Abstract: A removable bucket ring attachment configured to slide over a terminal bottom front end of a bucket on a loader or a backhoe; where the bucket ring attachment has a pair of parallel plates closed at one end and open at an opposing end.

Abstract: A machine includes a boom, a stick, a bucket, and a hose arrangement. The stick is pivotally coupled to the boom. The bucket is operatively coupled to the stick and defines a pivotal axis therein. The bucket has a bowl-shaped portion for holding material on a first side and a recessed portion on a second side. The hose arrangement is coupled to the bucket and includes a first and a second manifold, and a first and a second set of hoses. The first manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed in the recessed portion proximal to the pivotal axis. The second manifold is coupled to the bucket and disposed on the second side of the bucket. The first set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first manifold. The second set of hoses is fluidly connected to the first and second manifolds.

Abstract: A thumb assembly mountable to a lifting arm of an excavator includes a base member mountable to the lifting arm, the base member having a link mounting aperture, a thumb member pivotally connected to the base member, a link member having a base mounting aperture in a first end for coupling to the base member and a thumb mounting aperture in a second end for coupling to the thumb member, a removable pin receivable through the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture to connect the link member to the base member, and a connection-assist system disposed on at least one of the link member and base member, the connection-assist system configured to provide a visual indication that the thumb member and the link member are in a position such that the removable pin can be received through both the link mounting aperture and the base mounting aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective shroud assembly for use on a wear edge of earthmoving machinery. The shroud assembly comprises a shroud adapted to be received with respect to the wear edge. The shroud has a wear region at a second end thereof which is adapted to engage the earth as the wear edge moves therethrough. The shroud assembly also comprises a locking means having a portion which is rotatably received in the shroud such that the shroud is releasably secured with respect to the wear edge when the locking means is in a locked position.

Abstract: A removable grapple apparatus for a loader bucket is disclosed, and comprises a grapple assembly comprising at least one grapple arm having an inboard end and an outboard end, and a grapple fork mounted on the grapple arm toward the outboard end thereof. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly configured to removably mount the grapple assembly to the bucket when the mounting assembly is mounted on the bucket. The grapple assembly is pivotally mounted on the mounting assembly to permit pivot movement of the grapple assembly with respect to the mounting assembly. The apparatus includes a grapple movement assembly configured to pivotally move the grapple assembly with respect to the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly comprises at least one mount structure including an arm mount mounted on the grapple arm and a base mount configured for mounting on the bucket, and the arm mount and the base mount are releasably coupleable together.

Abstract: A method of operating a working machine of the kind including a body, a ground engaging structure, the body carrying a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a working arm which permits the working arm to be pivoted up and down about a generally horizontal axis and to be rotated about a second generally upright axis, the working arm including a mounting structure for releasably carrying at an outermost end thereof, a working implement, the method including providing on the machine a working implement holding device, and rotating the superstructure relative to the body about the first generally upright axis, and manipulating the working arm about the generally horizontal axis and the second generally upright axis to bring the working implement carried by the working arm into holding engagement with the holding device whereby the holding device holds the working implement, releasing the working implement from the m

Abstract: A grappling fork attachment system for attaching a grappling fork to a conventional bucket, where the grappling fork does not interfere with the normal use of the bucket. The grappling fork attachment system includes a support frame pivotally attached to a tractor between a bucket unit and a pair of loader arms, wherein the support frame may securely attach to either the bucket unit or the pair of loader arms. An extension frame is pivotally attached to the support frame and a first drive assembly mounted proximate the extension frame for pivoting the extension frame about the support frame. A grappling structure is pivotally attached to the extension frame for grabbing and securing a load within the bucket of the tractor and a second drive assembly mounted proximate the extension frame for pivoting the grappling structure about the extension frame.

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

Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a body, a first working arm carrying in use, at its outermost end, a mounting structure (for releasably carrying a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, and the second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a mounting for a second working implement, the machine further including a third implement carried at the second end of the body, on a further mounting structure to provide a further mounting assembly capable of mounting the first working implement, and the method including manipulating the second working arm to move the mounting for the second working implement to the mounting structure carrying the first working implement, releasing the engagement between the mounting structure of the first working arm and the fir

Abstract: A working machine includes a body and a ground engaging structure, the body mounting a prime mover and a first working arm, the first working arm being pivoted for up and down movement about a first generally horizontal axis, and extending beyond a first end of the body and carrying in use, at its outermost end, a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, which mounting permits the second working arm to be pivoted up and down about a second generally horizontal axis and to be rotated about a second generally upright axis, and second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a second working implement, the superstructure mounting an operator's cab which provides an operator position including an operator seat and controls operable by an operator when occupying the seat, and wherei

Abstract: A blade assembly for an earthworking implement has a set of teeth that are independently slideable within guides. The teeth slide to conform to an undulating surface and permit scraping of the surface.

