Abstract: A device to transmit power from the power system of a working machine to one or more moving parts (25, 26) of a tool replaceably attachable to a first part of the working machine which is in the form of a beam, or such, comprising a first element (7) arranged on the working machine and driven by its power system, a second element (11) movably attached to the tool and means (8, 12) arranged to mechanically interconnect both of said elements so that a displacement of the first element via the working machine's power system brings about a movement of the second element on the tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile apparatus for earth moving and other operations, such as lifting and displacing loads. A frame is displaceable on wheels. An articulated operating arm is supported by the frame for carrying an implement, for instance a container, a digger bucket or wrecking hammer. One or more motors drive the wheels and move the operating arm. The operating arm consists of at least three articulations connected to each other for mutual pivoting on a lying axis. A control member such as a hydraulic cylinder is arranged between each pair of articulations. The third articulation has a greater length than the second one, such that when the articulations are folded against each other, the implement can be freely used at the free end of the first articulation. Thus, the last articulation can be transformed from an articulated arm into a single lifting arm.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a utility vehicle (such as, e.g., a skid steer vehicle) having a raised and lowered utility boom includes: a vehicle body; an engine supported within the vehicle body; a boom supported over the body; a utility mechanism supported on the boom; an operator cab supported on the vehicle body; and a forward tilt mechanism about which the cab tilts forward for maintenance or service; and a boom linkage moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein, in the extended position the boom linkage provides a substantially unobstructed access to the vehicle body from left and right sides of the vehicle. The vehicle can also include a removable cover that enables access to the vehicle body behind the cab and/or a rear-end door that enables access from a rear end of the vehicle for maintenance or service.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed toward vehicle support systems. In one embodiment of the invention, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base. A control mechanism can couple the first and second support assemblies together and be configured to control pivotal movement of the support assemblies between spread and stowed positions. In another embodiment, first and second support assemblies can be pivotally coupled to a base and to first and second wheel assemblies. First and second steering mechanisms can be coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies and the first and second support assemblies. A control system can be operatively coupled to the first and second steering mechanisms and can be configured to command selected angular positions of the first and second wheel assemblies relative to the base by compensating for the support assemblies being in various positions.

Abstract: A hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement to the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicle providing a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibration operation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame that pivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof. The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on the implement providing a quick connection. An electrically powered hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the other end connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a socket therefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle at two spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment for varying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

Abstract: A pair of supported portions are provided in a bifurcated manner on the base end of the boom of a work machine. Operation oil hoses for an arm cylinder and operation oil hoses for a bucket cylinder are guided and piped into the boom from between both the supported portions. A hose guide hole is provided below each of the boom support portions so that operation oil hoses for the boom cylinder are inserted into the respective hose guide holes. At an intermediate portion of the rear surface of the boom, the operation oil hoses are taken out from the inside of the boom through a hose attachment plate and connected to respective external hoses connected to the arm cylinder. At a tip end of the boom, the operation oil hoses are pulled out from the inside of the boom through a rear side inclined surface of an angle rib.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at lift trucks, including a chassis (3) with a driving compartment (2) and a lifting device (9) for lifting goods.

Abstract: A loader attachment including a frame having a left sidewall and a right sidewall. The loader attachment also includes a first track with a tine slidably coupled to the first track, a second track with a tine slidably coupled to the second track, a first actuator mounted on the right sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the first tine along the first track toward and away from the left sidewall, and a second actuator mounted on the left sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the second tine along the second track toward and away from the right sidewall of the frame.

Abstract: A loader is described, having a support frame (1) supported on front and rear wheels (2, 3) and receiving a driver cabin (4), to which a front boom (5) is linked on the rear side of the driver cabin (4), having two spars (6) running on both sides of the driver cabin (4), which form a curved section (10) overlapping the particular front wheel (2), and having a pivot drive (7) engaging on the lateral spars (6) for raising and lowering the front boom (5). In order to provide advantageous construction ratios, it is suggested that the spars (6) have a lengthwise section (9), engaging between the front and rear wheels (2, 3) in the lowered setting of the front boom (5) and running below a lateral cabin entrance, to which the curved section (10) overlapping the particular front wheel (2) is attached.

