Abstract: A retrofittable lifting apparatus for use on an articulated robotically controlled device is disclosed. The lifting apparatus includes a structure for mating the apparatus to the robotic device and a mechanism for the remotely controlled lifting of an ordnance or other object. Actuation of the lifting mechanism may be provided by existing sources of motion on the robotic device, or by additional sources of motion attached to the robotic device.

Abstract: A goods-to-person picking station and method of picking goods from a product container and placing the goods in at least one order container includes a product container-handling mechanism and at least one order container-handling mechanism juxtaposed with the product container-handling mechanism. The product container-handling mechanism supplies a product container to a pick area. The at least one order container-handling mechanism supplies at least one order container to the pick area. In this manner, an operator can pick goods from a product container at the pick area and place the goods selectively to the at least one order container at the pick area. The product container-handling mechanism includes a product container elevator assembly and a product container extractor assembly. The elevator assembly elevates a product container from the feed area to the pick area. The extractor assembly transfers a product container from the pick area.

Abstract: A robot and robot system that are capable of functioning in a zero-gravity environment are provided. The robot can include a body having a longitudinal axis and having a control unit and a power source. The robot can include a first leg pair including a first leg and a second leg. Each leg of the first leg pair can be pivotally attached to the body and constrained to pivot in a first leg pair plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of a front boom body rotated downward. In a state that the bosses and the hooks are engaged with each other, a scooping action is performed so as to match pin holes thereof. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that in a state that an angle between both boom bodies is a maximum angle at the time of work, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other and a distance between the hooks and the bosses is increased as the angle is reduced from the maximum angle.

Abstract: A vehicle supported mine item positioning apparatus for placing, for example, heavy mining conveyor belt items such as roller assemblies, conveyor frame side rails, frame sections or the like in precise positions for attachment to other conveyor structure, wherein the vehicle can get into cramped quarters in the mine alongside the conveyor and extend, retract, rotate and further manipulate an item pick-up crane mounted on the vehicle, whereby the crane with item pick-up means mounted on an end thereof can pick up and place, e.g., a roller assembly in a precise position and posture on a conveyor frame for making said attachment, and further in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is provided with second crane means for lifting a moving conveyor belt off of a roller assembly for replacement of said assembly with or without stopping the belt, whereby worker lifting and manipulation of heavy roller assemblies or other heavy mining structures is eliminated.

Abstract: A blade handling apparatus includes a mount frame; a stinger boom carried by the mount frame; and a lift block assembly including a lift block carried by the stinger boom; a pair of rod housings carried by the lift block; a pair of push rods slidably carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively; and a pair of blade lock pins carried by the pair of rod housings, respectively, and engaged by the pair of push rods, respectively.

Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.

Abstract: An apparatus generally comprising a prime mover; a push frame mounted on the prime mover for pivotal movement about body transverse axis; a cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting the prime mover and the push frame for pivoting the push frame about such axis; and a boom pivotally mounted on the prime mover for movement about a transverse axis, and extending forwardly, including a base section having a portion supportable on a surface of the prime mover when the boom is in an inoperative position and an extendable section supportable on the coupler when in an extended, operable condition, having a device for detachably connecting the implement to the extendable section.

Abstract: A working rod with a tip end extending into a vacuum process chamber and moving in the axial direction, two static-pressure gas bearings supporting the rod in the non-contact manner, and an internal moving body of a magnet coupling type driving mechanism driving the rod are housed in a rod housing cylindrical portion leading to the vacuum process chamber, and an exhaust portion by suction is provided at a part of the rod housing cylindrical portion so that the pressure of the rod housing cylindrical portion is lowered than the pressure of the vacuum process chamber by the exhaust from the exhaust portion.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having an operator compartment attached to a frame. Lift assemblies are movably mounted to the frame and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. As the lift assemblies are moved between the retracted position and the extended position, joining plates, first links and second links are positioned behind the operator compartment to provide a better field of vision for the operator.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vegetation-cutting unit is mountable on an all-terrain vehicle or other suitable vehicle. The propelling vehicle has an undercarriage frame, on which the support assembly is suspended. An undercarriage support bar is configured for detachable mounting on the undercarriage frame and an elongated lift arm is pivotally secured to the undercarriage support bar. A free end of the lift arm has a U-shaped yoke, which is secured to the vegetation-cutting unit. The bent aspect of the lift arm allows vegetation cutting along a steep slope.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a substrate support within a processing chamber is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for positioning a substrate support includes a yoke comprising a curved surface with a first slot formed therethrough, a base comprising a first surface adapted to support the substrate support and a curved second surface, wherein the curved second surface mates with the curved surface of the yoke and a first slot is formed through the curved second surface of the base, and a first threaded member disposed through the first slot in the yoke and the first slot in the base.

