Abstract: A lift arm structure for a power machine with a frame can include a multi-bar linkage that is pivotally secured to the frame and a leveling link that is pivotally secured to the multi-bar linkage. The leveling link can be configured to transmit force from the leveling link to an implement as the multi-bar linkage is actuated to raise or lower the implement, including via a multi joint member that is pivotally secured to the leveling link, the multi-bar linkage, and an actuator that is configured to move the implement.

Abstract: A gripper for an implement for handling bales includes a body having at least one support arm, at least one tine coupled to the body, and a cutting device. The at least one tine protrudes in a direction beyond the cutting device in at least one region.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a bucket of a prime mover comprises a base member having fixed shape in a longitudinal direction of the base member between first and second ends with first and second pivoting members pivotally connected at the first and second ends of the base member, each actuated for pivotal movement about a respective transverse axis by a distinct actuator. The second pivoting member forms a base for releasably receiving different attachment ends such as a secondary arm member carrying a respective pivoting member independently actuated of the base member's pivoting members that is disposed on a secondary arm member end distal to a connection end thereof for connecting to the base member, an extension member without any actuators and pivoting members, and a tool section which is designed for carrying out a specific function.

Abstract: An overhead lift assist system enables cargo to be loaded on a utility terrain vehicle and includes a frame, a plurality of rollers, and a cable. The frame is couplable above a cab of the utility terrain vehicle and includes a plurality of rollers disposed along a longitudinal axis. The cable includes a first end positioned at a front portion of the utility terrain vehicle and a second end terminating in a loading connector. The cable has a length great enough to extend past a rear portion of the utility terrain vehicle. A winch is operable to selectively retract the cable to load cargo on the utility terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor attachment mountable on a loader boom of a tractor and a tractor attachment kit. In one embodiment, the tractor attachment is a grapple assembly, and the grapple assembly kit includes a mounting assembly, a plurality of clamping units, and a plurality of support units. The clamping units and the support units are removably mountable on the mounting assembly and may be arranged in different combinations on the mounting assembly. Such combinations may range from a single clamping unit mounted on the mounting assembly to a mixture of clamping units and support units mounted on the mounting assembly to several clamping units mounted on the mounting assembly. The clamping units may have alternative pivot points to permit jaws of the clamping unit to close at different speeds and with different forces. One or more fangs may be removably mounted on a clamping unit to enhance its grip.

Abstract: For providing a supporting structure for the excavator changes the fitting height of the backhoe, This invention provides a supporting structure of excavator for attaching the backhoe with variable height which comprising: an attachment mount fixed to a frame, and an adjuster plate fixed to the attachment mount, wherein the backhoe is mounted to an appropriate position of the adjuster plate.

Abstract: A front end loader supports a bucket having opposite side walls connected by a bottom wall. An ejector plate is supported for movement within the bucket between a collapsed position and an extended position by a scissor mechanism including a set of parallel forward tracks secured to the ejector plate and a set of parallel rearward tracks secured to the bucket. Upper and lower sets of pivotally connected and crossing link members are connected to the tracks by pivots and rollers, and a hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the sets of link members and is pivotally connected to the rearward tracks and to the link members. A hydraulic booster cylinder initiates forward movement of the ejector plate from its collapsed position, and the side walls of the bucket have opposing guide rails which hold the ejector plate adjacent the bottom wall of the bucket.

Abstract: A grabber accessory for attachment to a prime mover is described, and may include a stanchion, pivotable arm having a proximate end attached to the stanchion to form a pivot point of the arm and a distal end extending generally transverse to the stanchion and terminating in at least one downward tine, and hydraulic cylinder attached between an upper end of the stanchion and a surface of the arm between the proximate and distal ends. The hydraulic cylinder may be configured to raise and lower the arm under hydraulic control from a main hydraulic feed of the prime mover. The accessory further includes a pair of vertically spaced clamping assemblies attaching a lower portion of the stanchion to frame member surfaces of the prime mover so as to secure the accessory in an upright position.

