Abstract: A debris removal apparatus (e.g., for moving snow) can include a frame configured to attach to a prime mover. The frame can include one or more rails that extend from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame. Additionally, the debris removal apparatus can include a carriage configured to translate along the one or more rails of the frame. Further, the debris removal apparatus can include a blower configured to intake a fluid and discharge the fluid at a blower outlet. The blower can be coupled with the carriage. Still further, the debris removal apparatus can include a nozzle configured to couple with the blower outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an implement to a three point hitch of mobile machinery comprises two frameworks, a first framework and a second framework. The first framework is disposed in a first plane and comprises at least two parallel, vertically-spaced apart, laterally extending rails. There are three attachments supported by the first framework for attachment to the three-point hitch. The second framework is slidable generally in the plane of the first framework and is mounted on the rails to slide laterally along the rails. At least two connectors are supported by the slidable second framework for connecting the second framework to an implement that can be pulled or pushed by the mobile machinery. A driver is connected to the first framework and connected to the second framework for driving the second framework laterally back and forth along the rails of the first framework.

Abstract: A system for protecting at least one tube extending between articulating joints of a work machine including a first guard configured to be at least partially inserted inside a first opening formed in a second portion that is pivotably connected to a first portion. A second guard is configured to be at least partially inserted inside a second opening formed in the third portion that is pivotably connected to the second portion and near the first portion. The first guard and the second guard form a protective passageway for a tube extending from the first portion to the third portion, the passageway substantially preventing contact between the at least one tube and surfaces of the second portion and the third portion in close proximity with the corresponding pivotable connections.

Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved stability control. Stability control features reduce or eliminate motion of the truck in one or more of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination with the stability control, vibration control to further stabilize the motion of the truck.

Abstract: A method for counting the pallets or loads moved by a lift truck using internal sensors is disclosed. The lift truck includes a weight sensor for weighing a load, a height sensor, for measuring a height of the forks, and a distance sensor for determining whether the vehicle has moved. When the data from each of these sensors exceeds a corresponding minimum value, a vehicle control system increments a pallet counter. A count of the number of pallets moved is therefore maintained without the need for tracking specific pallets of for adding expensive components and devices.

Abstract: An earth-working vehicle, such as a backhoe loader, has an implement, such as a backhoe, mounted in a manner that the implement can be shifted transversely with respect to the vehicle. A hydraulic motor and roller cable or rack are secured to the vehicle main frame and implement supporting plate to position the implement transversely of the vehicle without the jerky movements of prior backhoe loaders.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a horizontal support frame mounted to the vehicle, a first slewing ring bearing moveably mounted on and substantially parallel to the horizontal support frame, an articulating boom having a first end mounted on the first slewing ring bearing and moveable relative to the frame, and a mower deck mounted on a second end of the articulating boom for positioning relative to the frame and the vehicle.

Abstract: The lifting frame with Z-kinematics of a wheel loader comprises an accessory arm with a lifting cylinder coupled to the vehicle frame or to the truck front-end and a rocker-type reversing lever coupled to the accessory arm, to the ends of which reversing lever the tipping cylinder and the connecting link are coupled for the swivelling of the attachment. Attachments, e.g. a bucket or a log loader, are mountable on the lifting frame. In order to be able, in a raised position of the lifting frame, to swivel the attachment with the necessary large moment from a position tipped downwards into a position tipped upwards, without any reinforcement of the tipping cylinder, there is coupled with the lifting frame, in the direction of the attachment in front of the articulated joint connecting the tipping cylinder to the vehicle frame, at least one hydraulic cylinder, whereof the piston rod engages in an articulated manner with the swivel axle connecting the reversing lever with the tipping cylinder.

Abstract: A control system for orienting a swing axis of a work machine is disclosed. The work machine includes a swing frame and a frame structure, and the control system includes an operator interface configured to receive operator inputs, wherein the operator inputs represent a desired orientation of the swing axis of the swing frame. The control system also includes a sensor assembly configured to determine an actual orientation of the swing axis of the swing frame and a controller configured to compare the desired orientation to the actual orientation of the swing axis to determine a swing angle. The controller is adapted to output the swing angle. The swing axis may be adjusted by adjusting the work machine frame or by adjusting a frame assembly independent of the work machine frame.

Abstract: A swing type front working mechanism 7 is provided, the front working mechanism 7 having a foot portion of a lower boom 8L of a boom 8 pivotally supported on brackets 12a through a pin 18. A cross-link 40 is connected between the bracket 12a and an upper boom 8U by pins 41 and 42 only along the right lateral side of the boom 8, and no cross-link is provided on the side of an operator's cab 6. In the case of a singular cross-link arrangement of this sort, the boom 8 could be operated under biased load distribution, and therefore the lower boom 8L is likely to be subjected to greater stresses or greater lateral bending stresses on the side of the cross-link 40. A boom operating hydraulic cylinder 43 is located in a position which is shifted aside from a center axis A1 of the lower boom 8L in a direction away from the operator's cab 6, thereby forming a lateral load buffer as a counter measure which suppresses or buffers lateral bending stresses of the sort as mentioned above.