Abstract: A reinforced cab riser adapter, which adapts to standard roll-over protection structure (ROPS) to a swing frame on a hydraulic excavator resulting in improved rollover load bearing capacity, is disclosed. This invention is also retrofit-able and can be universally adapted to a wide variety of swing frames without cutting or welding of the base machine. The present invention relates to safety features with respect to attaching a cab to a frame on load bearing vehicles.

Abstract: A working machine (1) includes a frame (3), a body section (2) mounted to the frame (3) for pivotal movement about a vertical axis, a boom unit (7) having a plurality of booms, including a basal boom (7a), telescopically extendable from and retractable to one another. A support arm (14) is mounted to the body section (2) for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. An end of the support arm (14) is coupled with the basal boom (7a). The basal boom (7a) is pivotable relative to the support arm (14) about a horizontal axis. A first hydraulically operable device extends from the body section (2) to the basal boom (7a) for pivoting the basal boom (7a) relative to the support arm (14) about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for handling wellbore tools. In one aspect, a method of placing wellbore tools at a wellsite is provided. The method includes the step of providing a storage and deployment system at the wellsite. The method further includes the step of loading the wellbore tools in a basket. The method also includes the step of placing the basket loaded with the wellbore tools on the storage and deployment system. Further, the method includes the step of moving the basket with the wellbore tools from a loading position to a deployment position. Additionally, the method includes the step of removing one of the wellbore tools from the basket and positioning the wellbore tool for deployment into a wellbore. In another aspect, a storage and deployment system for loading or unloading wellbore tools at a wellsite is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method of removing wellbore tools at a wellsite is provided.

Abstract: The lift arm of a skid steer loader according to the present invention has a simple structure. A pair of left and right lift arms each has a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion is made as an elongated member from components made from plate metal or the like, and its base end is rotatably fitted to a support portion which projects upwards at a rear portion of the main body of the loader. In this second arm portion, a connection portion, an attachment fitting portion, a horizontal load bearing portion, and an actuator fitting portion and so on are integrally formed as one member from cast metal. Furthermore, a hollow portion is formed in the interior of this second arm portion, extending from an approximately intermediate portion thereof to its base end.

Abstract: A double-arm working machine has an upper swing structure, an operator cabin, left swing post and right swing post provided in front of the upper swing structure, and a left work front A and right work front B provided on the left swing post and the right swing post, respectively, such that the work fronts A, B each sway vertically. An interference prevention controller generates an output signal to swing the swing posts 7a, 7b pursuant to a differential angle between the left and right work fronts A, B and to a command signal from an operating device. A differential angle range in which the left and right work fronts A, B are likely to come into contact with each other is defined as an interference danger area (N), and an assigned differential-angle range contiguous to the interference danger area is defined as a semi-interference danger area.

Abstract: Loading device using a pendular movement for the displacement of cargo. The loading device consists of a pole (2) and a cable (6), which may be attached to a winch (5). The pole may be telescopic enabling the loading device to obtain different heights.

Abstract: A bifurcated connection portion is formed on one of an upper rotating body and a boom foot, a flat plate connection portion inserted into the bifurcated connection portion is formed on the other, and pin holes are provided in both the connection portions. A boom foot pin attachment and detachment apparatus is to insert a boom foot pin into both the pin holes aligned, and provided with a cylinder bracket attached to an inner piece of the bifurcated connection portion enabling the boom foot pin to move between an insertion position inside the pin holes and a pull out position outside the pin holes, a slide plate slidably provided on the cylinder bracket, a hydraulic cylinder attached to the plate with a piston rod thereof connected to the boom foot pin, and a regulation plate for selectively regulating sliding of the slide plate or movement of the boom foot pin at a predetermined time.

