Abstract: A tool bit includes a threaded portion, a shank, a shoulder, an anti-rotation segment and a working portion. The threaded portion may be centered about and extend longitudinally along a first axis. The shank may be centered about the first axis and extend longitudinally along the first axis. The shank may be disposed between the threaded portion and the shoulder. The anti-rotation segment may be disposed between the shoulder and the working portion of the tool bit. The working portion may be oriented to extend lengthwise away from the first axis and to extend lengthwise along another axis that is transverse to the first axis. The working portion may include a planar cutting surface that includes a working edge. The planar cutting surface may be oriented transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A trenching assembly used to cut a narrow trench in the ground surface. The trenching assembly comprises an attachment frame connected to a hood assembly via a linkage assembly. The attachment frame may be attached to the rear end of a work machine. A rotatable blade is disposed within a cavity defined by the hood assembly. The hood assembly may rotate about two different axes relative to the linkage assembly, and the linkage assembly may rotate about two different axes relative to the attachment frame. The trenching assembly uses a pair of accumulators to hydraulically rotate the linkage assembly about a horizontal axis relative to the frame in response changes in depth of the ground surface being cut by the blade. The linkage assembly may be hydraulically rotated using the accumulators without input from the operator.

Abstract: A spring-loaded feeding device for a ditch digging apparatus. The spring-loaded feeding device includes a shaft rotatably mountable on a frame and rotatable in a direction of rotation, and one or more feeder paddle assemblies. each feeder paddle assembly comprises a bracket on the shaft extending radially outward, the bracket comprising a pivot axis proximate the shaft and a spring-connection point spaced apart from the pivot axis. The feeder paddle assembly also has a feeder paddle with a first end near the shaft and a second end spaced apart from the first end, the feeder paddle extending radially outward from the shaft from the first end to the second end, the feeder paddle being pivotally coupled to the bracket at the pivot axis and also coupled to the bracket by a spring positioned between the feeder paddle and the spring-connection point of the bracket.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for grinding material includes a grinder bit including a drum and a plurality of grinders, at least a portion of the grinders disposed longitudinally in a first helical pattern along the outer surface of the drum. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cleats, at least a portion of the cleats disposed longitudinally in a second helical pattern along the outer surface of the drum. The second helical pattern is offset from the first helical pattern.

Abstract: A device for creating a trench in a ground surface includes a frame, an axle and a platform. A wheel is mounted to the axle and a motor is mounted to the platform. The motor is configured to rotate a drive shaft. A primary blade is removably mountable to the drive shaft. The primary blade has a first radius measured from a geometric center of the primary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three primary tines. A second blade is removably mountable to the primary hub. The secondary blade has a second radius measured from a geometric center of the secondary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three secondary tines. The first radius is greater than the second radius. A blade guard is mounted to the platform and generally covers the primary and secondary blades in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench wall cutter for producing a trench in the ground having a cutter frame and at least one cutting wheel which is supported in a rotatable manner about an axis of rotation on the cutter frame and has at its outer circumference a plurality of ground working tools for removing ground material. The ground working tools are arranged along an annular path around the axis of rotation. Provision is made for the annular path to run asymmetrically to the axis of rotation of the cutting wheel, wherein the annular path has at least one first circumferential section with a larger distance from the axis of rotation and at least one second circumferential section with a smaller distance from the axis of rotation. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a trench in the ground.

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

Abstract: A holder for holding a tooth on a body of a cutting blade or grinding drum for cutting or grinding rock or hard earth formations. The selectively-positionable holder includes a portion for holding the tooth in a manner such at that a portion of the tooth projects from the holder and a base surface for attaching the holder to an attachment surface of the body. When the holder is positioned in one of a plurality of orientations, the base surface has, within an area over the attachment surface, a shape which is profiled so that a region defined between the base surface and the attachment surface is, for at least one of the plurality of different orientations, smaller than a region that would be defined if the base surface would have a flat shape.

Abstract: A polygonal tool pick formed entirely of a single hard material, including a head, a shoulder extending rearwardly from the head and having an outer dimension at least as large as a largest outer dimension of the head, a shank extending rearwardly from the shoulder and having an outer dimension smaller than the outside dimension of the shoulder, and a tail extending rearwardly from the shank and having an outer dimension larger than the outer dimension of the shank, wherein the head, the shoulder, the shank, and the tail each have a plurality of faces with at least one pair of opposed faces being parallel to each other.