Abstract: A system for unloading bales from a bale wagon including a mobile trailer frame and a bed frame pivotably movable with respect to the trailer frame between a first position for receiving bales and a second position for unloading bales. A push-off member is provided for pushing bales off of the bed frame when the bed frame is in the second position. A pushing device is connected to the trailer frame. The push-off member is selectably connectable to the pushing device when the bed frame is in the second position. The push-off member is disconnected from the pushing device when the bed frame is not in the second position.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a telescoping boom extending outwardly from the vehicle. An attachment is operably connected to the boom, the attachment including opposed forks configured to be both urgable toward each other and urgable away from each other. The attachment is configured to be positionable over and substantially laterally surround at least one pair of round bales arranged substantially side by side and having corresponding diameters in close proximity of each other. The opposed forks are urgable toward each other with sufficient compressive force applied to opposed portions of the diameters of the at least one pair of round bales, at least elastically deforming the cylindrical profile of at least one of the at least one pair of round bales, so that the at least one pair of round bales can be vertically lifted and manipulated by at least the boom to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: Excavator bucket cleaning apparatus having an action plate hingedly interconnected to the interior of the bucket with a cable attached at one end to the excavator boom and, at the other end, to the free end of the action plate so that rotation of the bucket outwardly causes the cable to tighten and swing the action plate outwardly of the bucket about the hinge.

Abstract: A pallet load stand and manipulator allows a pallet to receive a workpiece and the workpiece to be clamped to the pallet while the pallet is in a horizontal position. Once the workpiece has been clamped to the pallet, the pallet may be rotated to a vertical position so that the pallet may be loaded onto a machine tool that operates on a workpiece with the pallet in the vertical position. The pallet may also be rotated to an intermediate position, similar to an artist's easel, in which the pallet is held in an inclined position, between the horizontal and vertical positions by positive locating assemblies and positive stops.

Abstract: A grapple assembly that is particularly suited for use as an attachment to a skid steer loader comprises jaws that are no wider than the wheels of the loader and are lightweight and rigid. The grapple is operated by a single hydraulic drive cylinder that is inexpensive and easily replaceable. The lower jaw is L-shaped and formed of spaced vertical ribs having a bar extending across the tips of the ribs. The upper jaw of the grapple also has vertically spaced ribs which are interconnected by a bar adjacent the tips of the ribs. An intermediate bar reinforces the upper jaw and provides an attachment point for the drive cylinder at the center thereof.

Abstract: A grapple for attaching to a loader bucket. The grapple includes a pair of spaced apart elongate mounting arms each being positioned between a pair of mounting flaps extending from a rear of a bucket of a loader and detachably coupled to the mounting flaps. A pair of pivot arms are pivotally coupled to outer ends of the mounting arms. Each of the pivot arms has a bend defining inner and outer portions of the pivot arm. A toothed portion is coupled to outer ends of the pivot arms. The mounting arms, pivot arms and toothed portion are balanced such that the mounting arms are positioned generally horizontally and spaced apart from a ground surface when outer portions of the pivot arms rest on the ground surface and inner portions of the pivot arms are oriented generally perpendicular to the mounting arms.

Abstract: A hand truck has a pivoting wedge that initiates a fracture within a bale of hay, straw and similar materials and assists in retaining the material onto the truck. The wedge pivots out of the way when not in use. A toe consists of long slender tines which may serve the dual purpose of sliding under and/or piercing baled material. The toe is removable from the hand truck for shipping and storage purposes. A guard rack is also provided to provide enhanced support for loose material carried by the truck and to prevent the material from getting caught up in the tires or being dragged inadvertently. According to a method of the invention, the hand truck is engaged with the bale, the wedge used to separate a flake, and then the flake is transported on the hand truck.