Abstract: A transfer device for transporting parts includes a rotatable stand including first and second angularly spaced arms secured to the stand and able to rotate between a first location where parts are installed on the first arms and a second location where the parts are removed from the first arms, and actuators for raising and lowering the arms.

Abstract: A turret mounted compact tool carrier. The tool carrier is a small, ride-on machine. The tracked substructure is connected to the upper section of the machine by a 360 degree turret, which allows the upper section of the machine to face any direction, independent of the direction of the tracks. The distance between the tracks is adjustable, depending on particular application. An operator rides on a platform at the back of the upper section, while a work tool is connected to the front of the upper section. Thus, the operator always maintains a line-of-sight parallel to the direction of operation of the work tool, resulting in a greater degree of safety. The machine has lift arms that are extendable, allowing the work tool to be pushed without operating the tracks. These features give the tool carrier the ability to fully operate in narrow spaces and with limited operation of the tracks, resulting in more efficient use and less ground damage than traditional skid loaders.

Abstract: A vehicle lifting and stowing “VLS” system compactly stores a vehicle by lifting and tilting it vertically. The VLS can be attached to a fixed structure for compactly storing a vehicle, or mounted to the aft end of a host vehicle, such as a motor home, for vertically mounting and transporting a smaller vehicle with the host vehicle. The VLS includes a main frame and two rotatable extensions hingedly joined end-to-end. The first extension is rotated by a drive mechanism while the second section maintains attachment to the vehicle, thereby lifting first one end of the vehicle and then the entire vehicle above grade. Some embodiments also include a pulling strap. Positioning of the vehicle above the extensions can automatically cause the second extension to contact and attach to the vehicle. Embodiments include alignment and/or support pins. Some embodiments include latches that hold the extensions together in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: In a chip transferring apparatus a wafer (44) and a lead frame (50) are positioned. A first chip (42) is picked up from the wafer (44) by a transfer head (14; 40a-40d) in a chip pick-up position, while bonding a second chip to the lead frame (50) by another transfer head in a chip bonding position. The first chip (42) is then transferred by said one of the transfer heads from the chip pick-up position to the chip bonding position. Next, the first chip (42) is bonded on the lead frame (50) by said one of the transfer heads (14; 40a-40d) in the chip bonding position, while another one of the transfer heads picks up a third chip from the wafer (44) in the chip pick-up position. Each transfer head (14; 40a-40d) comprises a collet (66a-66d) which, through a mechanical coupling, is coupled to another collet for compensating radial forces exerted on the collet relative to said axis of rotation.

Abstract: On the laterally opposite side of an upper frame constructing an upper rotating body to a cabin, are installed devices in a state that a pin insertion and removal space sufficient for inserting and removing a boom foot pin in the axial direction is ensured, and in a bracket provided in the pin insertion and removal space, is provided a pin guide in a square tube shape for guiding the boom foot pin in the insertion and removal direction.

Abstract: A soil extraction system attachable to and powered by a mobile machine.

Abstract: Disclosed are skids steer loaders and vibratory roller attachments embodiments in which an improved variable isolator is provided to isolate the skid steer loader, and thus the operator of the loader, from the severity of the vibrations in the vibratory roller. The vibratory roller attachment includes a frame configured to be mounted to the skid steer loader. A drum is supported by the frame, and an eccentric weight is positioned within the drum. A plurality of variable isolators couple the drum to the frame to provide isolation of the skid steer loader from vibrations of the vibratory roller. The plurality of variable isolators each have a non-cylindrical exterior shape. The non-cylindrical shape can include an exterior surface having curved end portions separated by a substantially linear middle portion to allow for improved deflection of the variable isolators, and thus improved vibration isolation between the attachment and the skid steer loader.

