Abstract: In the operation of heavy equipment such as wheel loaders the amount of force subjected to the linkage arrangement that connects the work implement to the loader is normally quite large. In order to accommodate such loading, it has been common practice to increase the size of the various components within the linkage arrangements. The increase in size has greatly increased the weight of the linkage arrangement thus reducing the performance capabilities of the machine. The present invention utilizes a linkage arrangement (10) wherein the specific points of greatest loading have been grouped together son the various components of the linkage. In doing so, only these areas will require areas of significant increases in mass to accommodate the more severe loading. Also the particular positioning between the various components is specifically designed to simplify their construction. These combined factors substantially reduce the overall weight of the linkage arrangement.

Abstract: A working tool unit of a construction machine, which excels in transportability and is capable of smoothly carrying out diversified types of work in a wide range, is disclosed. Therefore, the working tool unit according to the present invention includes: a first boom (31a) rockably mounted on a turning frame of a vehicle body; a second boom (3b) mounted to be rockable on the first boom; an arm (32) mounted to be rockable on the second boom; a working tool such as a bucket (33) mounted on said arm; a first boom cylinder (35) mounted on the turning frame (21) and the second boom to rock the second boom; a second boom cylinder (36) mounted on the second boom and the first boom to rock the second boom; and an arm cylinder (37) mounted on the second boom and the arm to rock the arm.

Abstract: A fork lift attachment is provided for attachment to a conventional snowplow lifting apparatus on the front of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The forklift attachment includes a frame configured to be operably mounted to the snowplow lifting apparatus for movement between a load lifted position and a load lowered position, and a pair of tines pivotally connected to the frame for movement between a raised position for storage and a lowered position for use. In one form, a tine supporting subframe is pivotally connected to the frame, and an adjustable link is connected between the subframe and the frame to limit the rotation of the tine supporting subframe so that the tines, when in the lowered use position and when lifting a heavy load, pivot forwardly to a preselected generally horizontal angle when in the load lifted position. A spring is further connected between the subframe and the frame to bias the subframe to a generally horizontal home position against the frame when the tines are not loaded.

Abstract: An improved, self-propelled fork lift having a variable wheelbase, a tilting and leveraged platform, and a translating fork carriage, all under hydraulic control, to permit load positioning for maximum stability, minimum turning radius, and good tractive force despite a relatively low ratio of vehicle weight to loaded condition. The improved fork lift is towable at highway speeds and is collapsible for mounting beneath the mid section of a semi trailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus for controlling movement of an implement. The implement is mounted to a subframe that in turn is joined to a frame portion of the vehicle. The subframe is moveable between the working position, where the implement is operable to perform work, and a second position. The implement has a hydraulic actuator for selectively moving a portion of the implement to perform work using controlled hydraulic fluid present in a hydraulic line connected to the hydraulic actuator. The control apparatus inhibits or allows hydraulic fluid flow in the hydraulic line as a function of the position of the subframe.