Abstract: A hay loader is provided including a fixed frame mounted on a vehicle. Also included is a moving frame slidably mounted on the fixed frame. The moving frame is maintained vertically oriented while being shifted toward and away from the moving frame. Also included is at least one hydraulic cylinder connected between the fixed frame and the moving frame for selectively shifting the moving frame with respect to the fixed frame.

Abstract: An ejector bucket includes a bucket frame, an ejector plate, and two actuating cylinders. The bucket frame has opposing side walls and a bottom wall extending between the side walls. The ejector plate is located within the bucket frame, and is movable between a load position where the ejector plate and the bucket frame together form a bucket for holding material and an eject position where the ejector plate has pushed substantially all of the material out of the bucket. The two hydraulic actuating cylinders are connected to the bucket frame and to the ejector plate. Each of the actuating cylinders is located adjacent to one of the side walls of the bucket frame. The actuating cylinder is operable in a push mode where an actuating rod is pushed out of the cylinder casing, and is operable in a pull mode where the actuating rod is drawn into the casing.

Abstract: An improved robotic power grapple having the capability to both manipulate and impact objects. The grapple has a head assembly containing pivotal jaws and an impact hammer disposed within a rotation device to allow the head assembly and jaws to rotate about a central axis. An impact rod extends through the rotation device and through an opening in the tips of the jaws to permit impaction of objects proximate the opening. In combination with an articulated boom and orientation device, the improved grapple may be utilized in severe-duty foundry operations to remove gates and risers from foundry castings.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a tractor loader, and including a support, elongated teeth attached to a frame, a retainer above the teeth which is pivotable between upper and lower positions, and a push arm between the teeth and the retainer which is movable between retracted and extended positions. The apparatus can handle various types of bales of hay, straw, etc. It can also be used to lift and transport loose fibrous material. The retainer is pivoted downwardly to grip and hold the material on the teeth. When the retainer is pivoted upwardly, the push arm can be moved to its extended position to urge the material off the forward ends of the teeth.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system for hauling bulk materials, particularly municipal solid waste, by rail and truck utilizes multiple rectangular, open-top boxes each having a removable lid. The system includes a forklift with an articulated frame actuated by hydraulics which engages channels formed in the box or in the lid. Lock bars on the box are clamped by locking members carried on the forklift to hold the box on the forks during an over the-side dumping movement. The forklift empties the box with a roll-out motion combining a forward rotation of a lifted box with a backward movement of the box. A reinforced flatbed railcar receives up to four 21 foot long boxes and lids with a total carrying capacity of up to 100 tons. Each car contains upright corners that guide the boxes onto the railroad car and then restrain it. The containers are flush with the upper surface of the railroad car when engaged in the corners. A tractor trailer with a tilt up roller bed and winch hauls the boxes on highways.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system for hauling bulk materials, particularly municipal solid waste, by rail and truck utilizes multiple rectangular, open-top boxes each having a removable lid. The system includes a forklift with an articulated frame actuated by hydraulics which engages channels formed in the box or in the lid. Lock bars on the box are clamped by locking members carried on the forklift to hold the box on the forks during an over-the-side dumping movement. The forklift empties the box with a roll-out motion combining a forward rotation of a lifted box with a backward movement of the box. A reinforced flatbed railcar receives up to four 21 foot long boxes and lids with a total carrying capacity of up to 100 tons. Each car contains upright corners that guide the boxes onto the railroad car and then restrain it. The containers are flush with the upper surface of the railroad car when engaged in the corners. A tractor trailer with a tilt-up roller bed and winch hauls the boxes on highways.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting round bales of hay including a pair of arms which project forwardly from the front end of a tractor. These arms support a pivotal structure which includes a spear for impaling a round bale of hay and thereafter tilting the bale up off the ground. Another embodiment includes a device similarly attached to the forward end of a tractor; however, the latter embodiment involves a spear which can be elevated with respect to the ground while remaining parallel to the ground. A third embodiment involves a bale lifting device which is similar to the second embodiment but which can be attached to a conventional 3-point hitch on a tractor or to the rear of a flatbed trailer. A still further embodiment includes a square frame supported from a tractor by means of a 3-point hitch connection. The square frame rotatably supports an elongated rectangular frame which has impaling spears at the opposite ends thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which may be added onto a conventional front-end loader having a pivoted bucket to facilitate the handling of bales such as bales of hay. The apparatus utilizes a grapple, and coupling components which interact between the grapple and the bucket in a manner whereby, when the bucket is pivoted to a lower position, the grapple automatically and synchronously swings upwardly away from the bucket, and when the bucket is pivoted to an upper position, the grapple automatically and synchronously swings downwardly toward the bucket.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system for hauling bulk materials, particularly municipal solid waste, by rail and truck utilizes multiple rectangular, open-top boxes each having a removable lid. The system includes a forklift with an articulated frame actuated by hydraulics which engages channels formed in the box or in the lid. Lock bars on the box are clamped by locking members carried on the forklift to hold the box on the forks during an over-the-side dumping movement. The forklift empties the box with a roll-out motion combining a forward rotation of a lifted box with a backward movement of the box. A reinforced flatbed railcar receives up to four 21 foot long boxes and lids with a total carrying capacity of up to 100 tons. Each car contains upright corners that guide the boxes onto the railroad car and then restrain it. The containers are flush with the upper surface of the railroad car when engaged in the corners. A tractor trailer with a tilt-up roller bed and winch hauls the boxes on highways.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus connected to a prime mover having first and second jaws, the first jaw connected and configured to approximate a grading blade for a bulldozer, and the second jaw connected to the first jaw in one of two orientations, 180 degrees apart and about vertical axis. The jaws also have open and closed positions, defining four extreme positions. The combined first and second jaws define either a bucket, or when the second jaw is extended away from the grader blade a clam shell type bucket, or a pincer type grappler.

