Abstract: A hydraulically operated framework which permits certain farm or construction accessories, including an array of spears or a squeegee, to be employed at the front of a utility vehicle's loading bucket and afterwards withdrawn out of the way into the bucket.

Abstract: The precision grapple—which is removably attachable to a vehicle which has implement fittings to which civil engineering implements are removably attachable—has a forwardly converging, low walled lifting bed so that oddly shaped objects—such as rocks and boulders—can be moved, held, and carried by the grapple, has a forwardly converging tongue which is removably attachable to the lifting bed to extend the lifting bed, and has a prong with two arms spaced to clear a tall object—such as a balled tree—held on the lifting bed by the prong.

Abstract: Attachments for floor and yard trucks with a lift mast, especially for fork lift trucks, have a lift carriage (8) which has two side plates (9, 10) and two horizontal beams (12/14, 13) situated one over the other with a clearance (“h”) between them, on which there is held at least one hydraulically powered element from the group: load carrier, “transport securing means,” rotating device, tilting device, pushing device, pulling device, holding device, lifting device, fork shifting device, lateral shift frame (1), each with the corresponding hydraulic drive (14). The front sides of the horizontal beams (12/14, 13) and the rear edges of the side plates (9, 10) of the lift carriage (8) are disposed between two vertical planes defining between them a space (7) wherein the at least one hydraulic jack (14) is arranged and the corresponding control unit (18) is disposed.

Abstract: A rock picker and material loader attachment is pivotally mounted to a loader scoop or bucket and extends longitudinally forward therefrom. A plurality of teeth form the leading surface of the attachment during digging and loading operations. Parallel, relatively planar plates form the structural support for the plurality of teeth, will simultaneously acting as a debris catcher and allowing an operator to view the teeth while engaging material through the debris catcher. An adjustable support is used in combination with a small, easy-to-use wedge, to control and adjust the characteristics of rotation of the attachment relative to a scoop or bucket. A two speed hydraulic cylinder may also be used as the primary mover to effect the rotation of the attachment. The attachment is useful for rocks, manure, trash, bales and other materials.

Abstract: When operating a work vehicle such as a backhoe or wheel loader, it is frequently desirable to utilize auxiliary work equipment with the vehicle such as a pallet fork and a loading bucket. In the course of such operation, it is generally necessary to move the vehicle from one site to another, which requires movement of the auxiliary work equipment as well as the vehicle. The present invention provides a convenient coupling system for securely attaching a second work implement, such as a loading bucket, to a first work implement, such as pallet forks, for transportation purposes so that the connected auxiliary work equipment can be readily transported by the work vehicle from site to site, which is especially important when moving the vehicle over uneven and rough ground or surfaces.

Abstract: An expandable stinger planter is described for attachment to an excavator type boom. The planter includes a frame arrangement that may be releasably secured to the boom, with a stinger depending therefrom. The boom may be selectively operated to drive the probes deep into the ground. The stinger includes a pair of elongated probes that have bottom ends configured to be opened and closed by operation of an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is selectively operable to shift the probes relative to one another between a closed position wherein the bottom ends are closed together, and an open position wherein the bottom ends are spaced apart from one another to form a plant discharge opening. The probes form an upwardly open internal plant receiving receptacle that is open to the plant discharge opening at the open position whereby a plant placed in the plant receiving receptacle may be discharged through the plant discharge opening as the probes are lifted by the boom.

Abstract: A work machine having a stick assembly which- includes (i) a stick having a forward stick aperture (ii) a guide which is pivotally coupled to the stick, and (iii) a link pivotally coupled to the guide is disclosed. The work machine also includes a coupler having a left lateral support and a right lateral support, wherein (i) the left lateral support has a left rear coupler aperture, a left intermediate coupler aperture, and a left forward coupler notch, and (ii) the right lateral support has a right rear coupler aperture, a right intermediate coupler aperture, and a right forward coupler notch.

Abstract: To compact soil, an impact apparatus includes a weight within a steel frame that may be carried by a vehicle mounted backhoe and placed over the surface to be compacted or broken. The weight is lifted and released by a cable. To pull the cable, a hydraulic cylinder pushes one set of pulleys upwardly away from another set with the upper set of pulleys including five pulleys and the lower set including four pulleys to provide a multiplication factor. The end of the cable opposite the end attached to the weight is attached to the movable pulleys, all of which are mounted at an elevation higher than the fixed pulleys so that the pulley assembly, the attached cable end, the hydraulic cylinder ram and piston, and the weight fall downwardly under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A fork lift attachment includes upper and lower mounting segments for securing the fork lift attachment to a blade of a loader bucket. The upper mounting segment includes a top pad which is attached via a swivel attachment to a vertically movable rod for moving the top pad into flush contact with the top surface of the bucket blade. The lower mounting segment includes a bottom pad attached to a hinge mount for making flush contact with and supporting the bottom surface of the bucket blade. The swivel/hinge capability of the top and bottom pads provide for a secure clamping action which utilizes the entire surface area of the pads.

