Abstract: Control of a piece of excavation equipment (10) to temporarily disable it from further excavating in an area where a buried cable and/or pipe (50) is present is accomplished by providing a detector (54) for sensing if the buried cable and/or pipe is sufficiently close to be potentially damaged. The detector provides a signal indicative of the presence of the buried cable for transmission, via a transmitter-receiver pair (56, 60), to a control valve (62). When a buried cable and/or pipe is detected, the control valve is actuated to divert hydraulic oil that would otherwise flow to a cylinder (44) that provides forward movement of a bucket (38) on the excavating equipment, thereby preventing further excavation by the bucket in the region of the buried cable and/or pipe.

Abstract: An hydraulically powered rotary actuator for rotating a first portion of a work machine relative to a second portion of the work machine has inner and outer rings enclosed by first and second cover plates. The inner and outer rings are spaced apart to define an hydraulic power chamber to which pressurized fluid is supplied to rotate one of the inner or outer rings. The first portion of the work machine is connected to the rotatable ring and rotates with it. A large diameter bearing assembly rotatably supports the rotatable ring and the first portion of the work machine. Most prior work machines with rotatable car or upper structure require large expensive components including gear reduction assemblies, an hydraulic motor, and large diameter swing gear. The subject actuator simplifies the construction by eliminating many of the prior components.

Abstract: A vehicle for reaching, lifting, retracting, stacking and carrying loads. The vehicle includes a load carrying portion disposed behind the front axle of the vehicle for receiving and transporting loads, so that the vehicle is able to transport loads without tipping yet without carrying excess ballast. The vehicle includes a reach and retract lifting device for reaching to secure or release loads substantially far from the vehicle and retracting to secure or release loads stacked on the load carrying portion of the vehicle. The reach and retract lifting device is interchangeable depending on the desired lifting operation. To prevent tipping while reaching loads, the vehicle incorporates selectively actuable outriggers. Additionally, the vehicle includes selectively actuable hydraulic cylinders or the like for adjusting the lateral position of a lifted load.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator includes a boom comprising an articulated first and second boom member, an arm, a bucket, a boom cylinder for operating the boom, an arm cylinder for operating the arm; and a bucket cylinder for operating the bucket. The boom cylinder is cooperatively associated with the boom to establish a geometry wherein, during operation, the axis of the boom cylinder can never pivot rearwardly across a dead point of the boom and therefore eliminate the possibility of dead locking of the boom during operation.

Abstract: A non-contacting joystick includes a control shaft being universally movable about a Z-axis. A spherical conducting body is attached to an end of the control shaft. A plurality of conducting plates are disposed circumjacent to the spherical body. A charging power supply supplies electrical energy of a first polarity to the spherical body and electrical energy of a second polarity to the plurality of conducting plates. Each conducting plate forms a variable capacitor with the spherical body. The capacitance value of each variable capacitor is a function of the displacement of the spherical body relative to the Z-axis. A circuit produces a plurality of position signals, each position signal being responsive to a capacitance value of a respective variable capacitor. The position signals indicate the relative position of the spherical body.

Abstract: An excavation controlling apparatus which can effect precise driving control off a dipper in accordance with an actual operation condition with a simple structure of a low cost. A dipper handle extension instruction calculation section calculates a dipper handle extension instruction signal from a difference between a moment upper limit value set by a moment limit value setting section and a working moment calculated by a working moment calculation section, and causes a dipper handle driving motor output controlling apparatus to control a sliding driving operation of a dipper handle in accordance with the dipper handle extension instruction signal. A hoisting operation instruction calculation section corrects a hoisting operation reference instruction set by a hoisting operation reference instruction setting section with the moment upper limit value and a hoisting operation instruction correction amount calculated from the working moment.

Abstract: A coupling for a heavy-duty machine to be used between a boom and a stick having a working tool for quick coupling and decoupling of the stick to the boom for the exchange of tools and being operable from the cab or operator's station on the machine without requiring the need for one or more persons or machines at the coupling during the coupling and decoupling process. The coupling also includes a unique locking mechanism that can be remotely controlled to lock and unlock the coupling when they are in mating engagement. The coupling includes a male member attachable to the boom of the machine and a female member connected to the stick. The male member is pivotally mounted at one end on the boom and connected at the other end to a hydraulic cylinder on the boom for articulating the male member on the boom. The male member further includes a grabber at one end and a picker at the other end for interchangeable use to guide the joining of the coupler members.