Abstract: A loader boom of a sugar cane loader includes a swivel mast having a vertical axis located to intersect the mid-point of a furrow located between first and second cane rows that would respectively pass centrally beneath the loader vehicle and outside wheels at one side of the loader vehicle during loading operation. The loader boom includes an inner boom section having a middle portion that extends parallel to the swivel mast axis to a height approximating that of a transporter container to be loaded when the boom is in a fully raised position, and having a lower end portion that is joined to the bottom of, and extends perpendicular to, the middle portion and is pivotally attached to an opposite side of the swivel mast axis from the middle portion. Mounted to the loader is a push piler implement having tines located for operating in a central region of the furrow free of the cane rows.

Abstract: A load handling vehicle having an operator's position, a power operated load handler including a boom pivotally mounted at a front end of the vehicle and at least front and rear pairs of ground engaging wheels with one wheel of each pair on each side of the vehicle. At least one pair of wheels is power driven. The operator's position is offset to one side of the pivotal mount for the boom. The operator's position may include a seat which can be moved between a first position on a longitudinal center line of the vehicle and a second position to one side of the vehicle center line.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vertical lift type arm device includes a set of left and right control links each having three connection shaft holes, a set of left and right central mounting parts which are provided at a center part of the main frame, and a set of left and right mounting parts which are provided at rear parts of the lift arms and extend downward. Front end parts of the control links and the central mounting parts are pivotably attached to each other, center parts of the control links and lower end parts of the mounting parts are pivotably attached to each other, and connection axes of the control links and the central mounting parts are provided at a same height as or at a higher position than connection axes of lower end parts of the rear links and the main frame.

Abstract: An overshot loader including a set of ground engaging members, a frame attached to the set of ground engaging members, and a linkage assembly movably connected to the frame and located within a longitudinal center portion of the frame.

Abstract: A loader is described, having a support frame (1) supported on front and rear wheels (2, 3) and receiving a driver cabin (4), to which a front boom (5) is linked on the rear side of the driver cabin (4), having two spars (6) running on both sides of the driver cabin (4), which form a curved section (10) overlapping the particular front wheel (2), and having a pivot drive (7) engaging on the lateral spars (6) for raising and lowering the front boom (5). In order to provide advantageous construction ratios, it is suggested that the spars (6) have a lengthwise section (9), engaging between the front and rear wheels (2, 3) in the lowered setting of the front boom (5) and running below a lateral cabin entrance, to which the curved section (10) overlapping the particular front wheel (2) is attached.

Abstract: A loader attachment including a frame having a left sidewall and a right sidewall. The loader attachment also includes a first track with a tine slidably coupled to the first track, a second track with a tine slidably coupled to the second track, a first actuator mounted on the right sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the first tine along the first track toward and away from the left sidewall, and a second actuator mounted on the left sidewall of the frame for initiating sliding of the second tine along the second track toward and away from the right sidewall of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forklift having a traversing carriage for moving longitudinally along a frame of the forklift, an outer guide rail for guiding the carriage being disposed relatively low to the operator cockpit so as to minimize the obstruction of operator visibility of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A boom and linkage mechanism for a skid-steer loader includes a frame and a right and a left loader arms. An implement may be vertically pivotally mounted to the forward ends of the loader arms, and a pair of tilt actuators may be respectively connected between the forward ends and the implement. Right and left forward guide links are connected between the frame and the loader arms. Right and left rearward guide links are connected substantially proximate to a rear of the frame and the loader arms. The lower ends of the rear guide links may be substantially lower than the lower ends of the forward guide links. Right and left lift actuators may be connected between the frame and the loader arms. The right and left lift actuators may extend and retract to raise the right and left loader arms such that the implement moves between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position, and wherein the fully raised position is located substantially vertically above the fully lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material handler that includes a frame, a telescoping boom, a boom extension sensor, a boom angle sensor, and a control system. The telescoping boom is coupled to the frame, pivotable between a lowered and a raised position, and movable between a retracted and an extended position. The boom extension sensor generates a first signal that corresponds to the distance which the boom is extended. The boom angle sensor generates a second signal that corresponds to the angle which the boom is pivoted. The control system receives the signals and displays a cursor located at a position that is based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for industrial and/or agricultural operations, in particular an agricultural tractor, is described with an attachment interface containing a three-point implement hitch (24). In order to widen the spectrum of applications of the vehicle and the capability of the attachment interface and in order to open up new areas of application for the motor vehicle, a telescoping arm (16) that can be pivoted in the vertical direction is connected in a joint to the vehicle chassis (14). A support (22) is arranged at the free, extensible end of the telescoping arm (16) and carries the attachment interface for the three-point implement hitch (24). A locking arrangement (38, 40) is provided by which the support (22) can be immobilized with respect to the vehicle chassis (14), when the telescoping arm (16) is in an operating position.