Abstract: A quadflex bucket apparatus operable to grasp and lift loose piles of material. The quadflex bucket apparatus comprises a lower jaw assembly with at least one finger member pivotally secured thereto. An upper jaw assembly is pivotally secured to the middle jaw assembly. A pair of first hydraulic cylinders is pivotally secured to the lower jaw assembly and to the middle jaw assembly. A pair of second hydraulic cylinders is pivotally secured to the middle jaw assembly and to the upper jaw assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material handling bucket of the type commonly used on a front-end loader. The bucket is provided with an apron assembly that includes an apron that is movable fore and aftly between a retracted position where the apron essentially closes the front opening of the bucket to an extended position where the apron is spaced forwardly from the front opening of the bucket. In addition, the apron and entire apron assembly is privotally mounted such that it can be hydraulically moved a generally horizontal position to a vertical position thereby providing clear access to the front opening of the bucket.

Abstract: Covers are mounted so as to cooperatively close and seal the mouth or opening into conventional backhoe and clam-shell excavating buckets with the covers being positioned or positionable so as to engage the buckets after the buckets have been operated or manipulated to excavate earthen material or debris to thoroughly enclose such materials within the buckets until such time as the material is deposited into an appropriate receptacle or deposit site.

Abstract: A claw attachment for use in conjunction with the bucket of a backhoe or excavator for removing large boulders and other objects from the surface of the ground or from a partially embedded position within the ground. The claw is removably mounted in a fixed bracket on the earth moving machine and can be secured in a first or operative position on the "crowd" and then relocated to a second or storage position on said "crowd". In configuration, the claw resembles the claw of a Maine lobster, but with a pair of normally disposed outward extending ears toward the front thereof.

Abstract: A gripping claw for a backhoe, breaker, or similar device is secured to the end of a boom in a pivotal manner. Attachment is achieved through a pair of plates joined together facing each other, with the claw pivotally mounted at one end in the space between the plates. A piston and cylinder, also mounted in the space between the plates, joins the plates to a second location on the claw, both being pivot connections, so that extension and retraction of the piston causes the claw to pivot between open and closed positions. To install the attachment on a boom-mounted tool, the tool is detached from the boom, and the attachment inserted in its place, with the tool in turn secured to the attachment. The attachment thus serves as an extension, and is readily installed and removed on site.