Abstract: A slat replacement machine having an elongated rectangular frame supported at each end by a tracked drive unit which provides zero turn capability to the machine. A pair of outrigger assemblies is provided at the forward end of the frame and a pair of outrigger assemblies is provided at the rearward side of the frame. The outrigger assemblies may be pivotally moved from a stowed position adjacent the frame to an outwardly extending position. A telescopic boom is pivotally mounted on the upper end of a rotatable pedestal which extends upwardly from the center of the frame. Various components of the machine such as hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors are radio controlled.

Abstract: A holding structure associated with a lifting device for supporting a removed turbine engine cover plate assembly. The holding structure includes an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper support member is formed with a plurality of service areas, where each service area is configured for servicing a cover plate assembly. Each service area includes a plurality of slots extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the upper support member to receive and support components of the cover plate assembly during a disassembly and service operation.

Abstract: An attachment used in conjunction with a backhoe or track hoe to convert it into a machine to unload ties off of railroad cars. Two pins on an upper end of the attachment secure it to the distal end of the working arm of the backhoe or track hoe so that a front edge of the attachment point toward the backhoe or track hoe. Upper ends of four c-shaped members attached to an upper plate on the upper end of the attachment. Opposite lower ends of each of the four spaced apart c-shaped members are flattened on upper and lower surfaces into a point. A lower plate is secured to the upper surfaces of the lower ends of the c-shaped members to form the front edge. Support bars secure between adjacent c-shaped members and openings are provided in the c-shaped members to reduce weight while maintaining strength.

Abstract: A skid steer loader comprises: a main frame assembly (1); a boom assembly (2); a pair of right and left travel assemblies (3); a cabin (4) mounted so as to be capable of being tilted; an engine (5) located so as to be oriented in a longitudinal direction and at a location closer to a rear; a hydrostatic transmission (8) and an oil pump (9) connected to a front portion of the engine (5). A utility space is defined between the oil pump (9) and a bottom (1a) of the main frame assembly (1). A fuel tank (6) and a hydraulic tank (7) are located on the bottom of the main frame assembly (1) and to one lateral side and to the other lateral side respectively of the engine (5) and forwardly of the engine (5) in a vicinity of the oil pump (9). At least one of the fuel tank (6) and the hydraulic tank (7) has a laterally extending portion that projects into the utility space.

Abstract: A safety interlock system including a rotatable lever operably connected to a lift component and to a load supporting component of a mechanical manipulator, where the rotatable lever is biased in a first rotational direction, and is configured to rotate in an opposite rotational direction in response to a lifting force applied by the lift component. The safety interlock system also includes a locking component configured to engage a support frame of the mechanical manipulator based on a rotational position of the rotatable lever.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a working arm member, a workpiece placement unit, and a driving device. The workpiece placement unit includes a base seat coupled to the working arm member, and a hollow supporting rod with a suction unit. The supporting rod extends from the base seat, is adapted for supporting a workpiece thereon, and defines a passage therethrough. The supporting rod is made of a composite material including a hollow rod structure having at least one fibrous layer that is made of resin-impregnated carbon prepreg, and an outer covering layer made of fiberglass material and covering an outer surface of the hollow rod structure. The driving device is coupled to the working arm member, is operable to drive the working arm member for moving the workpiece placement unit, and is further operable for extracting air from the passage so that the workpiece supported by the supporting rod is held in position by the suction unit.

Abstract: A control apparatus for material handling vehicle, the control apparatus having an operator control moveable in a first direction. A first actuator controls a first part of the material handling vehicle and a second actuator controls a second part of material handling vehicle. The control apparatus includes a mechanical link moveable between a first position to connect the operator control to the first actuator and a second position to connect the operator control to the second actuator such that movement of the operator control in the first direction causes selective operation of the first actuator or the second actuator.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a manipulator that is relatively compact and has a relatively large range of motion. The manipulator includes a linkage that folds back on itself, which reduces the footprint of the linkage. In a particular embodiment, the manipulator includes a linkage and a load balancing device. The linkage includes a first link, a second link, a third link and a fourth link. The first link and second links are rotatably connected to a base about first and second connection axes. The third and fourth links are connected to the first and second links respectively about third and fourth connection axes respectively. The third and fourth links are rotatably connected to a lift arm about fifth and sixth connection axes respectively, wherein the fifth and sixth connection axes are horizontally displaced from the third and fourth connection axes in the direction of the first and second connection axes.