Abstract: A tiltable attachment is provided for a Skid Steer Loader. The tiltable attachment is secured to the loader arms of the Skid Steer Loader and receives and fastens the utility attachment of the Skid Steer Loader. The tiltable attachment including a mounting base member and a pivotal attachment member. These members being rotated by a power cylinder. The pivotal attachment member has a demountable cover plate. The pivotal attachment member will receive the commonly known utility attachments. The tiltable attachment maintains the ability of the Skid Steer Loader to move the utility attachments in the vertical and horizontal plains while further providing the ability to rotate the utility attachment around the longitudinal axis of the Skid Steer Loader.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame supported on four wheels and including a compartment in which an engine, hydraulic drive components and other elements are contained. A cab is mounted above the compartment on the main frame with side walls extending upwardly to define an operator control area therebetween. Supported on the frame is a boom structure including a pair of arms and a mounting assembly. The engine is operatively associated with the wheels for propelling the loader. The engine is also operatively associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering the pair of arms. The wheels are controlled by a pair of hand actuated levers in the operator control area, while boom control is convertible between a foot actuated control lever in the operator control area and a hand operated element pivotally operative on one of the hand actuated levers.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine, hydraulic drive components and other elements are contained. A cab is mounted above the compartment on the main frame with load bearing side walls extending upwardly to define an operator control area therebetween. Pivotally mounted on such walls is a boom structure including a pair of arms and a mounting assembly. An engine is operatively associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering each of the pair of arms along a generally vertical path adjacent a corresponding load bearing side wall to which it is coupled by the mounting assembly. A unique noise isolation mounting arrangement is used to couple the cab structure to the main frame, on which cab the entire boom structure is mounted.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a frame, ground support wheels extending from the frame, a cab with load bearing side walls extending upwardly from the frame to define an operators control area therebetween, and a boom structure comprising a pair of arms and a linkage assembly for operatively coupling the arms to the load bearing side walls. Each arm includes a front portion having a front end extending beyond the cab to support a bucket, a rear portion extending behind the cab, and an integral intermediate portion between the front and rear portions. The linkage assembly includes upper and lower links associated with each of the arms, each link being pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the wheels. The boom structure is powered for raising and lowering in concert each of the pairs of arms through a generally vertical path for moving the front end of the boom arms and bucket along a lift path.

Abstract: A box tilter that comprises a movable chassis and a container-supporting frame directly hinged to the chassis. The actuating force for lifting and tilting the container is provided by a hydraulic cylinder connected in retractable pulling relation between the chassis and a radial arm rigidly attached to the container-supporting frame and projecting backward from the hinge point. This radial-arm configuration reduces the distance of the container from the operator of the device and results in improved access to the items in the container.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine, hydraulic drive components and other elements are contained. A cab is mounted above the compartment on the main frame with load bearing side walls extending upwardly to define an operator control area therebetween. Pivotally mounted on such walls is a boom structure including a pair of arms and a mounting assembly. An engine is operatively associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering each of the pair of arms along a generally vertical path adjacent a corresponding load bearing side wall to which it is coupled by the mounting assembly. The cab is mounted on the frame for conjoint movement of the side walls and the boom structure from an operative position to a remote position to provide unobstructed access to the compartment while maintaining the drive and transmission componentry in an operational mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ride control 100 for a machine having an implement and a hydraulic lift cylinder. The hydraulic lift cylinder is adapted for moving the implement to and between a plurality of positions. The ride control is controllable between a RIDE CONTROL ON mode, a RIDE CONTROL OFF mode and a RIDE CONTROL PROGRAM mode. In the RIDE CONTROL ON mode, the ride control connects and disconnects an accumulator from the hydraulic lift cylinder circuit as a function of machine velocity. In the RIDE CONTROL OFF mode, the ride control disconnects the accumulator from the hydraulic lift cylinder circuit. In the RIDE CONTROL PROGRAM mode, the ride control sets the threshold for activation of the ride control to the current machine velocity.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine, hydraulic drive components and other elements are contained. A cab is mounted above the compartment on the main frame with load bearing side walls extending upwardly to define an operator control area therebetween. Pivotally mounted on such walls is a boom structure including a pair of arms and a mounting assembly. An engine is operatively associated with the boom structure for raising and lowering each of the pair of arms along a generally vertical path adjacent a corresponding load bearing side wall to which it is coupled by the mounting assembly. The cab is mounted on the frame for conjoint movement of the side walls and the boom structure from an operative position to a remote position to provide unobstructed access to the compartment while maintaining the drive and transmission componentry in an operational mode.

Abstract: A skid steer loader having a main frame including a compartment in which an engine and transmission components are contained, ground support wheels extending from the main frame, and a cab mounted on the main frame. The cab includes load bearing side walls extending upwardly from the main frame to define an operators control area therebetween. A boom assembly comprising a pair of arms having material handling front portions and linkage structure that operatively attaches the arms to the cab side walls. The linkage structure includes an upper link coupled to each of the arms and pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the top surface of the wheels, and a lower link which is also pivotally secured to the cab at a location above the wheels.