Abstract: A bale lift device is provided by the invention. The bale lift device includes a back frame, a spear member, and rotation axis. The back frame includes a first end, a second end, and at least one extension separating the first end from the second end. The back frame includes a first area for attaching to the loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader. The back frame includes a second area for attaching to the loader arm of a front end loader. The spear member includes at least one spear having a first end for penetrating a bale and a second end attached to the back frame. The rotation axis allows the spear member to rotate relative to the back frame. A front end loader having a bale lift device and a method for transporting a bale are provided. A method of assisting the removal of a bale lifting device from a bale without additional levers or hydraulic controls or hydraulic cylinders is provided. The method can utilize the controls already existing in the operational functions of the loader.

Abstract: An overshot loader including a set of ground engaging members, a frame attached to the set of ground engaging members, and a linkage assembly movably connected to the frame and located within a longitudinal center portion of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at lift trucks, comprising a chassis (3) with a driving compartment (2) and a lifting device (9) for lifting goods.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus is described including a vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, a chassis, and a ground engagement device attached to the chassis for providing movement of the vehicle across ground; an engine constructed for propelling the vehicle; a loader assembly; a hydraulic system constructed for driving the loader assembly; and operator area including a cage for protecting an operator located within the operator area, and controls for controlling movement of the vehicle and for controlling operation of the loader assembly; and a forward tools area extending from the operator seating area to the front end of the vehicle. The material handling apparatus can include an entrance to the operator area through the rear end of the vehicle, a loader assembly that includes a tower that rotates relative to the chassis, and a dump box or work platform provided in the forward tools area. A method for operating a material handling apparatus is provided.

Abstract: A hitch and adapter assembly for connecting an implement to the front end of vehicles such as all terrain vehicle providing a rigid connection with limited motion for reduced vibration operation. The hitch has two spaced apart sockets on a rigid frame that pivotally connects to the vehicle providing a rigid extension thereof. The sockets receive and cooperatively engage respective pins on the implement providing a quick connection. An electrically powered hydraulic cylinder is connected at one end to the frame and the other end connects to the vehicle by a coupler that slip fits into a socket therefore on the vehicle. The frame pivotally connects to the vehicle at two spaced apart positions. There is a coarse and fine adjustment for varying the height and tilt positions of the implement.

Abstract: A load handler with a modular frame and the manufacture and assembly of the frame and loader and components that may be used therein. A frame is provided that has a low pivot point for a boom. The frame has left and right side rails, and front and rear cross rails, each having a closed cross-section construction. The side rails and cross rails are modular and the cross rails of a selected size are configured to fit a plurality of sizes of side rails, such that the same size cross rails may be used to construct a variety sizes and capabilities of load handling vehicles in a flow type manufacturing process. A structural beam is provided having plates interconnected along their lengths to form the beam having a box-shaped closed cross-section having a perimeter generally along the widths of the plates and forming a beam cavity within the perimeter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an outdoor equipment unit such as a walk-behind skid steer loader. The loader has a tracked traction system in which endless tracks are entrained around a rear drive support member and a front support member. The front support member is spring biased forwardly, but can move rearwardly against the spring bias to allow debris that is caught between the front support member to clear itself to help prevent the track from un-tracking. A single control handle having front and rear hand grips located between a fixed grab bar can be rotated and/or twisted to control the traction system. Return to neutral systems ensure that the control handle will return to a centered, neutral position upon release of the control handle by the operator.