Abstract: This invention involves replacing the link plates in the hydraulically actuate linkage mechanism of a backhoe apparatus with a pivotal cantilever. The cantilever mechanism forms a movable lever arm against which objects can be clamped by the bucket. The length and curvature of the lever arm is selectively predetermined to minimize interference with normal operation of the bucket while providing a support against which objects can be clamped by the bucket.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching various material handling implements to a lift arm. The quick coupler includes an opening on one end for pivotal connection with the lift arm and a slotted end portion for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the implement. An intermediate portion of the quick coupler includes a mounting or coupler pin that extends laterally beyond the sides of the quick coupler. An actuating mechanism including a push-pull link is connected to the quick coupler for rotating it about the end of the lift arm. The quick coupler includes an element which may be used for lifting or positioning objects while the quick coupler is fully attached to the implement. Each implement is provided with a pair of opposed attachment members which include slots for receiving the outer laterally extending portions of the quick coupler mounting pin.

Abstract: An excavator bucket of improved versatility is characterized by having gripper means to enable the bucket to grip an object to be lifted and also by being mounted so that it is capable of pivotal movement about two independent axes which are substantially at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A carrier for lifting and transporting a log. The carrier includes a wheeled frame, a hook, and a load stabilizer. The hook has, at one end, a hinged attachment to the frame, and, at the other end, both a point for gripping one side of the log and a point for prodding logs into position. The load stabilizer is movably attached to the frame. After a log is initially gripped between the hook and the frame, the stabilizer is moved into a position in which the stabilizer applies a force to the log to hold the log against the hook and thereby prevent the hook from losing its grip on the log.

Abstract: The grab (3) for handling material has two grab members (4, 5) one or both or which have tines (6, 7), the grab members being relatively movable to open or close the grab so that cohesive or rigid material can be grasped between the tines (6, 7). Additionally, one grab member (4) has side and bottom panels (21, 22) forming a scoop or bucket component and the other grab member (5) has a back panel (10) so that in one condition of the grab, e.g. when the grab members (4, 5) are closed, there is formed a complete scoop or bucket for scooping up granular or liquid material to be handled.In another embodiment, the grab member (5) may also have small side and bottom panels; in other examples the scoop may be provided wholly on one of the grab members.The grab avoids having to use separate devices respectively for grasping and for scooping operations.

Abstract: A box blade assembly for attachment to earth moving vehicles has a rotatable semi-cylindrical closure blade. The box blade includes a pair of spaced parallel side walls, an open front, top, and bottom, and a rear wall having a depending scraper blade attached to the bottom edge thereof. A semi-cylindrical, transversely-extending, closure blade is rotatably mounted on the side walls of the box blade. A fluid-operated cylinder rotates the closure blade from an open position, with the bottom of the box blade open, to a closed position abutting the rear wall and scraper blade enclosing the bottom of the box blade. A vehicle pulls the box blade along the surface of the ground with the scraper blade scraping dirt and confining it within the side and rear walls. The closure blade when rotated to the closed position extends underneath the collected dirt so that it can be lifted with the box blade for transporting to another location.

Abstract: A backhoe clamping device is provided which is designed to be easily added onto standard existing backhoe equipment. The device includes mounting brackets which are secured to the side bucket links of the existing backhoe and bucket arrangement. Clamp links are pivotally attached to these mounting brackets, thereby offsetting their pivot points from the existing links. Clamp arms are pivotally attached to the clamp links, as well as to the backhoe dipper arm. In this way, the existing backhoe leverage actuates the clamp arms, causing them to move in conjunction with the bucket to achieve a clamping effect.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for gripping objects is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with an excavator having a hydraulic hammer. The arrangement includes a gripping arm assembly operatively associated with the hydraulic hammer, including a gripping arm selectively movable with respect to the hammer. The arrangement can further include a detachably mountable clamping arm assembly adapted to be attached to the dipper arm of the excavator. The gripping arm and clamping arm assemblies are adapted to cooperate with each other with a claw-like working action to facilitate gripping of objects, such as material broken with the hydraulic hammer.