Abstract: A technique relating to automatic excavation by a power shovel is shown. An ideal reference locus of movement of a front edge of a bucket is approximated by a plurality of points, positions of the plurality of points and postures of the bucket at these points are previously set. If the start of automatic excavation is assigned by an operation pedal or the like, the position of the front edge of the bucket at the assigned moment is made a position to start excavation.

Abstract: An excavator comprising a movable body, a boom mounted on the movable body, first hydraulic cylinders, an outer arm pivotally mounted on the boom, a second hydraulic cylinder mounted on a rear surface of the boom, an inner arm inserted into the outer arm and movable telescopically relative to the outer arm, a bucket connected to one end of the inner arm, a bucket connected to the tip end of the inner arm, a bucket cylinder provided between the bucket and a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism being slidably mounted on guide plates fixed to the outer arm, a third hydraulic cylinder connected to a base end of the outer arm and having a rod connected to a central portion of the inner arm for moving the inner arm relative to the outer arm, and an interlocking device connected between the guide mechanism and the front portion of the inner arm. A hook mechanism can be mounted at a front portion of the inner arm.

Abstract: A working machine equipped with a boom, an arm and a bucket and is mounted on a construction vehicle, the working machine being capable of being folded compactly at rest. The working machine is easily brought into an operating position without any special apparatus. The boom is divided into two portions that allow it to be folded compactly. The two boom portions are pivotally attached to each other and the first of the two boom portions is pivotally attached to the chassis of the machine. The boom portions work in cooperation with at least one hydraulic cylinder to move between operative and inoperative positions. A retaining device, which can be in the form of another hydraulic cylinder or pins, is used to hold the boom portions in position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A front end loader and backhoe construction machinery vehicle. The backhoe and operator's cab are formed from a unitary construction wherein the cab has an undercarriage adaptable to rotate a complete revolution of 360 degrees on a bearing arrangement secured to supporting structure mounted on a main frame of the vehicle. A system of hydraulic controls is effective to raise, lower, telescope and rotate the boom, dipperstick and bucket of the backhoe. Sensor means are provided to disenable operation of the backhoe assembly if it has insufficient clearance with the front end of the machine during rotation of the cab and backhoe assembly. The control system is effective to raise, lower and rotate the front end loader assembly. There is provided a front end and a rear end stabilizing assembly so as to permit the vehicle to work on a stable, rigid platform during digging and moving of earth by the backhoe assembly.

Abstract: A high strength polymeric composite material dipper stick which comprises a structure including an outer casing member formed of high strength polymeric composite materials, an inner filler comprising polyurethane foam disposed inside the outer casing member in order to be integrated with the outer casing member, and a plurality of bushing holders made of polymeric composite material and disposed at connecting portions of the structure in order to be integrated with said structure. The present invention provides weight reduction of about 50%-60% in comparison with a conventional structural steel dipper stick, and also about 6.8%-13.9% in comparison with the conventional structural steel dipper stick on the basis of weight ratio of excavated earth.

Abstract: In the case of an excavator, particularly a shovel excavator, the superstructure is held on an undercarriage so that it can be swivelled around a first vertical axis. A jib is held on the superstructure by way of a boom swivelling block which receives the jib in a supporting manner so that it can be swivelled around a second vertical axis of rotation. A swivel device is connected with the boom swivel block and comprises a hydraulic cylinder which is connected with the swivel block by way of a guide rod. The boom swivel block with the jib can be rotated by way of a driven crank mechanism from a forward working end position extending diagonally to the longitudinal center axis of the excavator, about the second vertical axis of rotation, into a transport position which is swivelled back with respect to the driving direction.

Abstract: A heavy-duty machine, such as an excavator, having a boom mounted for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick mounted onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect coupling including a coupling member that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a coupling member mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A grab hook on the boom coupling member is used to pick up the stick by hooking onto a grab pin of the stick coupling member. A set of rack gear teeth on the boom coupling member intermesh with a corresponding set of rack gear teeth on the stick coupling member, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: This loader-excavator has a boom divided into an inner boom (9) and a main boom (18), the latter being articulated at the free end (17) of the inner boom. The inner boom is pivotally mounted near the front end of the turntable (3) of the machine, and can assume a position inclined to the rear, in which its free end lies to the rear of the axis of the turntable and is above it. In this position, the main boom can be folded onto the inner boom and it then extended horizontally forward, its front end being substantially above the front part of the machine. In this condition, the arm (24) bearing the tool can be directed vertically downward. This facilitates the work as a loader. For work as an excavator, the main boom is unfolded essentially to be an extension of the inner boom and it is locked relative to the latter.

