Abstract: The invention is a material unloader having an automatic hydraulic mechanism and frame for removably securing underneath a body of a dump truck. The mechanism has a support platform having two channels and two coupling means. The frame has a platform, a pair of longitudinal flanges coupled together by a stabilizing bracket, a plurality of cross-braces extending therebetween, and an outside surface having a plurality of rollers which are accepted into the channels of the mechanism for automatic actuation. The platform of the frame supports a chain driven conveyor assembly including an endless drive mechanism having a pair of parallel drive chains.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly for moving an object off a surface. The pick-up assembly includes a conveyor subassembly extending between lower and upper ends thereof. The conveyor subassembly includes a conveying means extending between the lower and upper ends, for moving the object to the upper end. The pick-up assembly also includes two or more engagement devices positioned proximal to the lower end of the conveyor subassembly for engaging opposite sides of the object respectively, to move the object onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a self-propelled mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: Self-unloading vehicle with hydraulic system preferably of the kind to be used for loading and unloading of cereals and grains, of varied density, size and weight. It is possible to use any kind of grains adjusting its unloading thanks to a gate or blade mechanism and to a secondary container located next to the hopper itself, and it is also possible to use said secondary container as an extra storage for a harvester machine. This vehicle comprises a second container (4) situated adjacent to the first container (1), in which wall (1a) there is an unloading mouth for the product (3).

Abstract: A material unloader has a frame for removably mounting to the side of a dump truck. The frame has a platform, a pair of longitudinal flanges coupled together by a stabilizing bracket, a plurality of cross-braces extending between the flanges, inclined side walls, a back plate and a height adjustment chain. The platform supports a chain driven conveyor assembly including an endless drive mechanism having a pair of parallel drive chains connected together by a plurality of bars. The assembly includes a lower end drivably located about a pair of drive sprockets secured to a transverse drive shaft, and an upper end trained about idler sprockets mounted on a traverse shaft. The unloader has a power train powered by a hydraulic fluid system of the dump truck, and includes a hydraulic motor, a gearbox and a driveshaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform (12) for carrying and transporting loads, with a frame (16), with a chassis (20) at the front end of the platform (12), by means of which the platform (12) is moveable, with a revolving belt (26) which is guided on a closed, endless track in the frame (16) and with a bell drive (40) for the revolving belt (26), wherein the chassis (20) can be retracted and extended in order to lower and raise the front end of the platform (12). In addition, the present invention relates to a transport device (10) with a platform (12) of the abovementioned type and a transport vehicle (14) which can be coupled thereto.

Abstract: A method of providing portable storage and a portable storage system including a vehicle for carrying a container. The vehicle includes a tilting bed carried by a wheeled carriage. A lift system tilts the bed from the carriage to load and unload the container by using a conveyor on the bed.

Abstract: A deployable set of nested ramp segments supporting a motorcycle thereon are sequentially extended or pulled in across the door edge in a carrier vehicle by sets of springs that oppose the spooling collection of a belt wound on a powered spool. Once partly extended by the springs to bring the main portion of the motorcycle to the exterior of the vehicle doorway the weight bias of the motorcycle then provides the necessary outward bias to bring it to the ground where it is released from the supporting ramp segment. On return the spooling contraction of the belt brings the motorcycle back into the vehicle.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a dump body for receiving and dispensing materials. The dump body has a first end, a second end, a first side wall and a second side wall, the dump body being pivotally secured to the chassis about a pivotal axis. A hoist device extends between the dump body and the chassis for selectively pivoting the dump body about the pivotal axis. A tailgate is pivotally secured to the first end of the dump body about a further pivotal axis for selectively permitting dumping of the materials therethrough when the dump body is pivoted about the pivotal axis. A conveyor device is disposed substantially at a bottom of the dump body and extends substantially between the first end and the second end thereof for conveying the materials along the dump body. A spreader device cooperates with the conveyor device for spreading the materials.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport and placement of fill material in trenches and for backfilling. The vehicle features a tiltable hopper connected to a central portion of a chassis which may be tilted to adjust the vehicle's center of gravity. Two conveyors deposit two independent volumes of fill material on or adjacent to a target through the positioning of one conveyor a distance from the hopper further than the other. The speed of the conveyors or the volume of fill material placed thereon may be varied to vary each respective discharged volume of material from each conveyor. The conveyors and hopper may be engaged to the base of the vehicle on a chassis that is rotatable on the base and fluid dispensers may be positioned over each conveyor to dampen the fill material.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A transporter is adapted to tip by using bilateral rams on opposite sides of a main compartment in the form of an open topped bin. The main bin is V-shaped in profile and when the trailer is tipped a conveyor underneath the bin raises an ingredient flowing from the bin. The bin is divided by flow-promoting dividers which are asymmetric in profile, each divider has a front face defined by an included angle “A” of about 34° and a rear face defined by an included angle “B” of about 75°, measured from the horizontal when the bin is in a horizontal transport position. Faces of adjacent dividers converge to a flow through passage that an ingredient flows along the V-sides of the bin and the faces directly through the flow through passages.

