a first associated attachment pin and includes a second hook adapted to mate releasably with a second associated attachment pin. A lock system includes at least a first safety lock that is movably connected to the frame and that moves relative to the first hook between an engaged position for capturing the first associated attachment pin in the first hook and a disengaged position for releasing the first associated attachment pin from the first hook. An actuator is adapted to move the first safety lock selectively between its engaged and disengaged positions. At least a first lock arm is movably connected to the frame. The first lock arm is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: A quick coupling apparatus for coupling a tool to a tool arm comprises a coupler member attached to the tool arm, and configured to engage a mounting bracket extending out from the tool. A wedge is mounted on the coupler member and is movable, when the coupler member and mounting bracket are engaged, from a closed position engaged in a groove on the mounting bracket to an open position where the wedge is removed from the groove. A wedge positioning mechanism selectively moves the wedge to the closed position and the open position. When the wedge moves into the groove and into the closed position, a remotely operated latch control moves a safety latch from an unlatched position to a latched position to prevent the wedge from moving toward the open position. The wedge positioning mechanism can be configured to utilize a single or double acting actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for screwing a piston onto the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder, in particular of a hydraulic cylinder with a piston diameter of more than 200 mm, comprising a first tool element with connecting elements for releasable connection with the piston and a second tool element with connecting elements for releasable connection with the piston rod, which is rotatable with respect to the first tool element, wherein the torque necessary for screwing together piston and piston rod can be applied onto the piston and the piston rod via the connecting elements by rotating the first tool element against the second tool element.

Abstract: Coupler has a safety lock and a latching hook. The safety lock pivots between an unlocked position in which it does not contact a first implement pin receivable within a pair of apertures, and a locked position in which it retains the first pin within the apertures. The latching hook pivots between an unlatched position in which it does not contact a second implement pin receivable within another pair of apertures, and a latched position in which it retains the second pin within the apertures. A spring biases the safety lock toward the locked position, maintaining engagement of the safety lock with the first pin and preventing its withdrawal from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure. When the implement is released, the spring continues to bias the safety lock toward the locked position, preventing withdrawal of the first pin from the apertures in the event of a hydraulic system failure before completion of the release operation.

Abstract: In combination a vehicle having an extension and an adaptor faceplate. The extension includes a first power-operated extension mount and a second mount. The adaptor faceplate comprising a rigid member securable to skid steer attachments with the rigid member having a front side and a back side with a frame extending from the back side of the rigid member for supporting a first connecting member and a second connecting member thereon with the first connecting member attachable to the first power-operated extension mount and the second connecting member attachable to the second extension mount.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device (1) for attaching a loader (2) to a vehicle (3), usually a tractor, where the loader (2) comprises openings (4) in parts (6) facing the vehicle (3) and the vehicle (3) comprises openings (5) in attaching parts (7) facing the loader (2) and where the openings (4, 5) when attaching are arranged so that the centre point P of each opening lies on an axis common to all the openings (4, 5).

Abstract: A loader coupling system includes an arm coupler and a link coupler each adapted to mate with an associated attachment. The arm coupler includes a body adapted to be connected to and extend between first and second spaced-apart arms of an associated loader machine. First and second plunger pins are located respectfully at opposite first and second ends of the body. At least one plunger actuator is operatively connected to the first and second plunger pins, and the at least one plunger actuator is selectively operative to move the first and second plunger pins between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: An attachment coupler is attached to an end of an arm of a working machine. An attachment having two attachment pins in parallel can be detachably attached to the attachment coupler. The attachment coupler includes a first U-shaped portion that engages with and supports one of the attachment pins sideways, and a second U-shaped portion that receives the other attachment pin downwardly. The second U-shaped portion includes a rotary hook that opens and closes the opening of the second U-shaped portion. The rotary hook includes an engagement securing member that engages with and secures the rotary hook when the rotary hook closes the opening of the second U-shaped portion and when the rotary hook opens the opening of the second U-shaped portion, and a bolt securing member that secures the rotary hook with a bolt when the rotary hook closes the opening of the second U-shaped portion.

