Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a loader on the ground and lifting parts of the loader above the tractor for disengagement from the tractor wherein the loader includes vertical side columns for detachable attachment to a tractor at their base, parallel side frame members pivotally attached at their rear ends to said column, double acting hydraulic lift cylinders connected to the outer ends of the frame members and to the columns at a location below the frame member attachment so that the frame member will be pivoted up or down with expansion or contraction of the cylinders, loader bucket supports extending downwardly from the forward end of the frame members carrying a loader bucket at their lower ends, and a lift stand carried at the lower end of the supports and stored on the supports during normal operation of the loader but foldable and expansible to a ground engaging position and a frame member support position for supporting the loader so that the rear end of the frame members can be lifted clear

Abstract: A frame structure for connecting working implements to a vehicle body having right and left main frames extending parallel to each other longitudinally of the vehicle body. The main frames are divided into upper front frames and lower rear frames which are interconnected through an intermediate connecting section. The front and rear frames have different heights to lower the center of gravity of the rear section of the vehicle body for promoting stability of vehicle control without impairing the steering function of front wheels. A cross support member is connected to bottom surfaces of the main frames in the region of the intermediate connecting section. This support member has opposite ends thereof extending laterally outwardly of the main frames. Outward extension of the cross support member include connecting elements for working implements. These connecting elements and the front frames are used as supporting connections for connecting working implements such as a front loader and a mower unit.

Abstract: A self-contained, full-function, crane attachment for loading machines that is capable of quick release coupling with the standard bucket attachment mechanism of conventional loaders. The attachment comprises a wheel-mounted supporting frame equipped with two hydraulically driven outriggers to provide additional stability and with a control panel pivotally adjustable for comfortable use from the loader's driver seat. A horizontal boom platform is rotatably connected to the supporting frame through a vertical central axle and a generally horizontal hydraulic cylinder for adjusting the relative position of the two, so as to provide a lateral rotational degree of freedom for the platform of approximately 45 degrees in either direction.

Abstract: A tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin or sleeve having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin or sleeve to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivot pin or sleeve in the conical hub affixed to the frame of the prime mover to assure a firm fastening of the loader mechanism on the prime mover. The backhoe mechanism is provided with a transport lock remotely actuatable from the operator's cab mounted on the prime mover and incorporating a locking pin having a concentric spring mounted thereon to urge the pin out of engagement with the frame whenever the transport lock is disengaged to permit operation of the backhoe mechanism. The boom and dipper members of the backhoe mechanism are constructed from a pair of opposing C-shaped channels having inwardly directed legs centrally located within the boom and dipper members.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a trenching attachment to hook and eye mounts on an end of a power unit. The trenching attachment includes a mounting frame having hook-engaging shafts and eye-engaging pins, a head drive assembly, a trenching boom assembly pivotally mounted to the head drive assembly, and a hydraulic boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom assembly with respect to the mounting frame. With the boom assembly supported in a three-point stance adjacent the power unit, the cylinder is actuated in a first direction to rotate the mounting frame with respect to the boom assembly, and engage the shafts with the mounting frame hooks. Further actuation of the cylinder in the first direction rotates the mounting frames with respect to the boom assembly and power unit until the mounting frame pins are adjacent the mount eyes. A grease cylinder on the mounting frame is actuated to extend the pins and engage the mount eyes.

Abstract: Attachment holder for the operating equipment on the superstructure of a mobile shovel excavator, the attachment holder, which can be attached subsequently, being coupled to the attachment bearing bracket and having, in forward direction, offset horizontally, pivot shafts for the boom and the boom ram.