Abstract: A vehicle including a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The vehicle includes, at least, a chassis and a body pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge. The body is comprised of front and rear ends having upper and lower edges and first and second side walls having lower edges. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A vehicle including a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The vehicle includes, at least, a chassis and a body pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge. The body is comprised of front and rear ends having upper and lower edges and first and second side walls having lower edges. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge.

Abstract: A vehicle including a combination body for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The vehicle includes, at least, a chassis and a body pivotably secured to the chassis at a hinge. The body is comprised of front and rear ends having upper and lower edges and first and second side walls having lower edges. A hoist is provided which extends between the body and the chassis for pivoting the body about the hinge.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. An auger arrangement is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for transporting the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the auger arrangement for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A bale loading arm for use with a bale carrying vehicle includes a loading frame, a device for pivoting the loading frame, a pivot member, a device for rotating the pivot member, a bale grasper having a grasper arm and a device for rotating the grasper arm. The bale grasper includes a pair of opposed paddles, one of which is movable to receive and grasp a bale. The bale grasper, pivot member and loading frame are movable to grasp a bale lying on the ground and position it above the bale carrying vehicle where it may be released.

Abstract: A bale loading apparatus, which includes a wheeled undercarriage having front and rear ends; a deck pivotally mounted by a pivot mount to the rear end of the undercarriage for supporting a row of bales thereon; and actuating component driven by a first drive to pivot said deck between a first generally horizontal position and a second generally vertical position. The apparatus also includes forks mounted to the rear of the deck, with the forks preferably composed of tines. The forks are positionable at substantially ground level and in a generally horizontal orientation when the deck is generally vertical. A conveyor is incorporated within the deck to convey a bale from the rear end of the deck to the front end thereof. A drive component is provided to drive the conveyor.

Abstract: A self-loading vehicle for moving cotton modules or bulk materials such as compost or cotton burrs. The vehicle utilizes a chain conveyor system on a tiltable bed. Long conveyor bars or lugs are attached horizontally to the chains to aid in gripping the material being moved. The chains lie in valleys in the bed, and are separated by ridges. The ridges and valleys help to channel loose bulk material toward the moving chains. Vanes or scrapers on the bottom of the horizontal bars assist in scraping small portions of loose bulk material out of the vehicle. A multi-position spreader on the rear of the bed may be moved down into a position to disperse bulk material, such as fertilizer or compost being spread onto an agricultural field. The spreader is moved up and out of the way for loading bulk material. The vehicle with spreader removed or positioned in its uppermost position is also utilized as a vehicle for transportation of cotton modules.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second curved side wall. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. A conveyor is disposed within the body and extends between the first and second ends thereof for conveying the materials along the body. The tailgate defines an opening which co-operates with the conveyor for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from the opening is permitted.

Abstract: A combined dump truck and spreader apparatus is disclosed for selectively dumping and spreading materials. The apparatus includes a truck chassis and a body for receiving and dispensing the materials. The body has a first and a second end and a first and second side. The body is secured to the chassis and a tailgate is secured to the first end of the body. A first and second conveyor are disposed within the body and extend between the first and second ends thereof for conveying the materials along the body. The tailgate defines a first and a second opening which co-operate respectively with the first and the second conveyor for permitting the flow therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that selective spreading and dumping of the materials from at least one of the openings is permitted. A sloping guide extends between the conveyors for guiding the materials towards the conveyors.