Abstract: A technique relating to automatic excavation by a power shovel is shown. An ideal reference locus of movement of a front edge of a bucket is approximated by a plurality of points, positions of the plurality of points and postures of the bucket at these points are previously set. If the start of automatic excavation is assigned by an operation pedal or the like, the position of the front edge of the bucket at the assigned moment is made a position to start excavation.

Abstract: A backhoe apparatus with a boom structure which is movable overcenter in a fore-and-aft direction and a boom actuator arranged in fore-and-aft alignment with and protected by lateral sides of the boom structure. A swing tower is connected about a lower pivot axis to a lower end of the boom and allows for lateral swinging movement of the boom. The swing tower allows for overcenter movement of the boom to opposite sides of an upper pivot axis on the swing tower whereat one end of the boom actuator is secured. The boom structure has a curved configuration at its lower end to accommodate nesting of the boom actuator while maintaining torsional rigidity for the boom.

Abstract: An articulated two-boom support for a disc saw felling head. A first of the booms is pivotally connected to a base of a logging vehicle. The second boom is pivotally connected to the first boom at a pivotal joint and the booms are further joined to each other by a knuckle joint located below the pivotal joint connecting the booms. The knuckle joint includes two links pivotally connected to each other. The link connected to the first boom is also connected to the base by a locking hydraulic cylinder. An actuating hydraulic cylinder is linked to the first boom and base so as to rotate the first boom about the axis of its pivotal connection to the base. The arrangement is such that the disc saw felling head, mounted at the free end of the second boom, moves in a direction suitable for cutting a tree as the actuating cylinder is extended. The height of the disc felling head may be adjusted by altering the extended length of the locking hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube bundle extractor capable of being used either suspended from a crane or while mounted onto a rigid extendible boom. The extractor features brackets for attaching the extractor to cables suspended from a crane. The extractor can also be mounted onto an extendible boom having an articulated head. When desired, the bundle extractor can be used while mounted onto the boom. If crane operations are preferred, the extractor can be readily detached from the boom and suspended from a crane at much higher elevations.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fluid-powered rotary dipper stick assembly including a boom attachment head and a bucket attachment head with a body extending therebetween. An axle extends from the boom attachment head into the body and is in sliding engagement with an inward wall of the body to provide lateral support thereto. The axle extends to a midportion of the body. The body is rotatable relative to the axle, and is rigidly connected to the bucket attachment head for rotation together as a unit. A linear-to-rotary transmission mechanism including a piston is disposed within the body and is operable to produce rotational movement of the body relative to the non-rotating axle. The piston is operated by the application of pressurized fluid to produce linear movement of the piston which is translated into rotational movement of the body, and provides rotation of a bucket or other work implement attached thereto about the body longitudinal axis independent of the boom attachment head.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a backhoe is disclosed wherein the controls are adaptable to be configured in a selected one of a two lever system, a three lever system, or a four lever system. The control mechanism includes a first pivot axis on which the control levers are pivotally mounted and a second pivot axis on which a series of bell cranks are pivotally mounted. Various linkages interconnect the control levers with the bell cranks, and the bell cranks with hydraulic valve spools in a manner in which the valve body does not have to be reconfigured depending upon which control system is utilized. The control levers are configured with a pivot casting having a bent control rod threadably received therein, the position of which is fixed by a lock nut permitting the control handle to be positioned in the orientation desired by the operator.

Abstract: A stepping vehicle with a chassis having two height-adjustable wheel arms with braked wheels and two stepping legs powered individually. The stepping legs are equipped with pivot limit positions parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis and to assure chassis stability outside a stepping cycle, a support system is provided with one or two additional rest points.

Abstract: An improved power control device including a pair of remote levers having lower ends provided with pivot structure for pivotally attaching the remote levers to the support platform of a power tool attachment. A pair of rigid bars are pivotally coupled to the remote levers and extend rearwardly and are pivotally coupled to the power control levers of the vehicle. Thus, movement of the remote levers by a control operator at the power tool attachment causes corresponding movements of the power control levers of the vehicle so that the vehicle can be controlled by the operator on the power tool attachment. The pivot connections between the bars and the levers and between the remote levers and the platform of the power tool attachment can be quick-release fastener units.