Abstract: A three function control mechanism for independently or conjointly controlling three separate functions of an off-highway implement. The control mechanism basically includes lever structure accessible to the operator of the implement and connected to a singular modular controller having three separate actuator structures means arranged relative to various pivotal axes of the controller for effecting the three functions either independently or conjointly relative to each other.

Abstract: The device for feeding stacks of cutouts to a user machine, wherein a fork provided with a supporting plate suitable to support at least one stack of cutouts is connected to a slider that can slide along a straight guide under the action of a first motor; the guide can rotate about an axis which is transverse to the guide under the action of a second motor which cooperates with the first motor to move the fork between a loading station, where the supporting plate arranges itself parallel to a plane for the conveyance of the stacks, and through an unloading station formed by a magazine of the user machine, wherein a stop element allows the disengagement of the supporting plate from the conveyed stack.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted loader is provided with a leveling linkage including a pivot arm assembly pivotally mounted to each of a pair of loader arms at locations intermediate the ends of the latter. A first link is coupled between each post supporting the loader boom arm on the tractor and the pivot arm assembly while a tilt cylinder serves as a second link and is coupled between the pivot arm assembly and a tilt linkage for the implement. The pivot arm assembly of each linkage includes a pair identical plates fixed in spaced parallel relationship to each other and each plate contains an elongate pivot pin adjustment slot having the mounting pin for the tilt cylinder located therein.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus includes a mast that is mounted orthogonally (perpendicularly) to the plane of a base supported by wheels. A beam and tension member are connected pivotally to the mast and further to a carriage assembly support in such a manner that the support and mast maintain a parallel relationship, as do the beam and tension member. A lifting ram is pivotally connected to the mast and to the telescopic beam. During a load lifting operation, the resulting parallelogram configuration of the mast, carriage assembly support, beam, and tension member serve to maintain the tines of the carriage assembly in a plane parallel to the base of the lifting apparatus as the carriage assembly is arcuately raised. The carriage assembly and tension member may be removed in order for the mast and boom to be used as an engine hoist, and the apparatus may be further used as an engine work stand by installing a plate on the engine which is pivotally installable on the mast at the ram attachment point.

Abstract: A three function control mechanism for independently or conjointly controlling three separate functions of an off-highway implement. The control mechanism basically includes lever means accessible to the operator of the implement and connected to a singular modular controller having three separate actuator means arranged relative to various pivotal axes of the controller for effecting the three functions either independently or conjointly relative to each other.

Abstract: A three function control system for independently or conjointly controlling three separate hydraulic valves through manipulation of a single control lever. The control system basically includes a single vertically elongated control lever mounted for manipulation through first and second control arcs and has a handle assembly carried at a free upper end of the control lever to facilitate one-handed control over the three valves. First and second linkage assemblies translate arcuate movements of the control lever through the first and second arcs, respectively, into regulatory operations of a first and second hydraulic valves, respectively. A third linkage assembly transmutes twisting movements of the control lever into regulatory movements for the third valve thereby facilitating single-handed control over all three hydraulic valves. A locking mechanism releasably holds the handle assembly to inhibit inadvertent operations of the valves.

Abstract: A control mechanism for independently or conjointly controlling three different functions of an off-highway implement. The control mechanism includes a single, vertical elongated control lever mounted for manipulation in first and second directions about first and second axes and for manipulation through a twisting action about a vertical axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes. A salient feature of the present invention is that manipulation of the control lever in the first and second directions, conjointly or independently, controls first and second functions of the implement while twisting manipulation of the control lever about its vertical axis controls a third implement function independently or conjointly relative to the other two implement functions.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism of a work implement installed in a loading vehicle such as a shovel-loader or the like, which is adapted to vertically move a bucket as held in a horizontal state without operating tilt-cylinder, while preserving the function of the Z-bar linkage in the prior art; in which linkage mechanism, when the distance from a pivotable support point (A) between a bucket (3) and a lift arm (1) to a pivotable support point (B) between the lift arm (1) and a bellcrank (5) is represented by (X) and the distance from the above-mentioned pivotable support point (B) to a pivotable support point (O) between the lift arm (1) and a vehicle body (9) is represented by (Y), they are preset so as to fulfil Y/X=.alpha., and also, first and second triangles (.DELTA.ABC, .DELTA.OBE) formed by the liftarm (1) and the bellcrank (5) on the vehicle body side and on the bucket side, as well as a third triangle (.DELTA.ADC) formed by a tilt rod (6) and the bucket (3) and a fourth triangle (.DELTA.