Abstract: A quick attach accessory tool mounting frame is adapted to be mounted onto a quick attachment bracket and held in place. The adapter frame has plates mounting a hub to pivotally mount a powered auxiliary tool. The hanger is formed with spaced plates having upper edges that will abut against portions of the adapter frame to permit only limited pivotal movement of a tool supported by the hanger about a horizontal axis such that the operator can control the position of the auger after the hanger has pivoted against provided stops that limit the pivotal movement of the tool about one axis.

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 improved grappling device for a material handling apparatus, including one or more fingers which may be mounted on the material handling apparatus. The fingers are storable to a non-use position on the rear side of the bucket of a material handling apparatus and retractable to an operating position in front of the bucket of a material handling apparatus by means of hydraulic power. When in use, the fingers cooperates with the material handling apparatus and enables an operator to manipulate a wider range of loads.

Abstract: A crane attachment for a front end loader includes arm members pivotally attached to a central portion of a forward each end of loader arm. Remote ends of the arms are joined together to form a triangular boom or truss structure. A cable or a chain extends from each arm of the loader to the remote ends of the arm members to support the truss structure. The length of the cable or chain can be adjusted, with a "come-along" or the like, to provide desired leverage and extension of the truss structure. A pulley is attached to the remote ends of the arm members and a winch cable runs through the pulley to permit an object to be lifted with the winch cable. The crane attachment can be used for lifting large objects, in place of a small crane. Also, the crane attachment can be laid back toward the operator cockpit to permit the loader bucket to be used without removing the crane attachment and the bucket need not be removed when using the crane attachment.

Abstract: A grapple claw for attachment to a backhoe adapted to be interchangeable with a standard backhoe bucket. Grapple claw (10) includes a main frame member (50), a pivoting stop member (52) that engages the arm (30) and restricts the rotation of the frame (50) around the arm's distal end (35). Grapple claw (10) also includes at least a pair of opposing interlocking claws (54) and (56), respectively pivotally secured to the frame (50). In this regard, claw (54) pivots about fulcrum point (55) and claw (56) pivots about fulcrum point (57). A rotation imparting device (60) is pivotally connected between ram (45) and claws (54) and (56) for applying moments in opposite directions about fulcrum points (55) and (57) to effect the opening and closing of claws (54) and (56). Thus the opening and closing of claws (54) and (56) is accomplished by a single hydraulic ram is accomplished and the necessity for an auxiliary hydraulic circuit and associated ram is alleviated.

Abstract: A hand operated hay bale lifter is of a size and weight that can be handled by one person and includes a square coupling bar that can be quickly and easily inserted into the receiver pocket of a standard tow bar trailer hitch. Mechanical lifting force produced by a hydraulic jack assembly is transferred to a fork assembly through a contact coupling provided by an open bearing cup or socket mounted on the fork assembly. The hydraulic jack assembly includes a hand pump, a hydraulic power cylinder and a piston rod mounted on an outboard support stub. The bearing cup or socket rotates in sliding engagement against the piston rod during extension and retraction. Because the piston rod and fork assembly are coupled by contact engagement only, the fork assembly can be quickly elevated by hand and locked in an upright travel/storage position.

Abstract: An accessory attachment/conversion assembly is disclosed for use on a small front-end loader type of construction implement. One form of accessory would be a backhoe bucket. The attachment assembly includes a frame for detachable mounting to the implement and includes a rotatable drum pivotally secured to the frame and rotatable in its mounting by means of chains, or other suitable forms of transmission means, which are secured at one of their ends to the drum and at their other ends to a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame. An elongated arm or boom is secured at one end to the drum and extends outwardly thereof. The outer terminal end of the boom can carry a bucket or other suitable accessory. The arrangement being such that the boom and bucket can be swung approximately full left to full right, almost 180.degree..

Abstract: The invention relates to a device mountable on a dozer blade for skimming a substance to a required depth, comprising an open box or collector for skimmed material, and a cutting edge of a rear wall which is used to effect skimming. The depth of skim is adjustable by height adjusting means which are described in the specification. A slow sand filter may be cleaned using a device according to the invention.