Abstract: A technique relating to automatic excavation by a power shovel is shown. An ideal reference locus of movement of a front edge of a bucket is approximated by a plurality of points, positions of the plurality of points and postures of the bucket at these points are previously set. If the start of automatic excavation is assigned by an operation pedal or the like, the position of the front edge of the bucket at the assigned moment is made a position to start excavation.

Abstract: Three functions on a work vehicle are controlled by two interconnected levers. The first lever controls the first and second functions and the second lever controls the first and third functions. The control levers are interconnected by a yoke having three downwardly projecting tangs. Two of the tangs are provided with connections points for the first and second control function linkages. The third tang provides a mounting point for a ball joint. A stub shaft is coupled to the yoke and the main ball joint and projects from the yoke into a stationary guide slot. The second lever is mounted to the stub shaft and the yoke. The second lever is also provided with a link having a connection point for the third control function linkage.

Abstract: A heavy-duty machine, such as an excavator, having a boom mounted for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick mounted onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect coupling including a coupling member that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a coupling member mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A grab hook on the boom coupling member is used to pick up the stick by hooking onto a grab pin of the stick coupling member. A set of rack gear teeth on the boom coupling member intermesh with a corresponding set of rack gear teeth on the stick coupling member, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: A hydraulic piping structure for controlling a boom assembly supported through a swing bracket by a swivel deck of a backhoe. The piping structure includes a plurality of hydraulic hoses for supplying oil from a pressure source mounted on the swivel deck to hydrauylic cylinders for controlling a boom and other components of the boom assembly. These hoses are arranged parallel on an upper face of the boom, with hoses connected to a boom cylinder being curved on a vertical plane. The parallel boses extend to the swivel deck through an interior space of the swing bracket and are fixed in position by a clamp mechanism therein. On the swivel deck, these hoses are separated into two batches and fixed in position by further clamp mechanisms, respectively.

Abstract: An excavator comprising a movable body, a boom mounted on the movable body, first hydraulic cylinders, an outer arm pivotally mounted on the boom, a second hydraulic cylinder mounted on a rear surface of the boom, an inner arm inserted into the outer arm and movable telescopically relative to the outer arm, a bucket connected to one end of the inner arm, a bucket connected to the tip end of the inner arm, a bucket cylinder provided between the bucket and a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism being slidably mounted on guide plates fixed to the outer arm, a third hydraulic cylinder connected to a base end of the outer arm and having a rod connected to a central portion of the inner arm for moving the inner arm relative to the outer arm, and a synchronizing device for moving the base end of the outer arm for a length corresponding to the distance the inner arm moves relative to the outer arm. A hook mechanism can be mounted at a front portion of the inner arm.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fluid-powered rotary dipper stick assembly including a boom attachment head and a bucket attachment head with a body extending therebetween. An axle extends from the boom attachment head into the body and is in sliding engagement with an inward wall of the body to provide lateral support thereto. The axle extends to a midportion of the body. The body is rotatable relative to the axle, and is rigidly connected to the bucket attachment head for rotation together as a unit. A hydraulic motor is operable to produce rotational movement of the body relative to the non-rotating axle. Rotational movement of the body produces rotation of a bucket or other work implement attached thereto about the body longitudinal axis independent of the boom attachment head. The assembly uses a single thrust bearing positioned between the body and the boom attachment head to carry thrust loads in both directions.

Abstract: A manipulator arm is provided for public works machines comprising two beams of equal length and a pivoting cradle connected in series. The first or command beam is rotated about the forward end thereof on the chassis of a support unit, and the cradle is pivoted in response to rotation of the command beam by means of gears and chains designed and arranged such that the cradle undergoes a linear translational movement and maintains a predetermined inclination.

Abstract: A backhoe loader has a rearward backhole mechanism having a swing frame pivotally connected to a tractor main frame on a pair of vertical pivots. A backhoe boom is swingable on a transverse pivot carried by the swing frame by actuation of a hydraulic cylinder, and the booom being swingable between rearward operating positions and a generally upright transport position. The boom is lockable in its transport position by a mechanism that includes a T-shaped latch member that is swingably mounted on the swing frame on a horizontal pivot, the swinging movement being controlled by a control lever and cable system actuable from the vehicle operator station.