Abstract: A machine such as an articulated loading shovel, has a working arm, the machine including a body part to which a first end of the arm is attached for relative pivotal movement about a first generally horizontal axis and the arm having a second end adapted to mount a working implement for movement relative to the arm about a second generally horizontal axis characterized in that the arm is substantially straight between the first and second ends, and is of substantially inverted channel configuration having a top part and a pair of side walls integrally formed, and the arm over at least a major portion of its length between the first and second ends including a strengthening member which extends between and is connected to the side walls.

Abstract: A small loader has a frame, and drive tracks on opposite sides of the frame. The, drive tracks are mounted over drive sprockets and idler wheels to establish lengths of track at upper sides. The frame includes upright members at a rear portion for mounting a lift arm assembly made of two lift arms joined together. Each lift arm has a rear portion pivotally mounted on the upright portion of the frame and extending downwardly and forwardly to join side portions of the lift arms that are substantially parallel to the upper lengths of the respective tracks in a lowered position of the lift arm assembly. Actuators for pivoting the lift arm assembly are mounted on the frame, below the side portions and above the tracks, and extend generally parallel to both the side portions and the upper length of the tracks when the lift arm assembly is in a lowered position.

Abstract: A vertical lift type arm device includes a set of left and right control links each having three connection shaft holes, a set of left and right central mounting parts which are provided at a center part of the main frame, and a set of left and right mounting parts which are provided at rear parts of the lift arms and extend downward. Front end parts of the control links and the central mounting parts are pivotably attached to each other, center parts of the control links and lower end parts of the mounting parts are pivotably attached to each other, and connection axes of the control links and the central mounting parts are provided at a same height as or at a higher position than connection axes of lower end parts of the rear links and the main frame.

Abstract: A multifunctional, self-contained towable backhoe apparatus adapted for direct over-the-road trailering by a towing vehicle, has a support frame having a front and a rear, and a trailering hitch attached to the front. Wheels support the frame at the front and the rear. The rear wheels can function as drive wheels. A backfill blade is movably attached to the rear of the frame. An articulated arm assembly is pivotably mounted on the rear of the frame. A stabilizer with a street pad, a spade, or both, can be secured to the front of the frame for stabilizing the apparatus while in a digging position. The movable backfill blade is capable of movement to a raised position for supporting the articulated arm during transport and movement to at least one lowered ground-engaging position capable of stabilizing the apparatus, of earth moving, or a combination thereof. One end of the articulated arm is adapted for attachment of a tool, including a digging bucket, a pavement breaker, an auger, a grapple, or a fork.

Abstract: A bale lift device is provided by the invention. The bale lift device includes a back frame, a spear member, and rotation axis. The back frame includes a first end, a second end, and at least one extension separating the first end from the second end. The back frame includes a first area for attaching to the loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader. The back frame includes a second area for attaching to the loader arm of a front end loader. The spear member includes at least one spear having a first end for penetrating a bale and a second end attached to the back frame. The rotation axis allows the spear member to rotate relative to the back frame. A front end loader having a bale lift device and a method for transporting a bale are provided. A method of assisting the removal of a bale lifting device from a bale without additional levers or hydraulic controls or hydraulic cylinders is provided. The method can utilize the controls already existing in the operational functions of the loader.

Abstract: A boom for a load handling machine, the boom has a mounting by which the boom is mounted on a body of the machine, and at least first and second telescoped sections. In use, the boom carries a load handling implement at or towards its outermost end. The first boom section is telescoped within the second section and is extendible and retractable relative to the second boom section by an actuator. At least the first boom section includes walls made at least predominantly of a composite material. A bearing member is located where adjacent walls meet to extend along a substantial length of the first boom section to provide bearing surfaces during sliding of the first boom section relative to the second boom section. Bearings also may be provided on the interior of the second boom section to further protect the first boom section.