Abstract: A material handling system generally consisting of a base assembly including a support means mountable on the operating arms of a vehicle, an arm member pivotally connected to the support means and movable between open and closed positions relative to the support means for clamping an article mounted on the support means therebetween and means for displacing the clamping member between the open and closed positions; a material container assembly including a support means mountable on the support means of the base assembly, a container mounted on and pivotally connected to the support means of the material container assembly and engageable by the clamping arm member of the base member when the support means of the material container assembly is mounted on the support means of the base assembly; and means operatively interconnecting the clamping arm member of the base assembly and the container of the material container assembly when the material container assembly is mounted on the base assembly for effecting

Abstract: A chute assembly in a bucket or scoop designed to be mounted on a front end loader or the like having a boom or lift arms for raising, lowering and controlling fore-aft pitch of the bucket. The bucket or scoop has an interior chamber and the chute assembly has a pair of converging sidewalls mounted on a plate forming a funnel, preferably with an adjustable throat for spreading flowable materials. The sidewalls of the chute are adapted to make a sealing fit with the sidewalls of the bucket, as does the plate along its bottom wall, joining the funnel and the interior chamber and forming a hopper. The chute assembly has means for attachably and detachably securing the plate to the bottom wall of the bucket. In one embodiment, a power ram drive mechanism swings the chute assembly in and out of the bucket on lift arms attached to the bucket.

Abstract: A working machine of a hydraulic shovel which enables easy attaching and detaching of a chisel and affords smooth breaker work even in the vicinity of a wall, while enhancing chisel penetration and correspondingly improving the efficiency of the work. To this end, a bucket hinge pin (6d) is provided on one end of each of a pair of bucket brackets (6b) at a position offset from the axis of a breaker-incorporating arm (4b) toward the bucket cylinder (7), and, while the bucket (6) is in the tilted position, the chisel (10) is attached so as to extend through a space between the bucket hinge pin (6d) and the bucket link pin (8b) which is provided on the other ends of the bucket brackets (6b).

Abstract: A new Round Bale Handling System for offering a simple inexpensive device for lifting and unrolling round bales. The inventive device includes a frame, a lifting shaft, two tow chains, and a roll shaft. In use, the farm tractor 4 is backed up and the lifting shaft 30 is forced longitudinally axially into a round bale 2. The farm tractor's hitch is then used to lift the round bale 2 and the round bale 2 can be hauled by the farm tractor 4 to any desired location. When the round bale 2 has been placed, the farm tractor 4 is then relocated around and backed up to the round bale 2 so that the farm tractor 4 is normal to a rolling axis of the round bale 2. The roll shaft 50 is then pushed through the round bale 2 along its rolling axis and the tow chain 40 is rotatably attached to the roll shaft 50 by use of the retaining pin 56 and the hair clip pin 58. The farm tractor 4 then pulls the roll shaft 50 and the round bale 2 rotates about the roll shaft 50 and unrolls as it does so.

Abstract: A hayroll handling device comprises a hayroll or bale spear secured to the snowplow headgear mounted on a light truck or the like. The snowplow blade and associated lifting arm are removed from the headgear, which is permanently mounted on the vehicle. The first end of the spear is then pivotally mounted to the headgear at the pivotal attachment point for the removed blade lifting arm, and the spear is also secured to the upper end of the plow blade lift hydraulic cylinder or ram, which remains with the headgear after removal of the blade and lift arm. The vehicle and attached spear may then be used to impale a large hayroll or the like, with the existing plow blade lifting hydraulics being used to lift the spear and impaled roll or bale, so the vehicle may be driven to transport the roll to a livestock feeding station or other area as desired. The spear may be provided in any practicable length with a pointed tip at the distal second end, in order to provide optimal penetration of the hayroll.

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: A hauling system for loose bulk material at a construction site uses a self-propelled vehicle and a trailer that is not self-propelled which are releasably connected by a system that is operable by a single operator who aligns, connects, locks, unlocks and disconnects the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer, preferably without leaving the cab of the self-propelled vehicle. A hook secured on a tool of the self-propelled vehicle and a ring secured, directly or indirectly, to the trailer, releasably connect them. Rotation of the tool, e.g. the bucket of a wheel loader, locks and unlocks the coupling. The operator of the self-propelled vehicle has direct visible sight of the coupling. The ring can be mounted at the end of an articulated frame pivotally connected to a hydraulic jack cylinder. A dump body of the trailer can be raised by a hoist piston. Vertical reciprocation of the tool pumps the jack cylinder which produces hydraulic power to activate the hoist cylinder via a valve body.

Abstract: A dispensing attachment for loaders includes a dispenser preferably made of metal and having a wall member for covering the loader and an arcuate end wall integrally connected to the wall member and having dispensing spouts. The dispenser is pivotally attached to a support which is detachably attached to the side walls of the loader. A hydraulic ram 40 is used to pivot the dispenser relative to the loader in a clam-like fashion such that the dispenser can be moved into engagement with the loader to essentially form a hopper or can be moved out of engagement with the loader so that the loader can be used to scoop up flowable material. An auger is journaled to the dispenser and driven by a hydraulic motor to feed the dispensing spouts with the flowable material such as sand. The dispensing attachment allows the user to use the load to scoop up the flowable material, engage the dispenser to the loader, and dispense the flowable material through the dispensing spouts.