Abstract: A backhoe attachment for a skid steer loader includes a dipper stick formed by two separable boom components which reduce the cost of shipping the dipper stick, one of the boom components being constructed as a standard module and the other component being customized in accordance with the particular model of skid steer loader to which the backhoe is to be attached. The two boom components are inclined relative to one another at an obtuse included angle to enable the bucket of the attachment to dig in close proximity to the front of the loader. Detachable stabilizers extend downwardly, outwardly and forwardly from the loader and engage the ground during a digging operation in order to prevent tipping of the loader. Stops are carried by and located above the stabilizers and engage the loading arms of the loader in order to prevent damage to the stabilizers when the loading arms are swung downwardly in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A loader boom assembly has articulated lift arms that have first and second lift arm sections pivotally mounted together. The rear lift arm section is pivotally mounted to rear portions of a prime mover frame. The main lift arm section is substantially longer than the first lift arm section and pivots on the outer end of the rear lift arm link. The lift arm sections are in a folded position when the lift arms are lowered, and a control link is provided to cause the lift arms to unfold as the lift arms are raised to keep the forward portion of the main lift arm section moving along a generally vertical path after a selected lift height to provide a better forward reach of the boom assembly at the higher range of lift. The proportional lengths of the lift arm sections and the control link and the placement of the pivot points and actuators on the main frame also provide structural integrity and efficient power utilization.

Abstract: A lift arm lock down apparatus for a load lifting vehicle is described. The vehicle has a vehicle body and a lift arm or boom rotatable between a raised and a lowered position about a horizontal pivot on the vehicle body. The lift arm lock down apparatus includes a lock having first and second cooperating lock members for selectively locking the lift arm to the vehicle body in the lowered position. The lock members are respectively mounted on the lift arm and the vehicle body. At least one lock member is movable by an appropriate manually or automatically operated mechanism between an unlocked position permitting tilting of the lift arm and a locked position where the lock members are releasably interconnected when the lift arm is at the lowered position. The lift arm lock down apparatus prevents accidental lifting of the lift arm, when the operator is entering or exiting the operator's compartment and may be used as a theft deterrent when the lift arm is locked in a lowered, ground engaging position.

Abstract: A battery changing system for electric battery-powered vehicles, particularly for electric battery-powered underground mining vehicles having a main frame and a battery support attached to the main frame, and using several exchangeable batteries, the battery changing system comprising a bellcrank for connecting the battery support with the main frame, a first pin for mounting pivotably the bellcrank to the main frame, a second pin for mounting pivotably the battery support to the bellcrank, an eyebar link for connecting the battery support to the main frame in parallel with the bellcrank, a third pin for connecting pivotably the eyebar link to the main frame, a fourth pin for connecting pivotably the battery support to the eyebar link, and a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting the bellcrank around the first pin.

Abstract: A vibration suppressing device for a wheeled construction equipment having a wheeled chassis, a working device operatively supported on the wheeled chassis, and a hydraulic circuit including hydraulic actuators for operating the working device for up-and-down motion. The vibration suppressing device includes an accumulator filled with a pressurized gas for suppressing vibrations, and a mode changeover valve for connecting the accumulator to the load bearing pressure chambers of the hydraulic actuators in a travelling mode in which the wheeled construction equipment operates for running, and for disconnecting the accumulator from the load bearing pressure chambers of the hydraulic actuators in a working mode in which the wheeled construction equipment operates. When the working device is held at a height in the range of zero to a minimum limit height from the road, the vibration suppressing device meets conditions: P.sub.G x V.sub.A.sup.n .ltoreq.P.sub.H x V.sub.F.sup.n and P.sub.G .ltoreq.P.sub.H, where P.