Abstract: A coupler mountable on the dipper stick and tilt assembly of a machine including a body provided with a fixed jaw and a pivotal jaw connectable to the mounting pins of an implement; a stop latch pivotally connected to the body, biased in a first position obstructing the removal of a mounting pin disposed in the fixed jaw; a latch cain pivotally connected to the body engageable with the stop latch for pivoting the stop latch upon pivoting the latch cam; a fluid actuated cylinder assembly operative interconnecting the latch cam and the pivotal jaw; and means of cooperable with the cylinder assembly and the latch cam, functional to preclude pivotal movement of the latch cam when the body is disposed in a first orientation, and to permit pivotal movement of the latch cam when the body is disposed in a second orientation.

Abstract: A machine includes a chassis and a boom assembly. The boom assembly is movable relative to the chassis. The machine further includes a grapple assembly suspended from the boom assembly. The grapple assembly comprises a grapple head fluidly connected to a first hydraulic circuit for actuating the grapple head to a grasping configuration, and a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to a second hydraulic circuit for rotating the grapple head. The second hydraulic circuit includes a bypass valve. The bypass valve has a first position configured to block a fluid flow between a first port of the hydraulic motor and a second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve also has a second position configured to allow a fluid flow between the first port of the hydraulic motor and the second port of the hydraulic motor. The bypass valve allows the grapple head to rotate freely when the grapple head is in a grasping configuration.

Abstract: Accessory for providing an excavator with a dual function in earth-moving tasks: digging and refilling trenches, and as a crane (hoisting capability), to be used with advantage in the construction of pipelines. The accessory includes a frame, sheaves and a winch with hydraulic action, installable on top of the boom of a hydraulic excavator without involving modifications to the original machine, thereby providing the excavator with hoisting capability.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus having a device for automatic connection of power lines, in particular of hydraulic lines, for the attachment of working tools to a tool mount of a excavator boom by means of a quick-action coupling, wherein, in order to connect the tool mount to the working tool, the quick-action coupling has a hook connection and a blocking unit with a movable bolt element which is operated by an actuating unit. Supply connecting pieces are fixed to the tool mount, and the corresponding power take-off connecting pieces of the working tool are fixed on a mount, which is mounted on the working tool such that it can move between a moved-forward position and a drawn-back position, wherein the mount has a driver piece for engagement with an operating element which is coupled to the movable bolt element.

Abstract: A coupler for a construction attachment includes a frame including: (i) an upper portion adapted to be secured to an associated excavator; and, (ii) a lower portion adapted to be releasably coupled to a construction attachment. The lower portion of the frame includes a first hook and a second hook. A lock member is movably connected relative to the frame and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The first and second hooks include respective open mouths and the lock member obstructs the open mouth of the second hook when the lock member is in the extended position. An actuator is operably connected to the lock member and is adapted to move the lock member between its extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching implements, such as buckets or other tools, to heavy equipment, such as backhoes and excavators, which includes two recesses or channels for receiving a pair of machine pins of an implement. A hydraulic piston actuates a first locking lever to enclose one of the pair of machine pins in one recess and a second locking lever to enclose the other one of the pair of machine pins in the other recess.

Abstract: Quick-change device (12) comprising a quick coupler (16) fastened on the driven-machine side, an adapter (16) which can be locked with the quick coupler (16) and is connected to a tool (14), and a hydraulic coupling (20) for producing a hydraulic connection between the hydraulic system on the driven machine and the hydraulics of the tool (14), wherein the hydraulic coupling (20) includes a first coupling part (20a) and a second coupling part (20b) and the two coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held relative to one another in an operating position, wherein the first coupling part (20a) and the second coupling part (20b) interact with at least mechanical retaining means (68,78,80) which are formed separately from the locking means of the quick-change device (12). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the coupling parts (20a, 20b) are held frictionally in the operating position by the mechanical retaining means (67,78, 80).