Abstract: A mechanical excavator provided on a tractor or other vehicle and which comprises a main boom, which at its lower end is pivotally connected to a king post assembly for movement up and down in a vertical plane, a dipper arm pivotally connected to the outer end of the boom for movement in a vertical plane and carrying or being adapted to carry a bucket or like tool, the king post assembly providing for pivotal slewing movement of the main boom about a vertical axis so that the main boom can be rotated from one side to the other of the center line of the vehicle, the king post assembly being mounted upon a guide frame extending transversely of the center line of the vehicle, the king post assembly being moveable along the guide frame, and fixing clamps for releasably fixing the king post assembly relative to the guide frame, wherein a fluid operated ram connected between the king post assembly and an anchor which is adapted to be fixed relative to the guide frame whereby extension or contraction of the fluid op

Abstract: A multiple-purpose utility vehicle has a working boom which is displaceably guided on a guide rail by a supporting carriage in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The guide rail is arranged at the side of the driver's cabin and integrated within the vehicle. The working boom is supported on the supporting carriage pivotably by more than 240.degree. so that a tool arranged at its end can be pivoted forward of the driver's cabin or backward of the driver's cabin. In all its positions the working tool is easy to be seen by the driver.

Abstract: A lock cylinder for a backhoe slide frame which provides for a positive lock of the slide frame in selected positions is described. The slide frame is supported on two generally horizontal rails that are vertically spaced, and the lock cylinders mount between the vertically spaced rails. The lock cylinders each have a piston that acts to hold the slide frame seated against the upper one of the rails. The piston also provides a wedging action on at least one rail to hold the slide frame from fore and aft movement relative to the rail.

Abstract: A backhoe is mounted to a rear portion of a loader by means of a locking sideshift mount. The sideshift mount includes a main frame fixedly mounted to the loader, and a slide frame which is slidably mounted to the main frame for transverse movement between the left and right sides of the loader. A pair of locking apertures open downwardly from a lower surface of the slide frame. A pair of stabilizers are mounted to the rear portion of the loader, adjacent the left and right sides of the main frame. Locking pins on the stabilizers extend upward and are cooperable with the locking apertures. When the slide frame and backhoe are positioned on the left or right side of the main frame, and the stabilizers retracted by hydraulic cylinders, the locking pins will engage the slide mount and prevent movement of the backhoe.

Abstract: A side shift backhoe mounted on a sliding frame adapted for sliding transversely along upper and lower tracks of a main frame and in which the sliding frame and one of the tracks have matching chamfered surfaces and the sliding frame and other track have matching horizontal surfaces, and a power device extending between the sliding frame and main frame to effect movement of the sliding frame vertically in one direction to tightly engage the chamfered surfaces and in the opposite direction to cause the horizontal surfaces to engage so that the weight of the backhoe is carried on said other track having the matching horizontal surface.

Abstract: A compact excavator has a superstructure, a swinging or swivelling mechanism connecting said superstructure with a chassis for swinging said superstructure relative to said chassis about a vertical axis, and a boom on said superstructure. The boom is linked to the superstructure directly by a parallel guide having a parallelogram link (14 or 14') and an intermediate member (12). The parallel guide is able to swing about a vertical axis (13', 13") secured to the superstructure (3). The intermediate member (12) has a fixed length and the parallelogram link (14, 14') may have a fixed length link or a hydraulic actuator piston cylinder having a variable length. Such a construction simplifies additional movements required of the driver for operating the excavator.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a bulldozer, comprises a first arm having a ripper shank extending therefrom which is pivotally attached to a second arm. A second arm is mounted to a vehicle for rotation about a horizontal axis so that when the first and second arms are in one orientation the ripper shank may be operated to move in a plane transverse to the direction of motion of the vehicle. The apparatus may be rotated to any angle such that the shank extends forwardly, or rearwardly, of the vehicle to engage objects. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms are pivotally mounted to a journal which extends through a mounting housing. A hydraulic cylinder engages one end of the journal at an eccentric location to cause the journal to rotate upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A rigged truck comprises runways defined on the truck platform and extending lengthwise thereto close to a corresponding truck side, a carriage mounted for movement along said runways, a tower mounted rotatably on said carriage and having an operator's seat at the top, a main support which is carried, through a horizontal axis articulated parallelogram, cantilever-fashion on said tower and is movable in a vertical direction, a secondary support mounted rotatable about a vertical axis on said main support, an arm mounted at one of its ends oscillably on the secondary support about a horizontal axis lying substantially parallel to the plane containing said articulated parallelogram, and a boom mounted oscillably at the other end of said arm and being terminated with a tool end.