Abstract: A device for creating a trench in a ground surface includes a frame, an axle and a platform. A wheel is mounted to the axle and a motor is mounted to the platform. The motor is configured to rotate a drive shaft. A primary blade is removably mountable to the drive shaft. The primary blade has a first radius measured from a geometric center of the primary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three primary tines. A second blade is removably mountable to the primary hub. The secondary blade has a second radius measured from a geometric center of the secondary hub to a free end of a largest of the at least three secondary tines. The first radius is greater than the second radius. A blade guard is mounted to the platform and generally covers the primary and secondary blades in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A work vehicle that includes a boom; a boom actuator connected to the boom, the boom actuator being adapted to controllably move the boom about a boom pivot in response to receiving a boom control signal; and a controller having computational and time-keeping capabilities. The controller communicates with the boom actuator, and calculates the boom velocity, compares the calculated velocity to a commanded velocity to obtain a velocity error, and, if necessary, de-rates the tractive effort of the wheels to prevent the boom from stalling. The controller also determines if the operator is actuating the boom, and reads the boom position to calculate the boom velocity based upon the current boom position and a previous boom position. The controller uses a predefined algorithm to de-rate the tractive effort of the wheels as a function of the power train configuration.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a position measuring system for a working machine, which can accurately measure the position of a monitoring point and can ensure high working efficiency even when measurement accuracy of a machine-equipped GPS has changed. A panel computer (45) computes the position of the monitoring point, which is set on an operating mechanism, in a three-dimensional space based on values measured by GPS receivers (43, 44) and angle sensors (21, 22, 23). When measurement accuracy of at least one of at least two GPS receivers lowers, the panel computer (45) corrects the computation for the position of the monitoring point based on a yaw angle measured by a gyroscope (25) for measuring the yaw angle of a machine body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter head for an excavator machine including at least one cutter motor, each cutter motor comprising: a fastener plate; a mounting structure secured to the fastener plate and presenting a central portion and two mounting assemblies disposed on either side of the fastener plate; two hydraulic motors mounted in said mounting assemblies; a shaft common to both hydraulic motors; a plurality of conduits formed in the thickness of said fastener plate for passing the flow of the liquid used by the hydraulic motors; and a plurality of ducts formed in said central portion of the mounting structure, said ducts being connected to said conduits and to said hydraulic motors to connect each of the two motors to each of said conduits.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a trenching machine has at least one roller assembly comprising a body rotationally supported by an axle exteriorly mounted to a trenching chain or wheel. At least a portion of the body comprises a substantially conical shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for making trenches in the soil comprising a frame, on which a soil-removing tool is arranged, and a control device for aligning the foundation construction device in the trench having two control flaps, which are supported pairwise opposite each other on the frame, and having at least one extendable and retractable guide wheel arranged on the frame.

Abstract: A soil working method, in which a soil working device suspended on at least one supporting cable is lowered by a supporting device and introduced into the ground. Subsequently, the soil working device is raised from the ground using the supporting cable and in addition to the supporting device a holding frame is provided and the supporting cable is connected to said holding frame. A soil working apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An excavation device having a pair of milling wheels with a substantially horizontal axis (X) of rotation. Each milling wheel peripherally equipped with an excavation apparatus to define an excavation front substantially parallel to the axis (X). The excavation device also has a chain-type transmission to draw in rotation, in a first operating condition, each of the milling wheels. The transmission is driven by a motor and provided, on its side which is external during use, with an excavation apparatus. The excavation device also has a thruster able to be activated to selectively move the transmission into a second operating position, widened and external with respect to the first operating condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil comprising a frame, at least one soil-removing device arranged on the frame and a control device for controlling the foundation construction device in the trench, wherein the control device has at least one control body which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and a projecting control position in order to rest on a wall of the trench. Provision is made for the control body to be adjusted into a first projecting control position on a first side of the frame or into a second projecting control position on a second side of the frame that lies opposite the first side of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a trench wall in the soil comprising a frame, at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the bottom of the frame, at least one further, upper cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the top of the frame, wherein the frame is designed in an intermediate portion between the upper cutting/mixing wheel and the lower cutting/mixing wheel with a smaller cross section with respect to the cutting cross section of the at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel. The invention further relates to a method for making a trench in the soil by means of such a device.