Abstract: Wear resistors adapted for use in wear parts comprising steel castings for replaceable attachment to snow plows, road machinery equipment, agriculture, and construction excavator teeth. The wear castings provide a replaceable member for wear affected parts of equipment used for cutting, scraping, digging, plowing, etc. Each replaceable wear part can comprise a hard, impact resistant metal of high shear strength having at least one cavity filled with an abrasion resistant weldment or resistor. The abrasion resistant weldment can be placed proximal to the wear edges or wear surfaces of the expendable and replaceable wear parts.

Abstract: An improved dipper stick, tool, and thumb combination includes a progressive linkage for connecting the thumb to a thumb actuator wherein the pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection is spaced from the pivot axis of the tool idler link connection. The pivot axis of the thumb idler link connection may be offset outwardly from the inner surface of the dipper stick. A mounting plate may be connected to the inner surface of the dipper stick to locate the pivot axis in the offset position.

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 removable and attachable debris guard for a back wall of a loader bucket or a bulldozer blade is provided with a frame that is a generally inverted U-shape with outwardly tapering side legs, and has a strong mesh screen supported on the frame. The frame includes a cross plate that extends rearwardly of the mesh screen and has attachment hooks for fitting over a top rail of a back wall of a loader bucket. The frame includes brackets for securing the legs to a forward side of the back wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a drainage structure comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a barrel housing having a proximal opening and a distal opening, the barrel housing having a center longitudinal axis and coupled coaxially to the rod, the barrel housing having an outside dimension that can be accommodated within the drainage structure, the distal opening of the barrel housing having a sinusoidal tearing contour. The tool further comprises a plurality of cutting implements radially coupled to and between the rod and the barrel housing, the cutting implements having a distal cutting edge and being angularly oriented to facilitate sweeping debris in a selected direction, and the barrel housing and cutting implements operable to rotate about the center longitudinal axis of the rod to dislodge and loosen debris inside the drainage structure.

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

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: 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 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 culvert opening and cleaning apparatus which is designed to be operably mounted to an implement of heavy machinery such as a grader and is further designed to utilize the auxiliary hydraulic connection provided by the implement of heavy machinery. The culvert opening and cleaning apparatus comprises a mounting operably engaged to an implement of a heavy machinery, a telescoping arm member attached to the mounting means, the telescoping arm member having an outer housing and an inner concentric arm that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, a culvert cleaning tool engaged to the inner arm of the telescoping arm member, and a telescoping ram having at least one concentric cylinder and a piston that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, wherein a distal end of the piston is attached to the culvert cleaning tool for positing the culvert cleaning tool for opening of the culvert.

Abstract: A double-folded envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily closed in place by snaps or Velcro—doubled over where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped to push or scrape snow from off the vehicle's surfaces.

Abstract: A plow has an upper blade. A lower forward-plowing blade is coupled to the upper blade. The lower forward-plowing blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a forward direction. A back-blade is pivotally coupled to the upper blade and elastically coupled to the upper blade. The back-blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction.

Abstract: A length-adjustable chain mount and storage box apparatus is mounted to a vertically-movable support structure of a vehicle and arranged so that only a selected outer end length portion of a lift chain need to be pulled from the confines of a storage box whereupon the lift chain is supportingly secured at the selected extended length for connection of its free end to a load to be lifted by operation of the vertically movable structure of the vehicle. When the lifting operation is completed and the lift chain disconnected from the load, the extended portion of the lift chain is simply trained back into the storage box where it is stored without any interference to the normal operation of the vehicle and ready for immediate use when another lifting operation is required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging bulk materials into containers. The apparatus and method are useful in the bagging of bulk products, such as sand, salt, grain, feed and the like, and is particularly useful in rapidly forming sandbags. The bags can be filled at a remote location. The apparatus may be attached to a vehicle, such as a skid steer, tractor or truck, and can replace an existing bucket of a front end loader. The bucket scoops a quantity of bulk material into the bucket. An auger mounted in the bucket is driven by a motor to force a flow stream of bulk material out an opening in the bucket. An open container is placed adjacent the flow stream to rapidly fill the container with bulk material. The apparatus can also be provided as a retrofit kit to convert an existing bucket into a bagging apparatus.