Abstract: A grapple operating mechanism (12) is attached to a vehicle (10), such as a front end loader, and includes a boom (26) rotatably attached to the vehicle (10) and a pipe and pole type grapple (11) attached to the other end of the boom (25). A boom actuating mechanism (29) is connected between the vehicle (10) and the boom (25) for moving the boom (25) relative to the vehicle (10) and a grapple actuating mechanism (33,35,36,37,38,40) is connected between the vehicle (10) and grapple to rotate the grapple (11) on the boom (25). The grapple actuating mechanism has one or more actuating cylinders (33) connected to a first set of arms (36) attached to the boom (25).

Abstract: Bale handling apparatus including a frame portion, a bale moving portion, a bale engaging portion and a control portion; the frame portion including a base section, the base section including a pair of substantially parallel spaced side members; the bale moving portion including rotatable mechanism extending between the side members of the base section, the rotatable mechanism being disposed along the side members of the base section; the bale engaging portion including hook mechanism pivotally connected to the frame portion adjacent one edge thereof, the hook mechanism being oriented substantially parallel to the side members of the base section, the hook mechanism being of a length substantially the same as the side members; the control portion including mechanism for driving the rotatable mechanism, mechanism for pivoting the hook mechanism with respect to the base section and mechanism for changing the position of the base section; whereby when the apparatus is attached to a vehicle, a round bale may be p

Abstract: A tractor mounted front end loader with a swingable boom assembly carrying a bucket, there being an ejector assembly for the bucket. The boom arms are shortened to place the center of gravity of the bucket proximal to the front tires of the loader, to place the cutting edge of the bucket closer to the center line of the front axle of the tractor; to place the boom to bucket pivot proximal to the surface upon which the loader is working and the cutting edge of the bucket in a horizontal plane slightly below that of the boom to bucket pivot, as compared with a loader without a bucket ejector assembly, to the end that bucket capacity is increased, reach and dump height are increased, cycle time is reduced and greater breakout force can be developed inasmuch as the bucket can be dumped, by use of the ejector assembly, while in a horizontal position. The ejector assembly includes upper and lower swingable panels within the bucket, hinged together with means for sealing the hinge.

Abstract: The bale handling attachment is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the pivoted vertically movable lift arms of a usual tractor three-point hitch and includes a pair of tine members that have limited downward pivotal movement, relative to the lift arms, to positions extended longitudinally of the lift arms. When the lift arms are lowered, the tine members are pivotally movable upwardly, relative to the lift arms, to horizontal ground engaged positions for following the ground contour to locations at opposite sides of the bottom portion of a bale to be handled. An upright push plate has the bottom edge thereof rideable on the upper surfaces of the tine members, and is movable from a rest position at the inner ends of the tine members, to a bale unloading position adjacent the outer ends thereof to provide for bales being stored in a double tier, one on top of the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing compressed fodder or similar agricultural material from a pile has an engaging tool which is mounted on a cantilever arm arrangement. This arrangement is capable of reaching over a quantity of fodder to be withdrawn and engaging behind the quantity from above so that the remainder of the material will not be loosened. The engaging tool shifts the quantity of fodder into a receptacle which is mounted on a common support with the cantilever arm arrangement, the support being adapted to be mounted on a tractor. Hydraulic cylinder-and-piston units connected to the hydraulic system of the tractor are used for moving the engaging tool into and from the receptacle.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus adapted to be mounted on one end of an elongated boom arm for handling beef quarters and like loads includes an upstanding rear wall structure adapted for securement to said boom arm, a load support platform extended forwardly from the lower end of the rear wall structure, a side member extended forwardly from one side of the rear wall structure and a gate mechanism supported on the rear wall structure for movement between a loading position displaced from the forward surface of the wall structure whereby a load may be received on the platform in leaning engagement against the rear wall structure and a carrying position wherein the gate mechanism is extended forwardly and laterally across the forward surface of the wall structure for at least partially enclosing the load between the side member, wall structure and gate mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting garbage containers or the like fron one place to another. The vehicle includes a mast which is disposed on a flat bed to the rear of a truck cab and which is capable of traveling longitudinally along the length of the truck bed from one end adjacent the cab to the other end. Extending from the mast is a boom and pivotally secured to the distal end thereof is a fork lift assembly. The boom may be raised or lowered hydraulically while the attitude of the fork lift assembly may also be adjusted hydraulically. A parallel motion mechanism links the fork lift assembly to the mast and maintains the fork lift assembly at a pre-adjusted attitude regardless of the elevation of the boom. Hydraulically-operated clamping arms are provided on the fork lift assembly to clamp a lid down on a container during lifting of the container onto the truck and during transportation of the container to another location.