Abstract: A boom assembly comprises a primary boom member having one end attachable to a vehicle and a secondary boom member pivotally attached to the free end of the primary boom member for rotation of the secondary boom member about a first axis relative to the primary boom member. The secondary boom member includes a swivel mechanism configured to enable the secondary boom member to rotate relative to the primary boom member about a second axis of rotation independently to rotation of the secondary boom member relative to the primary boom member about the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A quick-action coupling for coupling a tool to a bracket of a construction machine includes complementary coupling elements arranged on each of the tool and on the end of the bracket. The coupling elements can be used to connect, for example, hydraulic lines to drive equipment attached to the tool. The tool includes an identification carrier for identifying the tool, and the bracket includes one or several detectors, which are connected with a controller of the hydraulics of the construction machine. Projections, pins or the like, which are arranged on the tool or on the coupling element in a grid pattern, engage with switches, sensors or the like mounted on the bracket and arranged in an identical grid pattern. The tool is identified through the pattern of the projections or pins on the tool or on the coupling element attached to the tool.

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: A quick-release multipurpose implement for pivotal attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides. The implement comprises a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket. The pivot frame includes two opposing pivot arm supports that extend from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket. A receiving base is provided and designed to be mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support. At least one axially adjustable means is employed to extend from the receiving base to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket.

Abstract: The invention describes a quick-change device in which the arrangement of Centring discs (1) and of control plates (10) prevents jamming during the insertion operation.

Abstract: An assembly for securing an implement to a boom, the assembly comprising a link member pivotally connected to a boom and, a first recess being formed in a first of the arm and a second being formed in the link member proximate one end thereof, the second recess having elongated configuration with a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the link member longitudinal axis, the implement assembly comprising a mounting arm and a implement, the mounting arm having a pair of first pins extending outwardly from opposite sides thereof and a pair of second pins extending outwardly from opposite sides, the first pair of pins being located between the implement receiving end and the center of gravity of the implement assembly. The arrangement permits rapid and secure switching of different implements.

Abstract: A mobile trencher machine having an upper assembly, a ground drive assembly, and an adapter frame positioned between and coupled to each of the upper assembly and the ground drive assembly. The ground drive assembly being positionable in one of a number of mounting positions relative to the upper assembly, including a forward position, a rearward position, and a central position.

Abstract: A coupling for a plow comprising a push beam attachable to a front of a vehicle. The push beam has at least one outwardly-extending plate at each end thereof. Each plate has an aperture extending therethrough. A support frame is provided that is attachable to the back side of a plow assembly. The support frame has two spaced-apart plates extending therefrom, each of the plates having an aperture therethrough. The plates are dimensioned to be positioned adjacent the plates on the push beam with the apertures in the plates being aligned. A locking assembly is provided for locking the support frame to the push beam. The locking assembly is comprised of a pair of axially aligned pins biased outwardly away from each other. Each of the pins has an inner end and an outer end. A linkage connects the inner ends of the pins. The linkage has a first position wherein the pins are retracted toward each other along the axis, and a second position wherein the pins extend outwardly away from each other along the axis.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an attachment to a vehicle includes first and second mounting pegs mounted to one of the attachment and vehicle, a mounting arm having first and second cut-outs sized and spaced to receive the respective first and second mounting pegs, and first and second latches that are pivotable to trap the mounting pegs in the cut-outs. The apparatus further includes a detent mechanism resiliently holding the first latch in each of the latched and unlatched positions with a detent force. An over-center biasing mechanism provides a biasing force along a line of force, and urges the second latch into the latched and unlatched positions in response to the line of force being on one side of the pivot axis or the other.

Abstract: A linkage assembly that includes a pivot pin cartridge disposed to connect pivotably a lift arm and a lever of the linkage assembly along an axis including the cartridge. The pivot pin cartridge includes a pin, at least one bustling pivotably disposed about at least a portion of the pin, and a pair of sleeve bearing inserts free-floatingly positioned about the pin and within at least a portion of the bushing. The rear tilt lever is coupled to the bushing for rotation about the pin, while at least one of a pair of side plates of the lift arm is coupled to the pivot pin.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting at least one skid-steer loader attachment onto an excavator arm includes a mounting mechanism having a lower edge, an upper edge and a lip extending outwardly therefrom, the lip receiving an upper lip of such at least one skid-steer loader attachment for locking thereto. The mounting member is adapted with a pair of aligned first notches, a pair of aligned second notches and a pair of apertures for coupling onto a free end of such excavator arm in a conventional semi-permanent manner. A pair of locking assemblies are provided selectively engaging and releasing a lower edge of such at least one skid-steer loader attachment.