Abstract: The end loader bucket attachment includes a bracket attachable to the side plate of an end loader bucket, and an arm pivoting from the bracket. The pivot is oriented generally vertically to allow the arm to swing in a generally horizontal plane, depending upon the tilt of the bucket. When the bucket is tilted somewhat rearwardly, the weight of the arm causes it to swing outwardly to extend generally laterally from the bucket and end loader machine. However, when the bucket is tilted somewhat forwardly, the arm automatically swings forwardly, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine. The attachment is particularly useful in picking up suspended objects to the side of the bucket and machine, and swinging those loads to a forward position generally in front of the bucket and machine. This greatly reduces the need for maneuvering the machine to pick up and reposition such loads.

Abstract: A scraping device, a system and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device may have a bowl having a first end and a second end. A lip may be positioned at the first end and may cover an opening at the first end. In an embodiment, direct mounted cylinders may be attached to the lip and may move the lip to completely cover or uncover the opening. The scraping device may have a tongue mounted to the bowl having a triangular-shaped plate mechanism that may be used to raise and to lower a cutting edge attached to the bowl. Cylinders connected to the mechanism may be retracted or extended to raise or to lower the scraping device. A load within the scraping device may be lifted by force exerted from a barrel end of a cylinder, thus utilizing a maximum potential of the cylinder.

Abstract: A loader coupler or other attachment includes first and second roll-back stops located on opposite lateral sides. The stops include a mounting location such as a boss, a bumper or stop member releasably secured to the mounting location, and optionally one or more shims disposed between the mounting location and the stop member. The number and thickness of the shims may be used to control the spacing of the first and second stop members from their respective mounting locations to thus control the angular position of the coupler when the stop members contact the respective arms of the machine carrying the coupler.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oscillation generating device for use in a soil compacter with a tipping moment compensation device. A second unbalance shaft pair with oppositely rotating unbalance shafts is arranged adjacent to a first unbalance shaft pair as a tipping moment compensation device. Diagonally opposite unbalance shafts rotate in the same direction. In this way, centrifugal forces and torques on the two unbalance shaft pairs reciprocally cancel each other out so that no tipping moment occurs parallel to the axes of rotation of the unbalances.

Abstract: Disclosed is an excavating machine, representatively a tracked excavator, having a boom stick portion on which both an excavating bucket and a hydraulic breaker are mounted for hydraulically driven pivotal movement between first and second limit positions. The bucket may be operated independently of the breaker for digging operations. Similarly, the breaker may be operated independently of the bucket for refusal material-breaking operations. The same excavating machine may now use the bucket and breaker in a rapid and continuous exchange to permit frequent removal of small quantities of broken refuse material with the bucket, exposing the bucket and breaker to fresh refuse material. The excavating machine disclosed incorporates an impact resistant deployment system with bifurcated and lubricated trunnion pivots and an in-line pivot restriction, or stop. The system provides a breaker assembly connection that permits quick installation and removal of the breaker, and significantly greater durability.

Abstract: An excavator thumb assembly for use with an excavator having a boom, a hydraulic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder shaft that extends and retracts from the hydraulic cylinder, and a bucket pivotally attached to an end of the boom and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly includes a thumb pivot plate attached to an intermediate portion of the boom. The thumb pivot plate has a thumb attachment point positioned above the longitudinal axis of the boom. The excavator thumb assembly also includes a thumb pivotally attached to the thumb attachment point along a thumb pivot axis, and operatively attached to the hydraulic cylinder shaft. The excavator thumb assembly is configured so that the thumb and bucket opposably grab and release objects as the hydraulic cylinder shaft extends and retracts, respectively.

Abstract: A culvert opening and cleaning apparatus which is designed to be operably mounted to an implement of heavy machinery such as a grader and is further designed to utilize the auxiliary hydraulic connection provided by the implement of heavy machinery. The culvert opening and cleaning apparatus comprises a mounting means operably engaged to an implement of heavy machinery, a telescoping arm member attached to the mounting means, the telescoping arm member having an outer housing and an inner concentric arm that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, a culvert cleaning tool engaged to the inner arm of the telescoping arm member, and a telescoping ram having at least one concentric cylinder and a piston that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, wherein a distal end of the piston is attached to the culvert cleaning tool for positing the culvert cleaning tool inserted in an opening of the culvert.