Abstract: A dynamic landfill recycling system has wheels attachable to a plurality of refuse processing sections in one or more semi-trailer or other vehicular units. A refuse receiving section has a dump bed or one or more vehicular refuse bins to accept new refuse from refuse trucks or optionally to accept old refuse from old refuse sites for processing, A primary conveyor belt is slanted upwardly towards a vibratory feeder. The primary conveyor is rotated rapidly to throw the refuse in an arc onto the vibratory feeder where the throwing action causes the refuse to spread out as it falls. The vibratory feeder is slanted downwardly at an angle which causes vibrated refuse to fall towards a bottom end and a bag cutter that is positioned above and intermediately between ends of the vibratory feeder to further expose and scatter the refuse on the vibratory feeder. A magnetic separator belt conveys the scattered refuse upwardly to a magnetic pulley wheel which separates ferrous from non-ferrous materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting on the back of a dump truck or the like to distribute material discharged from said truck to a variably selected position is disclosed wherein a chute assembly is connectable to the tailgate of the dump truck and provides a range of movement of the apparatus in a vertical direction through pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and a range of movement of the apparatus in a horizontal direction through a swing ring. The apparatus incorporates an endless conveyor having a downwardly deflected portion to receive material from the chute assembly and convey the material to a discharge opening for projection to a selected location. A constraining member restricts the material to the central portion of the conveyor to minimize the spreading of the material being discharged from the conveyor.

Abstract: A stone slinger option for a standard dump truck includes a swing arm pivotally connectable to the truck's chassis, an elongated frame pivotally connected to the swing arm and mounting an endless conveyor belt therein, and drive means for independently moving the swing arm and the frame. The frame can be moved from a stowed travel position adjacent the truck's chassis, below the dump body, to a rearwardly extending position in which it can receive material from the dump body for delivery to a dump site remote from the truck. The truck can operate in its standard dump mode or as a stone slinger, reducing costs at construction sites since additional, specialized stone slinger delivery vehicles will not be required.

Abstract: A conversion kit for converting a lightweight dump truck into a sand and salt spreader, wherein a compact second dump body is provided which can be inserted in the first dump body. The second dump body has a first sub-frame overlying the floor of the first dump body and a second sub-frame pivotable about a longitudinal axis over the first sub-frame having a side wall along one edge and a conveyor extending along the hinge axis. A first piston and cylinder extends between the edge of the first sub-frame and the upper edge of the side wall of the second sub-frame to initiate the pivoting travel of the second sub-frame. The second piston and cylinder extends between a median point of the first sub-frame and the outer edge of the second sub-frame to continue the pivoting travel of the second sub-frame.

Abstract: A material handling system includes a hopper assembly for mounting on a vehicle bed. The hopper assembly has a rear leg for mounting on a rear end wall of the vehicle bed and a side leg for mounting on a sidewall of the vehicle bed. The hopper legs intersect at a corner which can be mounted adjacent to a rear corner of a vehicle bed. The hopper assembly includes an interior with a lowest point in the hopper assembly corner. A conveyor assembly includes a proximate end received in the hopper side leg and extending to the hopper corner. The conveyor assembly can be adjustably mounted on the vehicle bed sidewall for discharging material to various locations alongside the vehicle.

Abstract: A material transfer machine includes a slat conveyor of substantially the width of a feed hopper of a paving machine. The slat conveyor is supported by caster wheels to be disposed at an incline having a material intake end at a lower end thereof and a discharge end at the opposite upper end of the conveyor. The slat conveyor is mounted to a leading edge of the paving machine such that the upper discharge end is disposed above the feed hopper of the paving machine. A hopper is disposed ahead of the lower intake end of the slat conveyor, supported by a frame which is pivotably attached at a rear end thereof along the sides of the slat conveyor to an understructure thereof. The front end of the frame is supported by caster wheels, such that the frame is capable of joint movement with the conveyor and the paving machine while supporting pivotal movement in a vertical plane in response to grande changes of a base grade.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus that can be attached to the rear of a truck or the like. The conveyor belt apparatus of the present invention may be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal plates either during operation or when at rest. This versatility in movement assures that the materials discharged by the conveyor are placed in specific locations. The conveyor is stored in the vertical position at the rear of the truck or vehicle to which it is attached. The speed of the motor on the conveyor apparatus may be adjusted to accommodate any number of applications. The whole apparatus is hydraulically controlled, and the hydraulics can be connected with the hydraulic system provided on a truck. The conveyor is provided with a cover to avoid injury to persons by stray particles. The cover also assures that materials will not be lost along the path to the end of the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: A crop transporter comprising a main frame, a bin support frame attached to the main frame and a bin connected to the bin support frame. An elevator has an entrance area located in the forward portion of the bin with the elevator extending forwardly and upwardly from the entrance area to a discharge area. A cross conveyor is located substantially normal to the elevator and below and adjacent to the discharge area of the elevator. The cross conveyor is connected to the bin support frame and is movable therewith.