Abstract: A device for attaching a working machine to a vehicle in which a heavy weight working machine can be detachably and fixedly attached to the vehicle and a three point link type working machine can also be attached through a three points linking mechanism when the heavy working machine is not attached to the vehicle. The device includes an attachment frame at a rear portion of the vehicle body, and a working machine connecting portion for attaching the heavy weight working machine. Further, a three point link connecting portion for connecting the three point linking mechanism is provided on the attachment frame.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting a trenching attachment to hook and eye mounts on an end of a power unit. The trenching attachment includes a mounting frame having hook-engaging shafts and eye-engaging pins, a head drive assembly, a trenching boom assembly pivotally mounted to the head drive assembly, and a hydraulic boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom assembly with respect to the mounting frame. With the boom assembly supported in a three-point stance adjacent the power unit, the cylinder is actuated in a first direction to rotate the mounting frame with respect to the boom assembly, and engage the shafts with the mounting frame hooks. Further actuation of the cylinder in the first direction rotates the mounting frame with respect to the boom assembly and power unit until the mounting frame pins are adjacent the mount eyes. A grease cylinder on the mounting frame is actuated to extend the pins and engage the mount eyes.

Abstract: A universal tractor loader bracket kit is described which enables a basic set of brackets to accommodate various other bracket components thereon to enable the basic set of brackets to accommodate various types of tractor loaders.

Abstract: The subject device is an operational apparatus for front end loaders. The apparatus can be adapted directly onto the front end loader linkage arms at the attaching points that normally a bucket is attached to or can adapted by the means of a quick coupling attachment. The subject device should be used with a quick coupling device but is not limited to this device for its operation. The subject device herein is specifically adapted to a front end loader as an operational apparatus to perform various work functions such as a mobile crane, a front end loader, a fork lift or similar work functions in construction or railroad use but with an added dimension, that being the ability to swing 90.degree.. Such a unit comprises an auxiliary operational mechanism having dimensional power motions when attached to a front end loader and is basically a swinging, lifting and tilting member for three dimensional movement actuated by hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: This is a swing-tower arrangement for coupling a back-hoe assembly to a tractor or the like. It features a rocker swingable in elevation on the swing tower. An actuator on the swing tower controls the position of the rocker, improving transport and control of the backhoe and making practical the adaptation of the arrangement to a wide range of tows. Detachable rockers are variously used to shift the backhoe assembly to transport and working positions and to tow and lift other types of subordinate machines. A power takeoff is mounted on the rocker.

Abstract: Front end loader mounting structure including a rear support assembly for receiving pivot tubes located at the lower ends of the rear upright mast posts. A round cross tube connecting the forward ends of the mast arms is rotatable upwardly through an arc-shaped path with center of radius of the path located on the axis of the pivot tubes. The cross tube is received within an inverted cradle assembly located directly in the path and is releasably locked in a raised mounted position within the cradle assembly by latching structure remotely actuated from the tractor cab. The mast posts include downwardly extending projections which are freely received by the support assembly when the loader is in the stored position but which rotate against a locking block to secure the posts tightly to the tractor frame as the mast arms approach the upwardly rotated position.

Abstract: A parking stand for an agricultural loader particularly well suited for use with tractors having mid-mounted mowers or similar tools carried beneath the tractor. The stand includes a pair of legs for each mast, the legs being adapted to fold between a stored position adjacent the mast and a supporting position extending laterally from the mast.

Abstract: This invention relates to a front frame (50) constituting a front portion (2) of a so-called articulated wheel mounted type loader (1) of a vehicle in which the front portion (2) and a rear portion (3) are separated but coupled together. The front frame (50) is constituted by a lower frame (20) adapted to support the front frame, and a upper frame (40) secured to the lower frame (20) and formed with a bucket cylinder pivot (32), a boom pivot (30) and a boom cylinder pivot (31). Particularly, the upper plate (40) is made up of a single plate (41) provided with a bucket cylinder pivot (30) and a boom pivot (30) and a pair of boom cylinder pivot members (42) connected to both ends of the single plate (41) and respectively provided with boom cylinder pivots (31). Pivot openings are provided for the upper frame (40). The upper frame (40) is handled as a unit when the upper frame (40) is mounted on the lower frame (20).