Abstract: A self-propelled robot is used to handle explosive charges and is of the type that is remote controlled by a control console. The robot can be used to handle explosive devices and charges as well as perform special, dangerous operations. The self-propelled robot includes a chassis, and two laterally spaced-apart endless tracks having adjustable lateral spacing, and an adjustable-length scraper disposed at the front thereof. The robot also includes an articulated arm having a first segment which takes the form of a fork that is actuated by a pair of cylinders and which terminates in a clamp. The articulated arm is foldable between an extended position and a folded condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift arm assembly includes a lift arm, a lift cylinder raising and lowering the lift arm, a lift arm stop, and a stowing mechanism. The stowing mechanism automatically retains the lift arm stop in a stowed position in response to the lift arm stop moving into the stowed position. The lift arm stop is movable into a locked position in which the stop resists substantial actuation of the lift cylinder from an extended condition, and thereby resists substantial lowering of the lift arm from a raised position. The lift arm stop may include a slot and pin arrangement to permit linear and pivotal movement of the stop with respect to the lift arm. The linear movement may provide clearance for a tongue on the stop to pivot past a portion of the lift cylinder as the stop is moved into the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention is a telescopic drive device of a device for holding a surgical instrument. The telescopic drive device includes a support; a first telescopic stage carried by the support; a first telescopic stage carried by the support, the first telescopic stage being able to perform a first motion with respect to the support; a second telescopic stage, which is able to perform a second motion with respect to the first telescopic stage; and a drive system, which is operable to drive the first and second motions. The first telescopic element performs the first motion and the second telescopic element simultaneously performs the second motion. The telescopic drive is operable to support a further device and to move the further device such that the movement is centered around a point or wherein each of the telescopic elements is arcuate.

Abstract: A swivel frame structure for a hydraulic excavator, said swing frame structure being to be arranged in a swing upperstructure 21, has a center frame 1 composed of side plates 6,7 and a reinforcement plate 8 joined to each other. The swing frame structure is provided with mating portions for bringing the side plates 6,7 and the reinforcement plate 8 into engagement with each other. These mating portions comprise plug-in structure portions, which in turn comprise holes 6a,7a formed through the respective side plates 6,7 and lugs 8a,8b arranged on opposite side edge portions of the reinforcement plate 8 and to be inserted into the holes 6a,7a of the corresponding side plates 6,7. The center frame can be fabricated without needing any jigs for fixedly holding the side plates and a bottom plate together.

Abstract: A sugar cane loader is provided with a C-shaped chain piler including a grab pocket flanked by a pair of guide rails and including a third guide rail located at a central lower region of the grab pocket. The shape of the chain piler is such as to increase the movement of the stalks for better cleaning during piling, while the guide rails cause the grab to be moved forward during loading such that the cane stalks are moved ahead of tines projecting from the piler chains so that the tines and/or chains are not damaged when the loaded grab is lifted.

Abstract: A boom assembly comprising: a base anchored to a structure/ground. A boom is rotatably mounted to the base at a connected end so as to be rotatable about a generally vertical axis, the boom having a device to support loads at a free end. An orientation clutch is provided between the base and the boom. The orientation clutch has a mechanism for locking a rotation of the boom with respect to the generally vertical axis so as to selectively adjust an orientation of the boom. The orientation clutch has a release configuration to allow the boom to self-adjust its orientation to align with a load pulled by the device.

Abstract: A yarn package manipulator permits an operator to mechanically grasp and manipulate packages or spools of stranded materials, such as yarn for loading and replenishing such materials in a manufacturing process. The package manipulator is suspended from a lifting device such as a cable hoist and has a control handle coupled to its frame for the operator to maneuver the device and carried materials. Selectively extensible fingers are pivotally attached to a pivot arm extending from the manipulator frame. The fingers are operable to grip the package by its core and pivots about a horizontal axis so that the spool of stranded material may be oriented for loading onto a creel or other station in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A loader has lift arms that are used for mounting a number of different attachments. The attachments can be mounted to the rear of the forward end of the lift arms in order to move the center of gravity of the attachment more directly over the loader frame. Various types of attachments can be used, as shown, and can be controlled to be pivoted for dumping or loading, and can be raised and lowered on the lift arms.