Abstract: A trench wheel has a relatively thicker wheel center and gradually tapering side walls that produce a thinner wheel as distance from the hub increases. The wheel center is preferably fabricated from stamped metal into a hat or thimble shape, and has a skirt or brim attached thereto which assists with the retention of an elastomeric outer wheel to the wheel center. Special adapter plates are illustrated which, in combination with the wheel center, permits mounting to both front and rear axles of all popular all-terrain vehicles. A method of controlling water in a field using the trench wheels on a vehicle includes cultivating, planting, and traversing the field to displace earthen matter and thereby channel the field.

Abstract: Excavator drum for the production of vertical trenches, comprising a cylindrical shell (22) mounted so as to rotate about its axis of revolution and a plurality of excavating tools (28, 30) mounted on the external face of the said shell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a relatively shallow drainage ditch diagonally across crop rows, the apparatus, drawn or fitted to a tractor, incorporates a rotating cutting disk set semi-vertical and at obtuse angles to the direction of travel. The disk is adjustable in two planes and is driven either by direct drive from the tractor's PTO or by hydraulic motor. The replaceable disk is fitted with slinger plates to insure proper removal of the excavated earth. An adjustable cutting tooth is provided in front of the disk for breaking the soil prior to being cut by the rotating disk. A trailing wheel or foot skid, in conjunction with a flexible upper connection of the three point hitch, is provided to control the cutting depth of the tooth and cutting disk, thereby allowing the tooth and cutting disk to follow the contour of the earth. The apparatus is also mountable to the front of a tractor, if desired, when the disk is driven hydraulically.

Abstract: An excavating machine is provided having an L-arm assembly located between a power unit and an earth cutting device, the L-arm assembly for raising and lowering the earth cutting device. The L-arm assembly has a first arm for operable attachment to the power unit and a second arm integral with and substantially transverse to the first arm for operable attachment to the earth cutting device. The first arm of the L-arm assembly is longer than the second arm of the L-arm assembly. Hydraulic cylinders are included resulting in an earth cutting device which is held down into the ground in a positive manner so as to be more efficient in operation.

Abstract: A bucket wheel excavator has a scraper blade mounted on the bogie and whose height is independent of the raising and lowering of the bucket wheel to maintain a level track for the crawler bogie. The scraper blade can be tilted about a horizontal axis by at least one hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An ejector mechanism operates to force silt material from individual chambers in a rotating wheel of a silt removal machine. The rotating wheel removes the silt material from under a shallow body of water by collecting it in individual chambers of the rotating wheel. Since the silt material is generally soft and sticky, the ejector mechanism urges the silt material from the respective chambers as the wheel rotates. The ejector mechanism includes a rotating crank that rotates as the excavator wheel rotates and is connected by a link to an ejector arm.

Abstract: A level boom is provided for a piece of strip mining equipment traveling on caterpillar-type chassis, which piece of equipment is temporarily moved on oblique roadways during operation. The position of the boom in relation to the skeletal structure is corrected with simple means. A piece of strip mining equipment with a boom, which can be lifted and lowered and at the free end of which, e.g., a bucket wheel for picking up a load is arranged, is connected to the substructure of the piece of equipment in a pivot axis. The lifting movement is brought about by a lifting cylinder. A tilting support, which carries the boom, is arranged in the pivot axis for lifting and lowering the boom. A bolt connection is provided on one side in the pivot axis for leveling between the tilting support and the boom, and the actuating element for leveling as well as a step bearing for absorbing lateral forces which the actuating element is unable to absorb, are located on the other side.

Abstract: A ditch digger having a horizontal cutting disc with spaced and angled replaceable cutting blades housed within a circular frame and surrounded in one semicircle by a dirt blocking chain barrier and by a solid guard barrier in the other semicircle. The digger is attached to a farm tractor via a 3 point hitch and includes a power takeoff connection. The forward portion of the digger's superstructure has a pair of collapsible stands which support the digger with the rear end wheel during storage. The wheel is provided with a height adjustment device for the ditch digger and maintains the position of the ditch digger in the ditch being dug.

Abstract: An earth excavating apparatus is disclosed as operable to loosen earthen material and expel the loosened earthen material away from the apparatus. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a rotatable drum partially disposed within a housing and having a plurality teeth thereon adapted to loosen earth and direct the loosened earth into the housing as the drum rotates. A discharge fan is further disposed within the housing and is operable to expel the loosened earthen material from within the housing away from the apparatus. The apparatus may be towed by a vehicle and the rotatable drum is adjustable between a vertical transport position and an excavating position of approximately 45 degrees below horizontal. An alternate embodiment of the apparatus includes the drum/fan arrangement of the first embodiment adjustably mounted to a boom arrangement. The drum/fan arrangement may be adjustably positioned on the boom between a transport position and a variety of excavating positions.