Abstract: A self propelled transportable lift truck (A) having a frame (1) formed by two spaced parallel longitudinal front members and a rear transverse member, at least two front wheels (5, 6) and at least one steerable rear wheel (7), such that the lifting mechanism thereby extends from a most retracted position between the longitudinal members of the frame. The lifting mechanism to raise and/or lower the lifting tines comprises a telescopic lifting arm (4) articulated about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lift truck. An operator's cab (2) is located to one side of the lifting mechanism; the motive drive unit (3) is housed beneath the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is provided with a yaw control to facilitate the lateral movement of the lifting lines. In addition, the yaw control has, on demand, the capability to automatically self centre the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a forklift having a traversing carriage for moving longitudinally along a frame of the forklift, an outer guide rail for guiding the carriage being disposed relatively low to the operator cockpit so as to minimize the obstruction of operator visibility of the surrounding terrain.

Abstract: A method of controlling a loader operation using a control system is provided. The system is intended for use on a conventional skid steer loader of the type having either a cab with an integral door for operator access to the cab or a door kit installed thereon. The system includes a door position sensing means for sensing a position of the door of the cab. A disabling means of the system is provided for disabling a lift mechanism of the loader in response to detection that door of the cab is not fully closed by the door position sensing means. The disabling means may comprise a mechanism for coupling the door position sensing means to an existing disabling system of the lift of the vehicle.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a utility vehicle (such as, e.g., a skid steer vehicle) having a raised and lowered utility boom includes: a vehicle body; an engine supported within the vehicle body; a boom supported over the body; a utility mechanism supported on the boom; an operator cab supported on the vehicle body; and a forward tilt mechanism about which the cab tilts forward for maintenance or service; and a boom linkage moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein, in the extended position the boom linkage provides a substantially unobstructed access to the vehicle body from left and right sides of the vehicle. The vehicle can also include a removable cover that enables access to the vehicle body behind the cab and/or a rear-end door that enables access from a rear end of the vehicle for maintenance or service.

Abstract: A load handling vehicle (10) of the kind specified wherein the load carrying means comprises a boom (20) pivotally mounted to the structure forwardly (11) of the operator's position (17) and wherein cooling means (40) for the motor are disposed at one side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stabilizing leg for a backhoe is formed with a tubular outer member, a stabilizer rod connected telescopically to the tubular outer member, and a clearance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the clearance between the tubular outer member and the stabilizer rod. The clearance adjusting mechanism is provided with at least one adjusting pad fitted to the tubular outer member so as to rest on an edge between two contiguous outer lateral surfaces of the stabilizer rod.

Abstract: The specification relates to front end loader trailer adapted to lift dumpsters with varying slot heights. The trailer has tandem axles, allowing for greater support of the containers and the adjustable forks. The trailer has adjustable forks, which can be adjusted by changing a pin in the nest support frame. The change in forks length allows the trailer to pick up dumpsters with the slots at different heights on the dumpster. The trailer's nest support frame, pivot shaft and adjustable forks is powered by a 12 volt DC battery and a hydraulic power unit.

Abstract: A skid loader attachment includes a coupling assembly designed for mounting the device onto a skid loader. The coupling assembly further includes a plate portion that has a plurality of apertures. Each one of the apertures is alignable with an associated skid loader aperture. Each of a plurality of fastening members is insertable into an associated pairing of the aperture and the skid loader aperture. The plurality of fasteners secures the plate portion to the skid loader mounting portion. A tongue portion is operationally coupled to the plate portion. The tongue portion has a top surface that defines a plane. The tongue portion is positioned such that the plane has an angular relationship with a plane defined by a forward surface of the plate portion. The tongue portion is substantially elongate. The tongue portion facilitates movement of material around obstacles such as conveyor belts and rocks.