Abstract: An articulated robot having a low lowest posture, a long up-down stroke, and such rigidity that the predetermined positional accuracy can be secured is provided. It includes a first arm (42) which is rotatable about a first horizontal axis (43), a second arm (44) which is rotatable about a second horizontal axis (45) at the other end of the first arm (42), a third arm (46) which is rotatable about a third horizontal axis (47) at the other end of the second arm (44), an up-down table (48) which is rotatable about a fourth horizontal axis (49) at the other end of the third arm (46), a fourth arm which is rotatable about the first horizontal axis (43) and rotatable about the second horizontal axis (45) at its other end, a first parallel link mechanism (53), a second parallel link mechanism (56), and a third parallel link mechanism (58).

Abstract: Apparatus for loading particulate catalytic material into reactor tubes comprising an axial shaft capable of rotational movement around its axis in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction and having attached at its lower end perpendicular to the axis a horizontal distribution shaft, the length of which can be varied, one end of a flexible hollow catalyst supply hose being attached to the end of the horizontal distribution shaft extending into the reactor space, the other end of the flexible catalyst supply hose being available for entrance of catalyst particles external to the reactor tube. The invention also concerns a method of loading particulate catalytic material into a reactor tube.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus comprises a storage container for storing multiple substrates and whose substrate loading and unloading opening is sealed by a lid, a load port for placing the storage container, an attaching and detaching device for attaching and detaching the lid on the substrate loading and unloading opening in the load port, a first placement unit for mounting the storage container in the load port and moving away from and near the attaching and detaching device, and a second placement unit provided separately from the first placement unit, for mounting the storage container in the load port and moving up and down relative to the attaching and detaching device.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a robot of the type including a base element and a mobile element coupled to the base element through an element for triggering movement. The movement-triggering element includes first and second subassemblies. The first assembly is designed to move the mobile element along a substantially vertical direction. The second subassembly connects the first subassembly to the mobile element and includes at least three actuators capable of acting in parallel to move the mobile element in a substantially horizontal plane independently of the first subassembly.

Abstract: A loader control device for controlling a loader implement attached to a tractor is disposed in a position adjacent a driver's seat and does not obstruct the driver boarding or alighting from the tractor. For this purpose, the tractor includes a vehicle body; a loader implement detachably attached to a front part of the vehicle body; a driver's seat mounted on the vehicle body; a steering device disposed forwardly of the driver's seat; a step laid between the driver's seat and the steering device; rear wheel fenders at opposite lateral positions of the driver's seat; and a shifting unit disposed between the driver's seat and one of the rear wheel fenders; wherein a mounting unit for mounting a loader control device for controlling the loader implement is provided in a forward position of an upper surface of the one of the rear wheel fenders.

Abstract: An end effector of a substrate transport robot includes an upper plate made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP); a lower plate made of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP); and an intermediate member arranged between the upper plate and the lower plate and selected from the group consisting of aluminum, stainless steel and honeycomb-shaped fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Further, a substrate transport robot is equipped with the above end effector.

Abstract: A laboratory robot assembly for a field of life sciences includes a plurality of robot modules including at least one first robot module having an X-axis arm and at least one Y-axis arm located movably on said X-axis arm in an X direction, the robot modules are located side-by-side in the X direction, each of the robot modules has one X-axis arm and one Y-axis arm, and at least one Y-axis arm of a first robot module is movable at least incrementally along the X-axis arm of an adjacent robot module.

Abstract: A wholestalk sugar cane loader includes a piler for accumulating wholestalk sugar cane into piles, and a grab assembly mounted to the end of a boom assembly carried by the loader frame and having opposed tines operable for encircling a mass of piled wholestale sugar cane, with the boom assembly then being operated for lifting the mass of wholestalk cane and depositing it into a container of a haul vehicle. The piler and the grab assembly have respective surface structures which cooperate, when the grab assembly is being loaded with the mass of wholestalk sugar cane, so as to aid the operator in keeping the tines of the grab assembly out of soil contact so that no soil is carried into the mass of wholestalk cane by the tines.