Abstract: A skid steer loader has a main frame and a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted to the main frame. The lift arms extend forwardly from their pivots and are joined by a cross member which is positioned ahead of a front wall of the main frame and which serves as an operator's access step. The cross member is constructed to be reduced in size to increase visibility, and when reduced in size, it remains spaced from the front wall of the main frame to form a gap when the lift arms are lowered. A flexible, self-cleaning spacer member is mounted onto the front wall of the main frame and extends at least partially across the gap to serve as an additional support if an operator's foot is placed in the gap. The spacer member is flexible when loaded in fore and aft direction and is rigid in vertical loading direction to support loads which may be applied to its upper edge.

Abstract: A quick attaching mechanism adapted to automatically fasten an implement to a boom assembly of a front-end loader. The quick attaching mechanism is designed to accommodate a broad range of lateral spacing between lift arms of the boom assembly and mounting structures on the implement to be attached thereto. The quick attaching mechanism includes a pair of male coupling structures carried at a forward end of the boom assembly and which are releasably fastened to female coupling structures on the implement. Each male coupling structure includes a fastening pin which is automatically operated to releasably fasten the implement to the boom assembly.

Abstract: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tractor of the type including a front end loader bucket and a rear mounted backhoe comprises a rear axle and ground wheels for positioning beneath the backhoe tower and attachable to the rear of the tractor by forwardly extending straps. Beneath the bucket is permanently attached a kingpin device formed by a plate and pin mounted upon a bracket which is so shaped that the pin and plate are wholly above the plane of the lower wall of the bucket so that the bucket can be normally used with the kingpin devide in place and such that when the bucket is fully retracted the kingpin is presented vertically downwardly. Thus the bucket can be positioned upon a conventional fifth wheel of a road tractor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple latching assembly for a reversible stabilizer foot for a backhoe. The latching assembly comprises a bolt having a rounded head that is biased into contact with the side edge of the reversible shoe when it is in its first position. The bolt is mounted to the stabilizer leg and is provided with an elastic sleeve that acts as a spring driving the rounded head of the bolt towards the side edge of the foot.

Abstract: Excavating apparatus of limited mobility adapted primarily for indoor use on brick or cement floors and having a body adapted to make substantially planar contact with the floor. The apparatus is stabilized by at least one pair of legs having respective retractile feet spaced from the body and respective, substantially planar pads connected to the free ends of the feet. The legs are also pivotally attached at an inner end remote from the pads to respective sides of the apparatus for lateral rotation towards and away from each other so as to vary the distance separating the feet.

Abstract: A retractable boom stop includes a channel shaped stop member mounted for pivotal and rectilinear movement relative to the boom arm of a skid steer vehicle. The stop member is movable between an inoperative position adjacent the boom arm and an operative position interposed between the boom arm and lift cylinder. In the operative position the stop member prevents an extensible rod of the lift cylinder from retracting to lower the boom arm. The stop member is secured in the inoperative and operative positions by a retaining pin. A tension spring carried by the stop member and releasably securable to the boom arm automatically retracts the stop member out of the operative position to allow the lift cylinder to be retracted.

Abstract: An extendable boom fork lift vehicle is disclosed wherein the bottom and its actuator are positioned over the rear axle of the vehicle such that the weight of the frame between the front and rear axles and behind the rear axle may be reduced. A modified boom and jib are also described wherein the jib may be selectively fixed relative one telescoping member of the boom. A light-duty carriage is provided to operably engage and articulate a secondary heavy-duty carriage.

Abstract: A device for maintianing a load raising linkage in a raised position. A power member is provided for raising and lowering the linkage. A locking member is pivotally connected to the load raising linkage. The locking member is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. An anchor is connected to the linkage. A releasable member is carried by the locking member. The releasable member engages the anchor and maintains the locking member in the unlock position. Upon pivoting the locking member to the lock position, the releasable member can also engage the power member and maintain the locking member in the lock position.