Abstract: A trailer for loading and transporting cylindrical bales of straw fodder or other materials, of the type having an off-set draw-bar, comprising a chasssis supported by wheels, a main platform integral with this chassis, a fork articulated in the region of the front edge of the main platform and pivotable between a low bale pick-up position, in which the free end of the fork is close to the ground, and a high loading position, in which the free end of the fork is above the plane of the main platform, a control member capable of assuming a first or second state and a drive member controlled by said control member, causing the fork to pivot upwards when the control member is in its second state, and allowing the fork to pivot downwards when the control member is in its first state.

Abstract: Hay handling apparatus, by use of which baled hay may be lifted and transported, stacked and unstacked, in a simple and dependable manner. The apparatus is adapted to be connected to a standard front end loader of a tractor, without requirement for additional hydraulic cylinders or controls other than those provided with the loader for operation of the apparatus. A frame body carries horizontally disposed elongated sharpened bars in the form of spikes adapted to pierce through bales of hay so that the hay may be lifted and transported, and includes means for imposing pressure against the bales of hay for withdrawal of the bars from the bales of hay. The apparatus is made in sizes so that stacked bales of hay may be handled, and is designed such that by its use baled hay may be stacked within an enclosed space, such as in a barn, completely to the ceiling thereof.

Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as a hay rake, may be easily and quickly connected to or disconnected from the tow bar of a tractor. The apparatus features a large main frame assembly which extends over top of the tractor to a ground-engaging position in front of the tractor. The hay basket or other implement is connected to an end of an auxiliary lift frame which is pivotally coupled to the main frame by a hydraulic lift cylinder which permits the implement to be raised from its normal, ground-engaging position to a position far above the top of the tractor for unloading or transport. A second, lift cylinder controls the level of the implement during lifting and transport, while a third hydraulic cylinder serves to operate a push-off mechanism for unloading the hay rake. The apparatus also features a quick-connect-disconnect hitch for coupling to the draw bar of the tractor, and an integrally formed stand for supporting the main frame when uncoupled from the tractor.

Abstract: A gathering blade is mounted on a vehicle which carries a front end loading bucket, so that material can be gathered by the blade and pulled onto the bucket. The gathering blade is mounted on the ends of a pair of arms which are slidable longitudinally in a pair of guides, one on either side of the vehicle, and preferably in the planes of the control and operating arms of the bucket. The blade can be lifted up under the arms, which can then be retracted by means of hydraulic and pistons. The guides are rotatable about an axis attached to the vehicle, and are supported by pistons and cylinders from the operating arms, so that the bucket has full freedom of movement in an upwardly direction, and the blade does not obstruct the view of the operator.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus, including a bucket and a clamp arm mounted on the bucket, the clamp arm being movable from an operative position, where it cooperates with the operative edge of the bucket in handling material, to a storage position where it is located outside of the bucket.