Abstract: A lightweight salt and sand spreader dump truck box having a first sub-frame with elongated longitudinal channel members formed from sheet metal and a conveyor frame on which a conveyor is mounted longitudinally of the dump box at the floor thereof near a side wall of the dump box, wherein the conveyor frame is integral with the sub-frame. A second sub-frame is pivoted about a longitudinal axis adjacent the conveyor frame on the opposite side from the first side frame member and includes a wall member which, when in a down position, is flush with a side frame member of the first sub-frame.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled fully operational loose bulk material slinger in a vehicle equipped to be driven. A slinger and hopper is mounted on a chassis supported by a triangular arrangement of road wheels. Individual powering of two road wheels, one on each side of the chassis, allows self-powered mobility and the road wheels can be steered for directional release of a material being stockpiled. A third small road wheel attached to swivel, balances the vehicle and can be retracted and extended to angle the vehicle for increasing and decreasing trajectory height of material being stockpiled. An engine and a hydraulic system provides mobility and mechanical adjustability to the vehicle. A stand-on control station allows the slinger vehicle according to the invention to be fully controlled by a single operator.

Abstract: A new and improved dump truck having an integrated spreader system which permits the truck to be readily converted between a normal dump mode of operation and a spreader mode of operation. The integrated spreader system comprises a longitudinally extending conveyor structurally integrated into the bottom structure of the dump body of the truck and a spreader mounted on the truck frame at the rear of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting and unloading a container (10, 10A) carrying particulate lading which is removably mounted on a tiltable support frame (76, 76A) pivotally mounted on a highway trailer (54, 54A). At the unloading site, a portable throttle valve assembly (108, 108A) and flexible connecting hose (166, 166A) are connected to the container (10, 10A) and the container (10, 10A) is tilted by the support frame (76, 76A) to an angle above the angle of repose of the lading for gravity unloading of the lading from the container (10, 10A) in to a trailer mounted rotary valve (148, 148A) which forms an air lock over a subjacent pneumatic hopper structure (144, 144A) for pneumatic conveyance of the lading to a storage facility.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus in combination with a tipping body, such as a tipping truck, the body of which is tiltable between a horizontal position and an inclined position includes at least one removable module mounted on the tipping body and provided with two passages. The tipping body includes a container filled with a material and divided into two storage regions communicating with the two passages, respectively, of the container. The module also includes a storage tank and two screw conveyors located at the ends of the passages to convey the material in the passages to respective outlets.

Abstract: A dump truck accessory is attached to the rear of a dump truck and serves to accurately deposit asphalt, sand, gravel or other material being hauled therein is provided. The preferred embodiment consists of a lateral conveyor belt combined with an end gate, which allows the operator to deposit the desired amount of material in a pile at the side of the truck, when the dump truck is stationary or in an elongated strip when the dump truck is moving. A uniquely designed leveling rod connects the accessory to the dump truck frame, and serves to maintain the conveyor belt in a functional attitude.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading bulk material, particularly asphalt and the like, from the deck (3) of a load-carrying vehicle, and spreading the material (49) over ground (37) contiguous to the vehicle, includes a spreader unit connectable for support to the rear end of the deck (3). The unit comprises a part (5) arranged for connection to the end of the deck for receiving material from the deck, and with the aid of a transverse conveyor (7) to give this material a suitably agitated or comminuted state and convey it further, and a cantilever arm-like conveyor (9), adapted at its first end to receive the material conveyed according to the above and at its second free end to discharge received material, the conveyor (9) being controllably swivelably suspended (at 11) at said first end, so that it can be caused to sweep over ground (37) contiguous to the vehicle, thereby to spread the discharged material (49) over said ground.

Abstract: A dump truck body capable of dumping to either the right or left side or to the rear of the truck. The truck further includes a sand, salt or gravel spreader fed by a longitudinal auger running longitudinally from the front to rear of the truck body on either the left or right-hand side. The auger is fed by the side tilting of the dump body. The overall height of the truck is maintained at a minimum while in operation through the utilization of side-tilted spreading, as opposed to rearward-tilted spreading.