Abstract: An excavating machine, representatively a tracked excavator has a boom stick portion on which both an excavating bucket and a hydraulic breaker are mounted for hydraulically driven pivotal movement between first and second limit positions. The bucket may be operated independently of the breaker for digging operations. Similarly, the breaker may be operated independently of the bucket for refusal material-breaking operations. The same excavating machine may now use the bucket and breaker in a rapid and continuous exchange to permit frequent removal of small quantities of broken refuse material with the bucket, exposing the bucket and breaker to fresh refuse material. A lubricatable attachment system is disclosed for improved breaker system connectivity that permits quick installation and removal of the breaker. An alternative deployment system is disclosed having a rotary actuator for efficient and rapid deployment without the need for an additional hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A digging implement (10) including an extendable linkage (12) including a bucket (14) and a thumb assembly (34) for holding materials in the bucket (14). The thumb assembly (34) is configured to rotate as the linkage (12) extends, and both the bucket (14) and the thumb assembly (34) are independently operable.

Abstract: An implement for removing rocks and preparing soil for landscaping or seeding includes a bucket attached to the lift arm of a skidsteer loader by an appropriate hitch mechanism. The bucket includes a frame mounted on the outer end thereof which supports removable and replaceable grates having spacing therebetween for allowing rocks to be collected on the grate and dirt collected with the rocks to fall through the grates. Tines extend from the outer transverse edge the frame supporting the grates and are adapted to collect and dig under rocks which are forced up the tines and onto the grate by the normal forward movement of the skidsteer. Periodically, when the grates become full of rock, the operator pivots the implement, thereby dumping the rocks into the bucket. The bucket includes a perforated grated floor through which additional dirt may be removed from the rocks and dropped back onto the soil while the rocks remain in the bucket.

Abstract: An envelope of felt (or other fabric resistant to snow adhesion) into which a regular eighteen—twenty-two inch size snow shovel may be inserted, folded over to enclose the shovel and temporarily clasped in place by snaps or Velcro—and reinforceable in the area where the shovel blade would rest so as to afford optimal protection against marring the finish of a car or sport utility vehicle when the shovel handle is grasped in pushing snow from off the vehicle.

Abstract: A locking device to hold an asphalt milling machine on a loader bucket to increase stability and accuracy of the milling machine and increase the speed at which the loader bucket can transition between directing the milling machine and picking up ground asphalt.

Abstract: An attachment coupling device is designed to releasably connect a variety of attachments to an arm and a push link of heavy machinery such as hydraulic excavators. The attachment coupling device comprises a pair of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the attachment, each bracket having first and second hooks spaced apart with each other. Another major element of the coupling device is a coupler which includes, a fixed plate affixed to the arm and the push link, a pair of fixed coupling pins each protruding outwardly from the fixed plate for engagement with the first hook of each of the mounting brackets, a pair of movable coupling pins for movement between a retracted release position and an extended coupling position wherein the respective one of the movable pins comes into engagement with the second hook of each of the mounting brackets, and an actuator for causing movement of the movable coupling pins.

Abstract: A heavy-duty scraping and rake attachment for excavator buckets for clearing brush-covered earth. The attachment is easily mountable to the bucket, thus avoiding the work and expense of removing the bucket from the arm. The scraper portion provides for offset toothed scrapers, a combination of toothed scraper and blade, and blade only use and is used in conjunction with a heavy-duty rake and power-operated thumb to grasp and remove the material rooted or scraped up from the earth by the scraper. The scraper portion and rake are included in a single unit, attachable and detachable from the excavator bucket. Scraper and blade attachments either detachably connected to the unit with bolts or permanently welded in place as desired.

Abstract: A discharge funnel and distributor chute for sand and gravel or other disperse material which is removably attachable to the bucket of a front end loader. Funnel engaging hooks are attached along the front edges of the sides of the bucket and spaced upward from the bucket floor. The funnel has a floor and vertical sidewalls forming an open rear bucket receiving portion for receiving the front lower portion of the bucket. This portion has a floor and sides with a hook engaging bar extending between upper ends of the funnel sides forming a rear opening. Angled bucket guide bars are located along the inner sides of opposite walls. The funnel has a converging funnel portion connected to the engaging portion. The converging portion opens into a discharge chute. The chute allows the discharge of disperse material to a specific location such as a basement floor under construction.