Abstract: Arrangement for swinging an attachment holder for the equipment of a hydraulic excavator around an axis perpendicular to the platform plane of the upper carriage, in a working direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the excavator chassis. The lower part of the boom is vertically swingably fastened to the attachment holder which in turn is pivoted to the upper carriage by two radial links which are mounted at each end for turning around a vertical axis. The upper carriage is pivoted to the chassis. Furthermore the attachment holder is operatively connected to an active setting member. It is the pivoting of the carriage relative to the chassis together with the pivoting of the attachment holder relative to the carriage which enables the movement of the attachment holder in a working direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the excavator chassis.

Abstract: A mobile shovel excavator having a superstructure rotatable about a vertical axis on an undercarriage wherein the arc circumscribed by the rotating superstructure projects beyond the undercarriage, and a stump jib pivotable on the superstructure about a vertical pivot axis by means of a hydraulic cylinder is provided; an excavator jib is attached to the distal end of the stump jib, and the excavator jib is pivotable about the stump jib; in use, the stump jib may be pivoted so that the outer end thereof is either inside or outside of the arc circumscribed by this superstructure, thus varying the pivot point of the excavator jib, and when the excavator is not in use, both the stump jib and the excavator jib are entirely positioned within the arc circumscribed by the rotatable superstructure.

Abstract: This machine comprises a chassis which bears at one end a motor unit for driving large size drive wheels whereby said chassis rests on the ground at this end. At its other end, the chassis is provided with retractable supports by which it may rest on the ground. This end also carries a turret mounted on the chassis by an orientation ring and supporting the cabin. A working assembly is articulated on this turret immediately above the orientation ring in such a way as to be subjected to vertical clearance swinging movement by passing beside the cabin. Arms associated with jacks and supporting steering wheels are also articulated on this cabin. When the cabin is facing forward, the cabin and motor unit are disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of the machine, while the working assembly is disposed on the other side of that longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism mounted on the implement support bracket selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the slide plate. One of the features of the invention resides in attaching lift cylinders to the side shift frame assembly at positions as far outboard as possible on the opposite ends of the frame assembly to reduce the bending and twisting moments on the frame induced by the implement.

Abstract: A device for mounting an appliance (such as a backhoe excavator) on a vehicle (such as a tractor) comprises a fixed frame secured to the vehicle, and a movable frame to which the appliance is pivotally connected by means of a kingpost. The movable frame has elements thereon which are slidable along respective linear guides on the fixed frame, thereby enabling the movable frame to be pivoted relative to the fixed frame under the control of a drive so as to offset the kingpost from the center line of the vehicle. The guides converge at a predetermined angle rearwardly of the vehicle, and the elements subtend the same angle to the kingpost so that the kingpost moves along a straight line at right angles to the vehicle center line as the movable frame is pivoted with respect to the fixed frame. This arrangement enables the appliance to be pivoted relative to the vehicle about a comparatively large angle without fouling the rear (particularly the rear wheels) of the vehicle.

Abstract: An implement side shift assembly is disclosed for laterally shifting an earth-working implement relative to a tractor or the like. The side shift mechanism permits various implement attachments to be mounted on one common side shift frame. The side shift assembly includes a frame assembly having laterally extending upper and lower slide rails. An implement support bracket mounts the implement to the slide rails for lateral movement. A slide plate is slidably mounted between the slide rails for lateral movement, and a piston-cylinder is connected between the frame assembly and slide plate to move the slide plate laterally. A latching mechanism selectively connects the slide plate to the implement support bracket at one of a plurality of connecting points on the implement support bracket.

Abstract: A mobile power shovel comprising an upper carriage rotatably mounted on a vehicle chassis and including an attachment holder for an excavator jib, the attachment holder being mounted for pivoting within the envelope circle of the carriage on a slide laterally displaceable along a guide member, the guide member being arranged chordally within the envelope circle and spaced from the slewing axis, so that the slide, the jib, the scoop arm and the digging tool mounted thereon may be positioned within the envelope circle for improved maneuverability of the power shovel.

Abstract: A power shovel including a stiffleg, a dipper handle operatively connected to the stiffleg, a dipper having a forwardly disposed digging end pivotally connected to the dipper handle, the dipper being biased to pitch the forwardly disposed digging end thereof upwardly, means for limiting the upward pitch of the digging end of the dipper relative to the dipper handle, a hoist frame pivotally connected to the stiffleg, and a hoist link pivotally connected at the ends thereof to the hoist frame defining a four bar linkage.