Abstract: A vehicle recovery unit is disclosed comprising a first boom (9) which is pivotally mountable on the fifth wheel (6) of a tractor unit (1), beneath which first boom (9) is pivotally mounted a second boom (11). The second boom (11) is pivotally moveable with respect to first boom (9) by a piston and cylinder arrangement (13). The second boom (11) may be secured to a vehicle to be recovered (3) by a locking pin (25) a chain under tension (26) and a load bearing member (27) so that the second boom (11) is rigidly secured to the lorry (3). When in use, the attachment of the recovery unit (2) to the lorry (3) is rigid and the combined lorry (3) and vehicle recovery unit (2) are pivotable only about the fifth wheel (6) of the tractor unit (1). The vehicle recovery unit (2) is free standing by legs (20) so that the tractor unit (1) may be detached from the recovery unit (2) and driven away to leave the recovery unit (2) free standing.

Abstract: An attaching structure for securing a detachable hydraulically operated attachment to a vehicle. There is a source of hydraulic pressure on the vehicle. Hydraulic fluid from the source is circulated through valves and conduits to and from hydraulic devices which are carried by and operate the attachment. The valve which controls the hydraulic fluid to the attachment is mounted on the attachment, and remains with the attachment when the attachment is detached from the vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor-implement combination comprising a tractor frame supported on front and rear wheels and having left and right side plate means has a horizontal tube structure extending through the side plate means to oppositely, transversely spaced open ends. A transverse beam is slidably mounted within the tube and has opposite end portions projecting transversely outwardly of the open ends of the tube. A pair of implement supports detachably secured to said end portions and an implement is carried on the implement supports.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the posture of the work implement of a loader comprises a boom supported by a boom pivot on a mast secured to a vehicle body and movable upward and downward by a boom cylinder, first and second arms supported by an intermediate portion of the boom and pivotally movable relative to each other, a pivotal member pivoted to the boom by the boom pivot, a first connecting member operatively connecting a point on the pivotal member away from the pivoted point thereof to the first arm, a second connecting member connecting the second arm to the work implement at the forward boom end, an engaging portion for engaging the second arm with the first arm when the implement is moved by an implement cylinder in the scooping direction approximately into a specified posture, and an interlocking member operatively connecting the pivotal member to an implement control valve for the implement cylinder so that the valve is operated in the dumping direction by the movement of the pivotal member with th

Abstract: A crane has a twin post and a twin boom construction and provides for numerous degrees of freedom. The crane is a trailer and uses the weight of a vehicle to which it is attached for stability when it is in an operating mode. The crane has wheels which may be lifted off the ground to allow its positioning by a vehicle to which it is attached.

Abstract: A spray boom and vessel apparatus is disclosed having one or more spray nozzles adjustably mounted along the axes of a plurality of independent spray booms. The spray booms are releasably supported upon a boom frame in horizontal, parallel relation to each other. The boom frame is releasably supported by a vessel and valve frame, which also supports a plurality of vessel and valve assemblies. Each vessel and valve assembly is in fluid-flow connection with the nozzles of one of the spray booms and a source of pressurized air. The vessel and valve frame is releasably mounted on a vehicle frame, which is pivotally attached to a vehicle.

Abstract: A backhoe arrangement is disclosed wherein a single dipper arm is adapted for operably, removably engaging a mounting bracket of a tractor mounted, cantilevered type of skip-loader boom arm assembly. The tractor provides support for the cantilevered load by reason that the boom arms are pivoted from a rear end of the tractor while the attached single-arm backhoe is operably deployed to the front of the tractor. The described embodiment provides for significantly reduced weight and complexity, thereby enabling the tractor to be driven during excavating operations. The dipper arm may be swung to positions nearly at right angles to the direction of travel of the tractor.

Abstract: An assembly capable of being fitted to a loader which is provided with an attachment device intended, for example, for co-operation with respective one ends of two lifting arms whose respective other ends are intended to support suitable load-handling devices, such as forks, buckets etc., and lifting-ram attachments intended, for example, to co-operate with respective first ends of two lifting rams whose respective other ends are capable of co-operating with the lifting arms. The assembly is provided at the central region thereof with a device for co-operating with the attachment device, and is provided in the upper part thereof with a pivotal attachment for pivotal co-operation with a part of a load-handling arrangement. The lower part of the assembly is arranged to extend towards the front wheels of the loader, and the lower part of the assembly is firmly connected to the lifting-ram attachments originally found on the loader.

