Abstract: A wrecker truck (100) for transporting disabled vehicles is described. The truck includes an under carriage assembly (24), a subframe (10) and a deck (50). The subframe is preferably tiltably mounted on the under carriage assembly (102). The subframe includes a pair of rails (12 and 13) each having an inner rail member (34) and an outer rail member (36). The rail members are mounted parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis A--A of the truck such that a slot (38) formed between the rail members extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the truck. The deck is preferably slidably mounted on the subframe. The deck has a pair of T-shaped sliding members (52) mounted on the bottom side (50B) of the deck. The sliding members have a top cross bar (52A) and a vertical bottom bar (52B). Holding braces (46) having a short leg (46A) and a long leg (46B) are mounted along the length of the rail members such that the top leg extends parallel to the top wall of the rail member.

Abstract: A trailer and a method for loading a trailer onto a transport vehicle. The trailer is elevated, causing a rear axle assembly of the trailer to pivot from a forward position to a position that is generally normal to the trailer frame. A front wheel axle assembly is rotated upwardly, and the trailer is then subsequently slid/or pushed along a generally planar bed surface of the transport vehicle. The end of the bed surface contacts the rear axle assembly during the sliding process, and with continuing sliding the rear axle assembly moves from a normal position to a rearward position.

Abstract: A refuse and/or collection vehicle having an automated container handling mechanism that may automatically lift and dump a container into a charging hopper of the vehicle. A microprocessor controls the extension and lift of the container handling mechanism and analyzes the output voltage of potentiometers coupled to the container handling mechanism to thereby coordinate actuation of the container handling mechanism and smoothly pick up the container from the curbside, dump the container in the charging hopper, and return the container to the same position on the curbside but above the ground a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An elevated service vehicle, such as a catering vehicle, with a fixed elevated cargo area, a rear elevator to load cargo from a lower level, and a raisable loading platform positioned over the cab, for servicing elevated areas such as an airplane or the like. A vertically movable canopy covers the cargo area. The vehicle can be controlled by a single operator.

Abstract: A bale-accumulating trailer is connectable to a baler for forming round bales of agricultural crop material. The trailer includes a fixed frame having a set of ground-engaging wheels, and a dumping frame pivotably mounted to the fixed frame for movement between a bale accumulating position and a bale dumping position in response to operation of a dumping cylinder assembly. A bale transfer mechanism functions to receive bales discharged from the baler and to place the formed bales onto the dumping frame. The bale transfer mechanism includes a carriage movable between a forward position and a rearward position in response to operation of a cylinder assembly. A bale receiver is mounted to the carriage, and is movable between a bale receiving position and an upright position in response to operation of a pair of cylinder assemblies.