Abstract: A control mechanism for operating a backhoe is disclosed wherein the controls are adaptable to be configured in a selected one of a two lever system, a three lever system, or a four lever system. The control mechanism includes a first pivot axis on which the control levers are pivotally mounted and a second pivot axis on which a series of bell cranks are pivotally mounted. Various linkages interconnect the control levers with the bell cranks, and the bell cranks with hydraulic valve spools in a manner in which the valve body does not have to be reconfigured depending upon which the control system is utilized. The control levers are configured with a pivot casting having a bent control rod threadably received therein, the position of which is fixed by a lock nut permitting the control handle to be positioned in the orientation desired by the operator.

Abstract: An excavator arm with basic boom 12, intermediate boom 14 and shovel stem 16 with digging implement is connected to a support part 86 which can be driven directly or indirectly into rotation about a vertical axis 84. In order to dig trenches with vertical walls outside the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and to achieve an advantageous transport position, the intermediate boom 14 consists of a front part 14a, a rear part 14b and a common rotary joint 20, the most advantageous transport position being achieved by rotating by 180.degree. the front part 14a, about the axis of rotation 22 set vertically, from the extended operational position relative to the rear part 14b.

Abstract: A backhoe pivotally supported from a prime mover is disclosed wherein the hydraulic cylinders operably connected to the outrigger stabilizers are provided with a detent to maintain the outrigger stabilizers in an elevated transport position until being pressurized to extend the cylinders and, thereby, rotate the stabilizers into a ground engaging position. The detent is in the form of a projection extending inwardly from the barrel of the outrigger stabilizer cylinder and positioned for engagement with a deformable detent ring when the piston is moved to the fully retracted position. The detent includes a relief to permit the flow of hydraulic fluid past the engagement between the detent ring and the projection so that hydraulic cylinder will not become hydraulically locked.

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: An article handling/supporting apparatus having a frame, a resolvable base attached to the frame, a turntable assembly mounted to the base, a main boom pivotally connected to the turntable assembly and a main article supporting arm pivotally connected to the main boom. Upon the release of a plurality of locking mechanisms, the turntable assembly is free to rotate while the main boom and the article support arm are free to move up and down. Once an operator has positioned the article handling/supporting apparatus in the desired location, the operator, by the release of a single button, can lock all of the movable components of the apparatus. In addition, fine adjustment of the components can be made from a single location by an operator even after the components have been locked in place.

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 tractor-loader-backhoe is disclosed wherein the loader mechanism is mounted on the frame of the prime mover by a tapered pivot pin having a fastener extending entirely through the axis of the pivot pin to effect a clamping load operable to seat the tapered pivoted 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 accuatable 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 versatile connector assembly for various types of attachments is provided for use with hydraulic shovel type excavators. The connector permits a rotational movement of the attachment and comprises a connector head connected to a stick arm or dipper stick of the excavator for controlled pivotal movement and a rotating member disposed for rotation relative to the connector head and including a swivel joint fitted in the rotating member. A fitting plate member having firmly secured thereto a mounting structure for the attachment is removably secured to the rotating member. A hydraulic drive motor may be located on the connector head in driving relationship to the rotating member.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fluid-powered rotary dipper stick assembly including a boom attachment head and a bucket attachment head with an outer body extending therebetween. A shaft extends longitudinally within the outer body. An inner body is disposed within the outer body immediately inward of the outer body to provide support thereto. In one embodiment, the inner body is rigidly attached to the shaft for rotation as a unit relative to the outer body. In another embodiment, the outer body and the shaft are rigidly attached together for rotation as a unit relative to the inner body. A linear-to-rotary transmission mechanism including a piston sleeve is disposed within the inner and outer bodies and is operable to produce rotational movement of the shaft relative to whichever of the outer or inner bodies is not connected to the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle having a fluid-powered rotary dipper stick assembly including a boom attachment head and a bucket attachment head with an outer body extending therebetween. A shaft extends longitudinally within the outer body. An inner body is disposed within the outer body immediately inward of the outer body to provide support thereto. In one embodiment, the inner body is rigidly attached to the shaft for rotation as a unit relative to the outer body. In another embodiment, the outer body and the shaft are rigidly attached together for rotation as a unit relative to the inner body. A linear-to-rotary transmission mechanism including a piston sleeve is disposed within the inner and outer bodies and is operable to produce rotational movement of the shaft relative to whichever of the outer or inner bodies is not connected to the shaft.