Abstract: A device for attaching a front loader to a tractor by removably mounting each of a pair of boom supporting masts on a mast support fixed to the tractor body and removably fixing the front end of each brace extending forward from the mast to a brace fixing member secured to the front end of the tractor body. One of the lower end of each mast and the upper side of the mast support has a projection, and the other of these parts has a recessed portion for receiving the projection. The mast is pivotably supported by means of the projection and the recessed portion from below while being thereby restrained from moving longitudinally of the tractor body. A guide on the brace end and the fixing member coact to hold the brace end in position. The mast and the brace are fixed in position by a lockpin. The loader can be removably attached to the tractor with ease and high rigidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly mounting a loader on a tractor which eliminates need for loose connecting pins or bolts and tools. A pair of slotted brackets include sliding wedge blocks which automatically secure the mast post pins in position during mounting. The mast post pins are moved into the slots, and then the forward portion of the loader frame is rotated upwardly about the axis of the pins to engage forward mounting structure. The tractor is then driven forward to slide the mast post pins into the respective slotted brackets. Thereafter, the boom cylinders are actuated to rock the loader frame about the forward mounting structure and move the mast post pins into vertically disposed portions of the slots and to permit the wedge blocks to slide into their latching positions. A handle operated cam arrangement moves the block away from the slot portion for dismounting the loader.

Abstract: A loader device is described comprising a bracket assembly mounted on the tractor adapted to removably receive a tower assembly having a pair of boom arms pivotally secured thereto. The bracket assembly includes a pair of horizontally disposed support members which are positioned substantially above and rearwardly of the front wheels of the tractor. A pivot pin is provided on the forward end of each of the support members. The tower assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart side frames having uprights mounted at the rearward ends thereof. The side frames pivotally engage the pivot pins during the mounting and dismounting operations to provide the necessary clearance between the loader and the front wheels of the tractor. The rearward ends of the side frames rest upon the upper ends of the support members when the loader is mounted on the tractor.

Abstract: A front end loader including rear support with complementary wedge and block structure to automatically secure the mast rigidly to the tractor during mounting. A parking stand serves as a forward latching lever when the loader is mounted and additionally functions as a tractor grille guard and structural member to tie the mast arms together.

Abstract: Cable operated locking structure permitting an operator to lock and unlock the front of a loader without leaving the tractor seat. An eccentric cam and a cam operating wedge are secured on a front end assembly which also includes a mounting stand arrangement. A front mounting frame is connected to the tractor frame and includes a stop member which engages a guide member located on the assembly. The guide member and stop member secure the mast arm in the transverse and vertical directions, and the cam is movable into a cavity area on the front mounting frame to secure the mast arms in the downward and forward directions. Since the locking structure and parking stand are a single assembly, the loader can be offered either with or without the locking structure and parking stand features.

Abstract: The body of a vehicle is provided at a side portion thereof with a mount frame having a mount portion for a front loader. The front loader has a mast removably attachable to the mount portion, a lift arm supported by the mast, a lift cylinder connected between the mast and the lift arm, a working portion pivotably supported by the front end of the lift arm, a work cylinder connected between the lift arm and the working portion, and a brace removably connectable between the mast and a front side portion of the vehicle body. When the front loader is to be attached to or removed from the vehicle body, the brace is removably attached to the lift arm or to the working portion, and with the brace and the working portion placed on the ground, the work cylinder is extended or contracted, lowering or raising the lift arm and the mast, whereby the mast is shifted between an attached position on the mount portion and a removed position thereabove.