Abstract: A vertical hole excavating machine having a cutter head comprising: a first head supported rotatably about the axis of a cylindrical shield body at the lower end of the cylindrical body and having a central space vertically extending therethrough; at least one first cutter mounted on the first head to excavate earth under the first head; a second head disposed coaxially in the central space so as to be mounted or dismounted from above, and having a cylindrical portion for receiving matter excavated by the first cutter therein and a bottom plate for closing the lower end of the cylindrical portion; and at least one second cutter mounted on the second head to excavate earth under the second head. It is characterized in that the second head is further provided with a notch to receive matter excavated by the second cutter into the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a center-line trenching system for use at the earth's surface such as on a paved street, road, highway or the like. The system includes a rubber tired drive machine movable over the earth's surface for advancing a side-by-side tandem of a earth saw and a conveyor attached to a rear surface of the drive machine. The conveyor includes a subframe and an elongated main frame. The subframe comprises a pair of longitudinally extending truss members pivotly attached to the drive machine at a first pivot axis of rotation that is fixed in elevation relative to the earth's surface. The main frame includes a pair of rail members pivotally mounted at near end regions to the truss members at a second axis of rotation, and has trailing end regions that define the remote termini of the conveyor. A hydrostatic actuator is pivotally mounted between the subframe and the main frame.

Abstract: A disc-shaped rotary cutter for continuous excavation of hard mineral rock layers according to the invention includes a supporting element having a plurality of end faces and a plurality of cutting elements formed on a circumference of the supporting element and the plurality of end faces. According to the invention, the rotary cutter provides a cylindrical compressive strength of equal to or greater than 20 MPa.

Abstract: A device for digging a trench having a vertical face and a sloping face. The device includes a rotor configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and means for moving the device in a direction of travel substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The rotor includes a longitudinal rotor member and angled end portions coupled to the longitudinal rotor member. The rotor may also include a plurality of teeth-like elements coupled to the angled end portions.

Abstract: A self propelled apparatus for digging a shallow trench along one side of a roadway is disclosed, and which is useful as part of a roadway widening operation. The apparatus comprises a cutter drum mounted to one side of the chassis of the apparatus, and a conveyor belt is mounted to the same side of the chassis with an inlet end positioned immediately adjacent the cutter drum and an elevated outlet end positioned beyond the forward end of the chassis. An enclosure surrounds the cutter drum so that the drum may be rotated in a downwardly cutting direction, and the loosened soil or other material may be lifted and guided around the drum and deposited onto the conveyor. The cutter drum includes one or more extensions which may be coaxially mounted thereto, so as to permit the width of the cutter drum and thus the width of the resulting trench to be selectively varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing and refurbishing trenches having two cutters supported on a frame. During operation of the apparatus, the cutters rotate about an axis to prepare the trench. The distance between the cutters as well as the angle of the cutters are adjustable to change the size and shape of the trench. A cover is placed over the cutters and has a remotely adjustable orientation which can be varied to select the direction of earth being projected over the side of the trench during operation. The cutters are preferably powered by dedicated motors, and include a multiplicity of blades mounted on dual levels to increase efficiency of cutting the trench.

Abstract: Towed apparatus for excavating, pulverizing, and throwing soil to halt the spread of a forest fire. The apparatus comprises two series of rotating disks mounted to a first frame, each series driven by a hydraulic motor, for loosening the soil and pulverizing it into soil particles, followed by plowshares for funneling the resulting soil particles into a mound directly in the path of a spinner rotatably secured within a housing and having a plurality of fins attached thereto that scoop portions of the soil particles from the mound and throw them through a hole in the housing. Each disk in the series of disks has teeth secured about its peripheral edge for loosening the soil, pulverizing it and cutting and grinding roots, stumps and friable rock. The first frame is connected to a wheeled second frame by hydraulic cylinders to raise and lower the first frame with respect to the soil so that the series of disks can engage and be disengaged the soil to the depth desired.