Abstract: A small, self-contained portable back-hoe has a wheeled frame with a towing tongue for over-the-road trailering. Pivoted outriggers are connected to the back and a third support is secured to the front of the frame. Cylinder units are coupled to position the supports for digging and in raised position for trailering. The bucket and articulated boom assembly is affixed to the frame with a vertical pivot and includes cylinder units for digging operation thereof. An operator station and a hydraulic power supply source or system is secured to the front of the frame. A special hydraulic supply is integrated into the front framework. The back-hoe boom assembly and operating assembly are balanced about the single axle for convenient positioning. The bucket assembly and three-point support are arranged to minimize the tipping of the frame as a result of the digging forces. A gasoline driven high efficiency industrial-type pump is connected to the cylinder units with a filter and the suction side.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing trees, bushes, and other plants for transplantation and other purposes consisting of an elongated, concave scoop mounted on a rigid frame. This apparatus may be adapted for attachment to any standard hydraulically-operated loader. Providing support to the scoop and increasing the rearward carrying capacity of the scoop are gussets which are affixed at the point at which the scoop attaches to the frame.

Abstract: A mobile truck for moving containers and other articles comprising a base, supporting standards at opposite sides of the base, a handle pivotally attached at the upper ends of the standards, a lift supporting member pivotally attached to the handle and to a suitable lifter arm, the lifter arm having attached at one end a lifting device and the other end of the lifter arm being pivotally attached to a connecting bar, with the other end of the connecting bar being pivotally attached to the truck base.

Abstract: Reinforcing device formed from a bent metallic bar stock formed into two legs, having an intermediate bend thereof, inserted into the hollowed end of a time, such as for a hay loader, or related lift mechanism, and therein reinforcing the tine against shear forces and bending moments. Apparatus is provided for bending the bar stock into the configuration of the reinforcing member, by applying a ram to the bar at that location where the bend is required, and forcing the bar to bend into the formation of a pair of legs, between a pair of guide rollers, through the longitudinal shifting of the ram under excessive force during bending of the bar into its reinforcing configuration.

Abstract: A hay bale elevator apparatus is set forth wherein a forward rectangular framework has orthogonally projecting exteriorly of a lower frame member thereof a plurality of cradling rods for accepting a hay bale thereon wherein a rear rectangular framework of equal dimensional configuration to said forward framework is pivotally secured to said forward framework by four parallel links pivotally secured at each of their ends to the respective forward and rear framework. A lower frame member of the rear framework has secured a plurality of pivot points integrally thereto with a single pivot point oriented medially of an upper frame member of said rear framework for attachment to a three-point hitch of a farm tractor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid hydraulic system for a work vehicle having both an open center hydraulic circuit and a close center hydraulic circuit. An internal combustion engine drives a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump. The fixed displacement pump provides hydraulic fluid to the open center circuit which directs hydraulic fluid to a steering circuit and the working circuit through a priority valve. The variable displacement pump provides hydraulic fluid to the close center circuit which directs hydraulic fluid to a braking circuit and a pressure reduction circuit. The pressure reduction circuit directs hydraulic fluid to a pilot control system, a clutch cutoff and a differential lock out. Both pumps receive hydraulic fluid from a common sump and a common suction line. The braking circuit comprises two independent braking circuits.

Abstract: A hydraulic bumper mechanism for moving bales. A modified rear bumper is used on pick up trucks. Extending forwardly from the bumper is a pair of spaced apart housings which retain hydraulic cylinders. The front end of the cylinders and the piston portion thereof faces to the rear of the truck and each is attached to a receptacle that is rotatably attached to a common shaft. These receptacles are adapted to receive round bale piercing spears. When in the horizontal position as the truck is backed up into the bale these spears stab into the bales. Once the bale is stabbed, the hydraulic cylinders are actuated outwardly to cause rotation of the receptacles, of the spears and of the attached round bale of hay. A variety of other tools can be used with it and include a wire winder and a pallet mover. An auxiliary hydraulic kit is also incorporated with the modified bumper.