Abstract: An assembly of lift arms and mounting structure together with simultaneously functioning stabilizers provides improved material handling apparatus for application to small, relatively lightweight vehicles. This apparatus comprises structure for giving the load engaging portions of the lift arms an extended outreach capability, as and when required. The outreach capability in one embodiment is achieved utilizing a traveling base for the lift arms and in another the lift arms comprise telescoping parts. In either case the base for the lift arms may have directly connected stabilizers which preserve balance of the lift arms and the underlying vehicle. The apparatus disclosed features a particularly useful and rugged lift arm assembly having general utility in the material handling art.

Abstract: A pair of mount members extending longitudinally of the body of a tractor are fixedly provided at opposite sides of the tractor body. A pair of projecting brackets positioned toward the front from the steps of the tractor extend laterally outward from front portions of the pair of mount members and are provided with a pair of opposite mount portions for a front loader and with a pair of opposite front mount portions for a working implement of the mid-mount type. A pair of opposite rear mount portions for the implement are provided at opposite sides of longitudinally intermediate portions of the mount members or of a longitudinally intermediate portion of the tractor body.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a backhoe on a vehicle including a backhoe mounting subframe having a downwardly extending work position and a transport position in which it is pivoted upwardly and outwardly from the work position. The backhoe mounting subframe is pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the frame of the vehicle. The backhoe mounting subframe is movable at the operator's option between the work position and the transport position, and means are provided for positively latching the backhoe mounting subframe to the vehicle frame either at the work position or at the transport position.

Abstract: The boom of a backhoe is hinged to one end of a two-position cradle-like tilt member. The base of a single control cylinder is hinged to the other end and the piston is pivotally secured to the boom to swing it so that boom and control cylinder do not mutually interfere but allow for more stable transport and deeper working range. The cradle is pivotally mounted near its center on a swing tower, adjustable in azimuth. The cradle is caused to move to its end positions by control of the boom and its load. Actuating means for the dipper arm of the backhoe is secured between arm and the boom. Suitable locks are provided for securing the cradle in the transport and working positions.

Abstract: A tractor-implement combination comprising a tractor frame supported on front and rear wheels and having left and right side plate means has a horizontal tube structure extending through the side plate means to oppositely, transversely spaced open ends. A transverse beam is slidably mounted within the tube and has opposite end portions projecting transversely outwardly of the open ends of the tube. A pair of implement supports detachably secured to said end portions and an implement is carried on the implement supports.

Abstract: A hydraulic latch arrangement is disclosed for facilitating efficient movement of a backhoe between working and transport positions relative to an associated material handling implement upon which the backhoe is mounted. The arrangement includes an upper pivot which pivotally connects the frame of the backhoe to the implement for relative movement of the backhoe about a horizontal axis. The arrangement further includes a pivotally movable latch member preferably mounted on the associated implement, and a latch pin mounted on the backhoe frame for cooperation with the pivotal latch member. A hydraulic latch motor is provided for selectively moving the pivotal latch member between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein in the engaged position the latch member cooperates with the latch pin for effecting a substantially rigid connection between the backhoe and the associated implement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a truck mounted backhoe supported by a frame that pivots between a use position and a transport position in an uninterrupted movement. The support frame is interconnected to the truck by a linkage assembly having two links pivotally connected at adjacent ends with the opposite ends connected to the frame and the truck respectively. A hydraulic cylinder is connected at the adjacent connecting point to push and pull the frame between the use and transport positions. Further, a control station is provided which is pivotally interconnected with the support frame and is moved with respect to the frame as the frame moves between the use and transport position to prevent interference with the backhoe. A bracing frame is provided to retain the frame in a substantially vertical position when in use.

Abstract: A mount for disconnectably attaching an appliance such as a loader on the front end of a tractor with the loader having a mounting frame with channels at each side receiving a front mount on the tractor, the frame also having a U-shaped stand which is pushed upwardly to a horizontal position by the tractor and which automatically moves downwardly to support the frame when the tractor is backed out of the frame, the frame also having rear mount columns with feet at the bottom which are received in sockets secured at the side of the tractor with the sockets having camming surfaces for pushing the feet to secured position and the feet having means for tightly pulling the feet at the base of the columns of the frame to secured position on the tractor.