Abstract: An ice resurfacing machine laser control is used to optimize the ice layer on an artificial ice track, such as an ice hockey rink and is adapted for use in ice resurfacing machines. The thickness of an ice layer is optimized with a beam for a laser transmitter. The ice resurfacing machine comprises a laser receiver and mechanisms to regulate the elevation of the scraper blade.

Abstract: A trenching tool attachable to the bucket of a front-end loader that is pushed through the soil parallel to the surface having an inclined plate to guide the soil into the bucket.

Abstract: A grader for attachment to a lift unit of a material handling vehicle and adapted to spread and smooth particulate material. The grader includes a first horizontally elongate beam adapted to engage, spread and smooth the material and a second horizontally elongate beam coupled to the first horizontally elongate beam and having a length greater than the length of the first beam to further engage the material. The first and second beams each have two ground-engaging sides which correspond in orientation to each other. A linkage assembly is used to releasably attach the first beam to the lift unit of the material handling vehicle. In use, the grader is adapted to be pulled in a first direction wherein the lift unit of the material handling vehicle may engage the material first, followed by the first beam and then followed by the second beam. Thus, as the grader is pulled in the first direction the first sides of the elongate beams face the material.

Abstract: A scraping device, a system and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device may have a bowl having a first end and a second end. A lip may be positioned at the first end and may cover an opening at the first end. In an embodiment, direct mounted cylinders may be attached to the lip and may move the lip to completely cover or uncover the opening. The scraping device may have a tongue mounted to the bowl having a triangular-shaped plate mechanism that may be used to raise and to lower a cutting edge attached to the bowl. Cylinders connected to the mechanism may be retracted or extended to raise or to lower the scraping device. A load within the scraping device may be lifted by force exerted from a barrel end of a cylinder, thus utilizing a maximum potential of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device providing a combined bucket and scarifier includes a bucket having a bottom wall, a rear wall, and two side walls coupled to the bottom wall and the rear wall to define an interior space. The bucket has an open front end and the rear wall is generally rectangular having a long axis. A scarifier is operatively associated with the bucket. The scarifier has a plurality of teeth constructed and arranged to be moved with respect to the bucket between a stored, inoperative position, and an operative position with portions of the teeth extending outwardly with respect to a portion of the bottom wall of the bucket. Actuating structure is mounted with respect to the bucket. The actuating structure includes a cylinder unit having a piston, and linkages coupled between the piston and teeth such that movement of the piston causes movement of the linkages thereby causing movement of the teeth between the inoperative and operative positions.

Abstract: A loader coupler includes first and second dump stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler and first and second roll-back stops located on opposite lateral sides of the coupler. Each of the dump and roll-back stops includes a base connected to or formed as a part of the coupler; at least one shim located adjacent the base; and, a cover releasably connected to the base and located adjacent the at least one shim. Accordingly, the at least one shim is located between the cover and the base. The outer face of the cover can be angled to ensure flush contact between it and an associated arm of a loader to which the coupler is connected. The adjustable stops are used by locating at least one shim adjacent the base and securing the a cover to the base member and adjacent the shim, with the shim located between the cover and the base member. Thereafter, it is determined if the cover contacts the associated loader arm in a desired stop position.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for converting the load compartment of a vehicle into a tank for carrying liquids comprises a removable cover assembly configured to cover an upper opening of the load compartment. A pump, which can be mounted to the cover assembly, is provided for pumping liquid from the load compartment. The outlet of the pump may be fluidly connected to a discharge conduit, which may be coupled to the cover assembly. The discharge conduit desirably extends at least partially inside the cover assembly. An opening may be defined in the cover assembly for introducing liquid into the load compartment.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant metal earth working surface having a plurality of spaced hollow open ended cup-shaped abrasion resistant studs welded to the surface which collect particulate material in the hollow open ends of the weld studs, wherein the particulate material forms an abrasion resistant barrier limiting abrasion of the earth working surface. The size and shape of the cup-shaped weld studs and the spacing between the array of studs is selected to provide optimum collection of particulate material which reduces wear to extend the efficient operation and life of the earth working surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to affixing adapter plates to the back of commercially available forklift implements to enable the rapid connection of a forklift to the end of the hydraulic booms of backhoes. The attachment is accomplished either by substituting the bucket of the backhoe with the modified forklift or by engaging the modified forklift with a modified bucket connector which allows the forklift implement to be connected without removing the bucket.