Abstract: A motorized operator unit which is readily attachable to a conventional manually adjustable fork mechanism for adjustment of the forks by operation of a motor. The operator unit comprises support structure which supports a pair of elongate threaded rods. Each threaded rod has a pair of nuts threadedly attached thereto. A motor is operatively connected to the threaded rods for rotation thereof. Retainer members are attached to the nuts and prevent rotation thereof. The retainer members move with movement of the nuts along the threaded rods. The operator unit is adapted to be quickly attached to a carriage of a conventional manually adjustable fork mechanism, with the retainer members in engagement with the forks of the mechanism for movement of the forks.

Abstract: A skid-steer vehicle has a housing defining a driver's compartment and a loader arm that permits the driver to enter and leave the vehicle through left and right side access openings. The arm is constructed to eliminate the hazardous condition of entering from the front of the vehicle or from a side where the loader arm crosses the access space. The housing includes first and second spaced apart support frames. Each support frame includes a forward and a rearward upwardly extending member joined at an upper portion by a connecting member. The forward, rearward and connecting members, define a side access opening to the driver's compartment. The loader arm has a rearward portion which is pivotally attached to the rearward members of the support frames and a forward portion and a middle portion connecting the forward and rearward portions such that when the loader arm is either in an up position or a down position, the loader arm does not extend into the access openings.

Abstract: A motorized operator unit which is readily attachable to a conventional manually adjustable fork mechanism for adjustment of the forks by operation of a motor. The operator unit comprises support structure which supports a pair of elongate threaded rods. Each threaded rod has a pair of nuts threadedly attached thereto. A motor is operatively connected to the threaded rods for rotation thereof. Retainer members are attached to the nuts and prevent rotation thereof. The retainer members move with movement of the nuts along the threaded rods. The operator unit is adapted to be quickly attached to a carriage of a conventional manually adjustable fork mechanism, with the retainer members in engagement with the forks of the mechanism for movement of the forks.

Abstract: A load toting vehicle apparatus includes a vehicle such as a pick up truck having a special cylindrical bumper, rotably mounted to the rear thereof, with special bumper mounting brackets. The bumper mounting brackets have sleeves for the cylindrical bumper to rotate in, and a pair of spears are removably attachable to the cylindrical bumper for spearing a load of hay, or the like. The bumper has a rotating mechanism for rotating the bumper in the sleeves so as to lift the spears and any load mounted on the spears. The vehicle can be driven to spear a load of hay, or the like, then the load lifted and moved with the vehicle to a different location. The spears can be removed from their operating position and stored inside the hollow cylindrical bumper and locked in the bumper with a threaded clamp. The actuating mechanism includes a leverage bracket attached to the cylindrical bumper and connected with a hydraulic cylinder for rotating the cylindrical bumper.

Abstract: A mounting step is fixed to a rear side location of a loader bucket. The step is spaced forwardly of one drive track when the bucket is in a lowered position resting on the ground and permits an operator to step to or from the top of the drive track with the aid of a grab handle on an engine enclosure.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with a linkage arrangement on one end that is utilized to manipulate a work implement, such as a loader bucket. The linkage typically includes a tilting arrangment for the bucket that incorporates a tilt lever that is mounted to a lift arm that supports the bucket. The mounting between the tilt lever and the lift arm is normally of a complex nature requiring multiple bearing surfaces and lubrication means. Others may have a structure that requires exact positioning between the relative components or a failure will occur due to improper loading. The linkage arrangement of the present invention provides a mounting member that is attached to only one of the tilt levers. It also includes an axial motion limiter that is attached to the other tilt lever. In doing so, a very simple and economical mounting device is provided. The mounting device also allows the tilt levers to rotate with respect to each other so that each of the levers function to bear a portion of the loading.

Abstract: In a material working (e.g. penetrating, loading, compacting) machine the power and machine weight needed to achieve a given performance can be reduced by making one (50) of two pivots (34, 50) at which a working implement such as a bucket 14 is supported an eccentric pivot and driving it by means of a motor (36). The circular vibration of the bucket at pivot (50) combined with arcuate vibration which results and is permitted at pivot (34) by means of link (30), causes the working portion namely bucket teeth (56), to vibrate on a closed elongate curved path 58. This improves penetration and loading performance of the bucket without requiring excessive power to generate the vibrations.