Abstract: A folding boom side-ditcher which has a two-stage chain (or belt) drive from the power take-off (PTO) of a tractor. A laterally movable counterweight is provided so the folding boom has maximum side reach without danger of upset. Hydraulic actuating cylinders are provided for moving and positioning the boom and the counterweight, which are connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor in the conventional manner. The two-stage chain (or belt) drive for operating the digger head transfers more power through a two-stage reduction sprocket system, and the digging capacity at the digger head is increased substantially. This side-ditcher is more versatile because of the flexible boom, and it is considerably less expensive than the prior hydraulic drive systems of conventional side-ditchers.

Abstract: An excavating device for scraping away the high shoulder material on the road sides. The device includes a rotating drum on which are permanently attached tooth-supports arranged in a helix. On the supports are fastened spikes and teeth, different types for different terrain. Scraped earthen material can be dispersed or windrowed and by arranging the supports on opposite helixes or by reversing rotation, the material can be dispersed or windrowed right or left of the rotating drum. A frame is employed to support the rotating drum, and the drum can be articulated to various working positions by hydraulic cylinders. A retractable hood is located above the rotor and movable deflectors are provided for material flow control. Tracer wheels facilitate control of the desirable digging depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a laser controllable ditcher drawn by a tractor to which it is attached for forming ditches, furrows and the like incorporates a cutting disk which is adjustably inclined downwardly toward the rear of its direction of travel such that its under face forms an acute angle with the ground beneath so that its leading edge cuts into the ground. The disk is driven rotationally through a speed reducer by a driveshaft extending to the ditcher from the tractor. The disk has spaced cutters at its edge which dig into the soil and cause the soil to be lifted into the path of movement of paddles or scoops on the back side of the disk which in effect throw the soil particles a considerable distance to one side of the tractor path.

Abstract: Excavation device (10) with rotary cutter having a horizontal axis, the device (10) having a support structure (11) for excavation means consisting advantageously of pairs of cutter wheels (12-112) able to rotate about their axis (13), the rotation being induced by drive means (15) and suitable transmission means, the cutter wheels (12-112) being equipped with main excavation tools (18), an excavation chain (22) bearing secondary excavation tools (23) being associated with each cutter wheel (12-112) and being actuated by a sprocket wheel (19) firmly secured (20) to the respective cutter wheel (12-112) and cooperating with a transmission means (21) secured to the support structure (11), the secondary excavation tools (23) borne by the excavation chains (22) of each pair of cutter wheels (12-112) covering almost the whole excavation face between the main excavation tools (18).

Abstract: A ditch digging and/or cleaning apparatus designed to cut a multitude of ditch profiles includes a rotating drum on which are permanently attached tooth supports. On these supports are fastened spikes and teeth, different types for different terrain. Removed ditch material can either be dispersed to the right or windrowed to the left of the rotating drum, over the far side bank or the road side bank of the ditch, by rotatably positioning the drum.A frame is employed to support the rotating drum, to position it to the various working positions and to connect it to the carrier vehicle. This frame consists of a fixed section that connects to the carrier vehicle and a rotatable section that supports the rotating drum. Also included are fixed and movable deflectors that direct the material flow to the desired direction. This frame can be attached on tractor pulled and powered carriers, or on self propelled extending boom carriers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing an impervious underground wall in which an initial excavation, filled with an excavating slurry, is made having a length L.sub.1. A milling excavator is lowered to the bottom of the initial excavation in a collapsed condition and then expanded outwardly by a linkage mechanism in the direction of the trench portion, transmitting a reaction or bearing force to a wall of the initial excavation to excavate from the bottom upwardly. The cuttings fall to the bottom of the trench and are removed by suction or an air lift. The initial excavation is thus expanded laterally from the bottom up with the excavation forces from the excavation being transmitted to the opposing wall surface. Precast concrete panels having convave sides, one concave and one convex end, are inserted into the excavation and have formations on the end to interlock with one another and serve as an excavating guide for the excavating tool.