Abstract: A tractor loader is described which has multi-adjustment mounting features provided thereon to enable the loader to be mounted on a wide variety of tractor makes and models. First and second mounting brackets are adjustably mounted at opposite sides of the tractor and are adapted to have the tower assembly of the loader selectively mounted thereon. The tower assembly includes a pair of towers having side frame members extending forwardly therefrom. The lower ends of the towers have a shoe adjustably secured thereto which is secured to the first and second mounting brackets. A slide block is selectively longitudinally mounted on each of the side frames of the tower assembly which is also adjustably secured to the first and second mounting brackets.

Abstract: A materials handling apparatus for a tractor comprising a U-shaped frame which is quickly mounted and dismounted. The frame comprises a front frame portion having a pair of side frame portions extending upwardly and rearwardly from the lower opposite sides thereof. Boom arms are pivotally secured to the upper rearward ends of the side frame portions and are raised and lowered relative thereto by hydraulic cylinders which are positioned forwardly of the front wheels of the tractor. Releasable connectors are provided between the U-shaped frame and the tractor to enable the apparatus to be quickly and easily mounted and dismounted.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated latch mechanism is disclosed for releasably maintaining a backhoe in its lowered, working position on an associated material handling implement. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism includes a movable latch member pivotally mounted on the implement for movement between engaged and disengaged positions. A latch pin is provided on the frame of the backhoe for cooperation with the latch member whereby the latch pin is adapted to be received by the latch member in the engaged position thereof for holding the backhoe against movement relative to the implement. A latch hydraulic motor is provided in operative connection to the pivotal latch member for effecting movement between the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A device for removably attaching a front working implement to a tractor body comprises a bearing portion provided on each side of the front portion of the tractor body and a fitting portion provided on a front portion of each brace of the implement. The bearing portion and the fitting portion are tapered and engageable with each other in a vertical direction. The brace has a lever plate for holding the fitting portion engaged in the bearing portion and a bolt for fastening the lever plate.

Abstract: A frame assembly for mounting on a tractor is provided which is designed for quickly and easily attaching different types of implements thereto without the necessity of frame modification or other time-consuming tractor alterations. Advantageously, the frame assembly includes a pair of elongated rails respectively secured to opposed sides of a tractor, along with a bracket assembly secured to the underside of the tractor adjacent the tractor drawbar structure. Each of the alternately mountable implements includes a mounting assembly having a pair of elongated spaced apart channel arms which are operable for slidingly engaging respective mounting rails. In use the implements are stationarily positioned independently of the tractor, and attachment of the implements is simply a matter of driving the tractor forward with the tractor-mounted rails located to slide into engagement with the implement channel arms.

Abstract: A quick attachment device (12) for releasably connecting an implement (10) such as a loader to a vehicle without special tools comprises a pair of uprights (26) connected to the implement and a pair of corresponding pedestals (32) mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle. Each upright (26) is cradled by trunnions (40) in notches (38) on the corresponding pedestal (32) and releasably secured thereto by means of locking pins (48). Removal of the pins (48) and appropriate actuation of the cylinders (22, 30) causing the implement (10) to fulcrum about extendable stands (52) enable selective attachment or detachment from the vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable tower for front end tractors comprising first and second tower members adapted to be secured to opposite sides of the tractors. Side frame members extend forwardly from each of the tower members and have downwardly extending cylindrical front end portions provided thereon. A length-adjustable cross member is secured to the forward ends of the side frame members and extends therebetween for connection to the forward end of a tractor. A pair of booms are secured at their rearward ends to the upper ends of the first and second tower members and are adapted to receive a materials-handling attachement thereon.

Abstract: In front loaders designed for drive-in attachment to tractors, two telescopic struts are pivotable between a stowed retracted position alongside the boom assembly which carries the bucket; a first deployed extended position for supporting the rear end of the detachable main portion of the loader, aided by auxiliary struts, when it is not attached to the tractor; and a second deployed extended position, in which the struts engage with abutments on the sub-frame which carries both the boom assembly and the hydraulic cylinders for pivoting the boom assembly and are secured to said cylinders, for locking the boom assembly in its fully raised position whilst the detachable main portion is attached to the tractor.