Abstract: A load lifting attachment (30) for increasing the load lifting capacity of a skid-steer loader (62). A lifting mechanism (40) is supported from a C-shaped frame member (32). The frame member has a hard coupling (72) to a boom arm (70) of the skid-steer loader and a pair of caster assemblies (38) at opposed ends. A load supported on the load-bearing forks (42) of the lifting mechanism has its center of gravity proximate the swivel axis of the caster assemblies in order to minimize the resultant loads on the boom arm. The forks extend beyond the wheels (36) of the caster assemblies to allow the device to carry wide loads and to lift loads from a shelf blocking the forward movement of the wheels. An inclinometer (74) is provided to assist the operator in avoiding unstable movements. In one embodiment, the lifting capacity of a skid-steer loader is increased from 1,700 pounds to 5,000 pounds with the addition of the load lifting attachment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an outdoor equipment unit such as a walk-behind skid steer loader. The loader has a tracked traction system in which endless tracks are entrained around a rear drive support member and a front support member. The front support member is spring biased forwardly, but can move rearwardly against the spring bias to allow debris that is caught between the front support member to clear itself to help prevent the track from un-tracking. A single control handle having front and rear hand grips located between a fixed grab bar can be rotated and/or twisted to control the traction system. Return to neutral systems ensure that the control handle will return to a centered, neutral position upon release of the control handle by the operator.

Abstract: A three or four wheeled miniature personal loader device driven by an engine or motor and provided with a powered drive unit having a simplified hydrostatic differential which allows the device to turn quickly within its own wheel base. The personal loader is provided with a front pair of drive wheels and a pair of rear steerable wheels or a single rear steerable wheel. The loader may be provided with the rear wheel or wheels being directly steered via known steering linkages and power assist steering mechanisms or in the alternative either a single or pair of castor type wheels which are not directly steered but are indirectly steerable by the operators manual maneuvering of the loader. The engine is also connected a hydraulic pump for providing appropriate regulation of a hydraulic system operating the hydraulically controlled loader mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a material handler that includes a frame, a telescoping boom, a boom extension sensor, a boom angle sensor, and a control system. The telescoping boom is coupled to the frame, pivotable between a lowered and a raised position, and movable between a retracted and an extended position. The boom extension sensor generates a first signal that corresponds to the distance which the boom is extended. The boom angle sensor generates a second signal that corresponds to the angle which the boom is pivoted. The control system receives the signals and displays a cursor located at a position that is based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A material-handling vehicle comprising a structure having, ground engageable propulsion means, a loader arm mounted for up and down swinging movement, an operator's cab, an engine having an output to provide power for said movement of the loader arm and propulsion of the vehicle and drive to connect the output to the ground engageable propulsion means to propel the vehicle, wherein the output of the engine is kinematically connected to a change speed gearbox which drives at least a rear axle of the vehicle, at least one of the engine and change speed gearbox being connected to the rear axle to provide a sub-assembly and said sub-assembly being mounted on said structure for pivotal movement about an axis which lies in, or is parallel to, a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A load bearing lift attachment apparatus for a multipurpose loader bucket including a first jaw and a second jaw movably mounted thereto between an opened condition and a closed condition. The lift attachment apparatus includes a lift member formed and dimensioned to engage an object to be lifted; and a lift support device removably coupling the lift member to the loader bucket. The lift support device is configured to cooperate with the first jaw and the second jaw, in the closed condition, to distribute the cantilever forces, caused by the weight of the object acting on the loader bucket, across a substantial transverse portion of a support member of the first jaw and a rear engaging wall of the second jaw.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught for engaging, positioning, and splitting logs. A wedge section of a skid steer loader coupling device is received in a lip section of a log splitting system coupling device. A body section of the skid steer loader coupling device is urged into a flush position with a body section of a log splitting system coupling device. Levers on the skid steer loader coupling device are actuated from a first position to a second position so that pin devices coupled to the levers move from a disengaged to an engaged position with respect to apertures in the log splitting system coupling device. Hoses are coupled at a first end of the log splitting system and at a second end of the skid steer loader. The skid steer loader is maneuvered proximate a first one of the logs to be engaged from above the first one of the logs.