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: An articulated arm type machine, such as an excavator, has a boom articulated for motion in a generally vertical arc, a stick articulated onto the distal end of the boom, and a tool mounted at the distal end of the stick. The stick is connected to the boom by a quick-disconnect shoe that is rockably mounted at the distal end of the boom and a mating fitting mounted at the proximal end of the stick. A pair of grab hooks on the shoe are used to pick up the stick fitting by hooking onto a grab pin mounted thereon. A set of gear tooth racks on the quick-disconnect shoe intermesh with a corresponding set of gear tooth racks on the stick fitting, and these eliminate play between the stick and boom.

Abstract: An improved pipe-moving apparatus is disclosed having a pipe-insertable elongate member which is articulated for ease of use, particularly for pipe laying near trench ends. In a preferred form, the elongate member has a series of at least two carrier members pivotably interconnected end-to-end, with the proximal end of such series of carrier members attached to the controlling mechanism, and structure supporting the carrier members in alignment when the carrier member series is suspended by its proximal end. A highly preferred embodiment accommodates the removable insertion of one or more additional carrier members in the series to extend the length of the elongate member.

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: A control device for a power shovel having a first boom, a second boom and an arm rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the arm, detects the angle of the arm with respect to the horizontal plane based on the posture angles of the first and second booms and the arm, and controls the arm cylinder such that the angle of the arm with respect to the horizontal plane is held to a reference angle. Further, the control device detects a deviation angle between the current direction and the initial directions and controls the revolution angle of the arm so as to make the deviation angle zero. Furthermore, the control device designates a moving direction of the connection point between the second boom and the arm along a plane including the first boom, the second boom and the arm, and controls cylinders for the booms such that their connection point may be moved in the moving direction thus designated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the working depth of a bucket for an excavating machine having an outreach boom which is pivotally attached at one end to the machine, a downreach boom pivotally attached to the opposite end of the outreach boom, a digging bucket pivotally attached to the end of the downreach boom opposite to that to which the outreach boom is attached, and hydraulic power cylinders for moving the pivotally interconnected elements. A laser beam is projected at a reference height and a beam sensor mounted on the outreach boom of the machine detects the beam by means of a plurality of individual sensor locations. The angular orientation of the downreach boom relative to vertical is detected and a microprocessor controller connected to the beam sensor and the angle sensor repetitively defines, as a function of the angular orientation of the downreach boom, one of the plurality of individual sensor locations as an on-grade sensor location.

Abstract: On a work vehicle having a support, an implement carrying swing frame connected to the support by a first pivot pin apparatus, and an elevatable boom connected to the swing frame by a second pivot pin apparatus, a controllable locking apparatus having a boom lock for locking the boom in a substantially vertical position and maintaining the boom against movement, a swing lock for locking the swing frame against side to side movement, and an obstruction for preventing the swing frame from being locked against side to side movement unless the boom is locked against movement, is provided.

Abstract: A boom H for a vehicle A which carries a working implement K to enable operations to be carried out such as excavation or loading, comprises first (11) and second (10) parts, the first part (11) carrying the working implement (K) and the second part (14) being mounted on a body (B) of the vehicle, the first and second parts being connected together for relative pivotal movement about a generally horizontal axis (A 1), a fluid operated actuating means (18) acting between the first (11) and second (10) boom parts to effect relative pivotal movement at least in one sense of rotation, characterized in that the fluid operated actuating means (18) comprises two relatively movable members (20,23) which operate in tension, one member (20) being pivotally secured to one of the boom parts (14) and the other member (23) being connected via a flexible linkage (24) to the other boom part (11) to enable the two boom parts to be relatively pivoted to include a smaller angle between them than would be possible with a rigid l

Abstract: An excavator has a number of different hydraulically powered functions that are controlled by a closed center hydraulic system that features a pair of variable displacement, engine driving hydraulic pumps, the displacement of which is responsive to the demands of the system. The flow to the various hydraulic motors is controlled by pilot operated load sensing control valves that direct fluid pressure to a load sensing line when one of the hydraulic motors in the system is being operated. The load sensing line is connected to the control system of the pumps to place the pumps in stroke when a flow of pressurized fluid is required. The flow of the load sensing pressure to the controls for one of the pumps can be optionally disconnected to place said pump in a standby condition and thereby reduce the flow capacity of the hydraulic system at the option of the operator.