Abstract: An auger support arrangement for attachment to a sidewall of a truck box enables the auger to be moved from a storage position alongside the sidewall to an operating position parallel to the tailgate and cooperating with an aperture in the tailgate. A separate hopper can be permanently attached to the tailgate with the auger having a flight which engages a drive coupling of polygonal shape of a drive motor attached to the hopper. The support includes an arm pivotally mounted on the sidewall with a swivel coupling on the free end of the arm. The arm allows the swivel to move from a position midway along the sidewall and at a mid height of the sidewall to a position at the top rear corner of the sidewall.

Abstract: An auger-hopper construction for mounting at the tailgate of a truck includes a pair of hoppers, one of which is stationarily and removably mounted to the truck, and the second of which is pivotally mounted to the first hopper adjacent an opening in the bottom of the first hopper. The second hopper also includes an opening adjacent its bottom at which an auger tube is swivelly mounted. The auger tube, by virtue of the pivotal and swivel mountings is pivotable in a 90.degree. arc in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pivotal movement and is swivelable in a 180.degree. arc in a plane which is parallel to the axis of the pivotal movement.

Abstract: Auger-hopper constructions for mounting to an inclinable body of a truck at the tailgate of the truck includes a pair of hoppers, one of which is stationarily and removably mounted to the truck, and the second of which is pivotally mounted to the first hopper adjacent an opening in the bottom of the first hopper. The second hopper also includes an opening adjacent its bottom at which an auger tube is swivelly mounted. The auger tube, by virtue of the pivotal and swivel mountings, is pivotable in a 90.degree. arc in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the pivotal movement and is swivelable in a 180.degree. arc in a plane which is parallel to the axis of the pivotal movement. Both the first and second hopper are dimensioned and positioned such that no portion of either of the hoppers extends substantially beneath a plane defined by the bottom of the inclinable body of the truck.

Abstract: The self-propelled load carrying vehicle includes a vehicle framework supported by road wheels, and railroad wheels are mounted on the framework and are movable up and down with respect to the framework for supporting the vehicle from the railroad track. The rear road wheels propel the vehicle along the track. A sub-frame is rotatably mounted on the vehicle framework about an upwardly extending axis, and dump body is pivotally mounted on the sub-frame about an approximately horizontal axis. A conveyor is mounted to the rear end of the sub-frame and rotates with the sub-frame and dump body and receives the load from the dump body when the dump body is tilted and progressively urges the load on beyond the rear opening of the dump body.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for unloading melamine powder from a bulk shipping or transporting containers. The apparatus is comprised of a uniquely designed portable hopper or discharge chute provided at its discharge end with a rotary pump that is removably attachable to a tiltable bulk container. The process of unloading the bulk container involves the creating of a particular shaped flow from the bulk container so that bridging and other flow problems associated with flowing melamine powder does not occur.

Abstract: A device for spreading particulate material from a vehicle mounted dump bed includes a hopper device mounted transversely across a material discharge end of the dump bed and a broadcast spreader beneath one end of the hopper device. The hopper device includes first and second spaced end walls, a fixed back wall between the end walls, and an elongated auger extending between the end walls arranged to be rotated about an axis parallel to the back wall. Rotation of the auger causes particulate material entering the hopper device to be moved toward one end wall beneath which the broadcast spreader is located. Spreading through, dumping over, and cleaning of the hopper device are possible as a result of an independent cover member extending between the end walls and movable between three corresponding positions.

Abstract: An improved reciprocatory self-loading dual-ended earth excavation vehicle pivotally connected to two or more unmanned self-leveling and self-maneuvering telescopic conveyor vehicles, the latter in turn are pivotally connected to a multi-function dual-ended distribution vehicle capable of conveying, spreading, wetting, impacting and grading the earth fill. The above-mentioned articulated vehicles provide the means to excavate, convey and discharge a virtually continuous flow of earth while traveling in a forward or rearward direction. The excavation and telescopic conveyor vehicles are readily adaptable to surface mining of various minerals including coal and oil shale by simply exchanging the above-mentioned distribution vehicle for a pivotally connected boom conveyer vehicle which provides the means for discharging the ore at a mill site or for the loading of long haul ore carriers.