Abstract: A powered ditch router for clearing the overgrowth from road side drainage ditches is disclosed. The router includes a power shaft, a plurality of discs attached to the shaft for rotation therewith, and a number of cutting teeth are spaced about the periphery and sides of the discs for cutting the overgrowth. The router is mountable to a tractor for operation through a ditch. The overgrowth, when cut, can be deposited along side one edge of the ditch for subsequent pickup and disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for affixing cutter drums on an apparatus designed to cut trenches in the ground.The driver includes a revolving plate 4 disposed perpendicular to its axis and to the end of the latter, the plate having on its periphery a convex polygonal shape 9. A cutter drum 8 is provided with a portion 8a including a central hollow of concave polygonal shape 10 corresponding to the convex polygonal shape 9 of the plate 4 and of slightly greater dimensions. Bolts 11 unite the cutter drum 8 to the said plate 4 such that the rotational driving of the cutter drum 8 by the plate is performed through the medium of the aforesaid polygonal surfaces 9, 10 which come into engagement with one another.

Abstract: An earth mover comprising at least one wheeled axle; a supported frame movable by the axle, said frame further including means for pushing up soil, comprising an elongate scraper blade with a ground-facing sharp longitudinal edge being substantially right-angled to the forward direction of travel of the apparatus. The apparatus is characterized by a cylindrical rotor provided at an interspace from, and in operative position above, the scraper blade, and substantially parallel thereto. It is also characterized by means for rotating the rotor in a direction from the longitudinal edge towards the upper portion of the scraper blade; and by bars mounted on the rotor. The distance from the turning circle circumference of the bars to the scraper blade decreases in the rotation direction of the rotor.

Abstract: A trenching machine that can be easily converted between push or pull type models by using same parts at the manufacturing stage, is disclosed. The machine includes a base frame having first and second surfaces, first and second ends, and sides. A motor engine and first ground engaging means are located at first end of the base frame, and second ground engaging means is located at second end thereof. A mechanism connects the motor with first ground engaging means for driving it. The second ground engaging means includes an offset portion which is positioned inside of the first ground engaging means. A digging device is cantilevered from first and second ends of the base frame, and has a portion positioned adjacent the offset portion of the second ground engaging means in front of the first ground engaging means. The base frame is open on one side and the digging device is disposed adjacent thereto. The base frame further includes a steering handle secured at the first end thereof.

Abstract: Shallow angle furrows between crop beds are reshaped and cleaned in one pass using a tractor-towed implement having angularly even-spaced cutter blades mounted in tiers on drums for rotation about generally vertical axes, perpendicular to the furrow walls on opposing, angularly adjustable decks. The blades of the lower tier are angled to cut into the wall material laterally, parallel to the wall slope, without destroying the root structure of protective sod covering. The cut material is lifted up to the upper tier blades which are offset and lagged so as to eject the cut material up and beyond the furrow wall edges following cutting, in one continuous operation. Plates and pivotal deflectors mounted at the edges of the decks, direct the discharge of cut material. A bell crank and pivotal linkage provides for hydraulically assisted raising and lowering of the apparatus from and into ground contact.

Abstract: A ditch cleaning machine is for a longitudinally extending ditch having in a vertical trapezoidal transverse cross-section a greater width at the top than at the bottom and having slanting side walls. The machine has a steerable main frame ground-supported and engine-driven to advance along the ditch. The two-wheel main frame is laterally stabilized by adjustable outrigger wheels. A pair of cleaning rotors is pivoted to the main frame and to the forward end of a longitudinal elevator trough so as to engage the ditch side walls. The elevator trough rests on a transverse roller on the main frame, and the trough and the cleaning rotors are jackknifed about a transverse axis by a hydraulic jack connected to the elevator trough and to the main frame. Conveyor flights move debris from the cleaning rotors at the ditch bottom along the elevator trough for discharge onto a transverse conveyor extendable to and discharging from either side of the main frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for digging trenches, including at least one digging wheel with a wheel framework which is connected to a vehicle by means of a mobile carriage for lowering or raising the wheel, further including: first means for causing said digging wheel to pivot about a first pivoting axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the direction of movement of the vehicle and the axis of rotation of said wheel, and second means capable of causing said wheel to pivot about a second pivoting axis orthogonal to the plane defined by said first pivoting axis and an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A trenching wheel more especially for digging trenches, of the type in which the tools are mounted on ring portions removably fixed to the periphery of said wheel. The arrangement for fixing each ring portion to the periphery of said wheel include:a first assembly of two end faces provided respectively at the ends of said ring portiona second assembly of two abutment faces fixed to the periphery of said wheel and orthogonal to the plane thereof; anda wedge shaped key insertable from outside the periphery of said wheel inwardly thereof, between an end face of said first assembly and an abutment face of said second assembly for applying the other of said end faces of said first assembly under pressure against the other of said abutment faces of said second assembly.