Abstract: A ditching method and apparatus wherein an excavator wheel provided with an annular array of peripheral scoops is rotated about a horizontal axis while the wheel is moved along the terrain alongside a railroad track. The axis of rotation of the wheel is positioned selectively to be disposed within the range of perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the track to substantially parallel thereto, whereby the scoops excavate a ditch correspondingly in the range of a narrow trench having a width equal to the transverse extent of the scoops to a wide ditch having a profile corresponding generally to the circumference of the wheel. The wheel is carried on the distal end of a boom having the opposite end mounted to a wheeled support. The wheels are carried on suitable trucks adjustably connected to the support to permit leveling of the support. In one form, the wheel is reversibly rotated and provided with double-ended scoops to permit excavation in either direction of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: An improved torsional limiting device and associated control system are incorporated in a large scale trencher between the power source and the cutting wheel to provide for protection of the equipment components in the event the cutting wheel encounters unforeseen obstructions. The control system provides for prompt and variable adjustment by the operator of the amount of torque transmitted to downstream components and also provides for the prompt and easy resumption of the trenching operation after an obstruction has been encountered.

Abstract: A laterally-extending boom (1) is of a box-constructed type, and has two right angle drive gear units (19, 28) installed at either end, the first of which (19) in receipt of drive transmitted by a cardan shaft (17) from the tractor power take-off (18) which it relays through the boom via a transmission consisting of a first cardan shafts (22) and a second cardan shaft (23) and an intermediate shaft (21) journalled to the boom structure; the second cardan shaft (23) drives the second right angle gear unit, the output shaft of which drives a further cardan linkage providing the final connection to the gearbox of the trench digger (32).

Abstract: A bucket wheel loader, especially a bridging equipment or loader, for bulk material dumps or piles. The loader is equipped with several bucket wheels which are movable along the front of a pile. The axes of rotation of the bucket wheels are arranged so as to have planes of rotation of the bucket wheels extend approximately transverse relative to the front of a pile of bulk material; the axes of rotation are disposed one above the other in a permanent correlation. The upper bucket wheel or wheels are expediently associated with a boom which is adjustable in relation to the front of a pile.

Abstract: A prime mover (A) has an arm assembly (B) pivotally connected thereto. A cutting assembly (C) is operatively connected with the arm assembly to be positioned thereby. The arm assembly is connected to the tractor to pivot about both vertical and horizontal axes such that the cutting means is positionable fore-and-aft as well as up and down. A hydraulic control circuit (D) controls the position of the arm assembly. The control circuit includes a first through-rod-type hydraulic cylinder (60) which includes a piston (62) slidably disposed therein to divide the cylinder into two equidiameter chambers (64, 66). A through-rod (68) is connected with the piston and extends through both chambers of the cyylinder. The hydraulic cylinder and the piston rod each have the same diameter in both chambers such that as the piston moves, one of the chambers draws the same amount of fluid as the other chamber discharges.

Abstract: In a machine for treatment of tree thinning residues and logging slash of the type having free-swinging flails pivotably connected to rotatable support structures at a pivot point, the improvement is made wherein each flail comprises a cutting blade containing the effective center of mass of said flail, and a plurality of side arms connected at one end of said cutting blade and having at the other end means for pivotal connection to said rotatable support structure, said means for pivotal connection being located on said rotatable support structure and the length of said arms being such that the distance R from the axis of rotation of said rotatable support structure to said pivot point, and the distance L from said pivot point to said flails effective center of mass having the following relationship:R/L=n/2where n is any integer from 1 to 5.

Abstract: A trench excavator has a raisable and lowerable boom swingable about a vertical axis on the self-propelled chassis which is mounted on tracks. The boom carries a cutting head which is swingable about a horizontal axis at the free end of the boom so that the excavator tool can be inclined downwardly toward the chassis. According to the invention, the inclination of the cutting head is measured and the measurement is used to control the drive for the track.

Abstract: An excavating and loading system is disclosed which includes a vehicle with an excavating wheel assembly at the front and a plurality of conveyors toward the rear. The excavating wheel assembly comprises three excavating wheels having an overall width in excess of that of the remainder of the system. Each excavating wheel includes a plurality of digging buckets each comprising a wall supported for pivotal movement between a material receiving position and a material dumping position. The excavating wheel assembly is supported for vertical movement to vary the grade angle of the excavation made by the system, and a moldboard is linked to the excavating wheel assembly for movement therewith. Hydraulic cylinders may be utilized to vary the wheel assembly support provided by the moldboard in accordance with the material being excavated. The conveyors of the excavating and loading system include cross conveyors and a main conveyor for receiving material from the excavating wheels.

Abstract: An excavating and loading system includes an excavating wheel assembly at the front thereof and a plurality of conveyors for conveying the material from the excavating wheel assembly upward and rearwardly. The excavating wheel assembly includes at least one excavating wheel which is angularly disposed with respect to the direction of travel to form an excavation and has digging surfaces on the forward extending end of the excavating wheel. The wheel forms an excavation wider than the following portion of the system. A supporting and housing apparatus rotatably supports the excavating wheel means from the vehicle. Apparatus is provided for raising, lowering and/or tilting the supporting and housing apparatus to position the excavation wheel assembly to thereby vary the excavation. The excavation wheel is provided with means for positively moving the walls of a plurality of buckets between material receiving and material discharging positions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a trenching machine construction of vehicular type, having a wheeled chassis for travel movement with frames connected thereto, whereby trenching means supported by said frames are adjustable vertically, transversely and angularly with respect thereto, the weight of the means being shiftable longitudinally for such travel movement, means and power for effecting such adjustments being provided.