Abstract: For use in detachably mounting an implement to a vehicle, the vehicle having associated therewith an adjustable take-up frame having at least one coupling element arranged to coact in engagement with a counter-coupling element on the implement, the improvement comprising: a mounting plate arranged on the implement in a substantially vertical plane extending transversely with respect to the working direction of the implement and the vehicle, the counter-coupling element being in the form of an open hook secured to and protruding rearwardly from the upper portion of said mounting plate, and the coupling element being in the form of a horizontal pin extending between two laterally spaced cheek plates, the said cheek plates forming part of the take-up frame, with said horizontal pin being arranged for engagement beneath said hook as the latter is received between said cheek plates.

Abstract: Tractor front loaders of drive-in type have brackets fixed to a tractor and engageable with a detachable sub-frame carrying a boom assembly mounting a bucket. The sub-frame is secured to the brackets by close-fitting pins causing removal difficulties, or loose-fitting pins causing loader instability and accelerated pin wear. Easy-release pins are therefore provided, each passing with substantial radial clearance through aligned axially-spaced holes in one bracket and fitting, between the holes, in an eccentric bush which fits in a boss fixed to the subframe and is rotatable by a handle into an operative position in which the pin establishes contact with one side of the holes and the boss establishes clamping contact with a cam-plate fixed to the bracket, or into an easy-release position in which the contacts are disestablished.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a material handling device is provided which accommodates convenient interchanging of work implements. The coupler assembly includes first and second latching arrangements which are provided on a frame member which is adapted to be mounted on the lift arm assembly of material handling device. Notably, the second latching arrangement includes an elongated bar having end portions which are deflectable with respect to the central portion of the bar. A pair of overcenter locking cams are provided for urging the respective end portions of the bar into recesses defined by hooks which are mounted on the implement to be mounted, thus facilitating convenient attachment of the implement to the lift arm assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a front loader to a tractor or like vehicle comprises a pair of opposite lift arms removably connectable to the vehicle and pivotally movable upward and downward, a bucket supported by the front ends of the lift arms with pivots and pivotally movable upward and downward, bucket cylinders for pivotally moving the bucket, and a restraining member removably attached to the bucket for preventing the pivotal movement of the bucket relative to the ground. The lift arms as disconnected from the vehicle are moved by the bucket cylinders about the pivots to an attached position relative to the vehicle or to a removed position above the attached position and can be held in either position.

Abstract: The tree-processing unit includes a tubular member detachably secured to the boom support of a conventional motorized equipment, an elongated boom extending through both ends of the tubular member, guide means located within the tubular member for guiding and supporting the boom through the tubular member, and hydraulically-operated means mounted on the tubular member and on the front end of the boom for gripping and delimbing a felled tree. The hydraulic lines interconnecting the hydraulically-operated means located at the front end of the boom and the tubular member, are maintained in a tight condition all the time to prevent tangling of the lines with the equipment and other obstacles on the working site. A guide mechanism located within the tubular member includes a plurality of roller bogeys.

Abstract: A side-shift backhoe includes a slide frame having an upper end forming a downwardly opening receptacle having a cylindrically curved inner surface engaged with a complementary shaped surface of an upper transverse guide rail of a support frame. The slide frame also includes a transverse member which is releasably secured to a lower end of the frame and includes an upwardly- and rearwardly-facing abutment surface disposed for engagement with a downwardly and forwardly-facing abutment surface of a lower transverse guide rail of the support frame. A pair of linear hydraulic swing actuators are located between upper and lower transversely-extending mounting bars, and the cylinders of the actuators are each swivelly mounted to the bars with the bars and actuators forming a swing actuator unit. The swing actuator unit is releasably secured to the slide frame such that the actuators project through a central, fore-and-aft extending opening provided in the slide frame.