Abstract: An improved and versatile work attachment is provided for a front end loader of the type having hydraulically actuated frame arms for supporting and manipulating a work attachment at the front of the vehicle. The work attachment comprises a scoop or bucket in combination with a laterally extending row of ripper teeth mounted along a lower edge of the bucket and adapted for hydraulic actuation between an upper stored position and a downwardly extending deployed position for ripping earth upon vehicle movement in a reverse direction. In one form, the ripper teeth are used to retain and lock an auxiliary work attachment such as a fork lift unit onto the bucket. In another form, an hydraulically actuated grapple hook can be mounted onto the bucket for use in combination with the bucket and/or fork lift unit.

Abstract: An attachment for a forklift truck to facilitate the removal or clearing of snow or other materials and debris with the truck, including a frame having two rectangular elongated tubes adapted to receive the tines of the forklift, a plurality of transversely extending crossbars connecting said tubes together, ground-engaging members attached to each tube, a plow blade pivotally attached to the frame, and a shear pin assembly connected between the blade and the frame preventing uneven ground and/or obstructions on the ground from damaging the blade.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic boom tool carrier adapted to be removably mounted on the bed of a pickup truck. The hydraulic boom tool carrier includes a self-contained hydraulic system mounted on the frame of the tool carrier. It also includes a pair of outrigger legs which can be extended below the tool carrier to the ground to provide support for the unit during worksite operations. The tool carrier can be easily mounted or removed from the flat bed of a pickup truck.

Abstract: An excavating apparatus with a compression plate and associated hydraulic cylinder for the dewatering of excavation material comprising: an excavator having a stick pivotable at its inboard end with respect to the excavator and a bucket pivotally secured with respect to the outboard end of the stick; a compression plate pivotally secured to the inboard end of the bucket, the compression plate having a planar central section, an angled leading component extending upwardly at an angle between forty and fifty degrees from the compression plate at the leading edge of the compression plate and an inverted J-shaped coupling component with a long linear segment and a short linear segment adjacent to the inboard end of the compression plate; a pivot pin coupling the free end of the short linear segment coupling component with the inboard end of the bucket and with the long linear component secured to the inboard end of the compression plate; and a plurality of apertures formed in the central section of the compressio

Abstract: An apparatus attached to a main frame of a vehicle for handling straddled loads including coil-shaped loads and slab-shaped loads entered into a load carrying space of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a moveable lift frame having both a tong assembly and probe assembly suspended therefrom. The tong assembly includes tong actuators and depending tongs for clamping a slab-shaped load, while the probe assembly includes a displaceable probe for penetrating coil shaped loads. When the apparatus is used for engaging a slab-shaped load, the probe is displaced so as to be withdrawn from the load carrying space, and the depending tongs are actuated to clamp the load. When the apparatus is used for engaging a coil shaped load, the probe is displaced into the load carrying space and the vehicle is moved to penetrate the load with the probe. With either load, the lift frame is then raised to elevate the engaged load.

Abstract: A vehicle having an earth moving blade equipped with log gripping devices at the ends thereof. The log gripping devices consist of a mounting assembly which is attached to the rear of the earth moving blade. Mounted on the assembly is an arm which in its retracted position is located behind and within the area between the ends of the blade. Hydraulic pistons and cylinders move the arms outwardly of the ends of the blade independently to permit the arms to grip logs and felled trees between the arms and the ends of the blade.

Abstract: A mount for attaching a grapple to an excavator arm equipped with a hydraulic drive, a thumb, and a bucket. A rear portion of the mount is adapted to overlie the thumb to which it is attachable by bolts. A forward portion of the mount is provided with apertured ears that attach by pins to interior fingers of the thumb. The mount includes a second pair of apertured ears that extends forwardly from the thumb and to which a grapple is attachable by a drop link. The hydraulic system of the excavator is modified to permit diversion of the hydraulic drive for the thumb to the grapple when the grapple is mounted on the excavator. The grapple mount significantly reduces the time necessary for mounting and dismounting a grapple to an excavator arm because it eliminates the necessity for mounting and dismounting the thumb and the bucket.

Abstract: A tractor-mounted loader is provided with a leveling linkage including a pivot arm assembly pivotally mounted to each of a pair of loader arms at locations intermediate the ends of the latter. A first link is coupled between each post supporting the loader boom arm on the tractor and the pivot arm assembly while a tilt cylinder serves as a second link and is coupled between the pivot arm assembly and a tilt linkage for the implement. The pivot arm assembly of each linkage includes a pair identical plates fixed in spaced parallel relationship to each other and each plate contains an elongate pivot pin adjustment slot having the mounting pin for the tilt cylinder located therein.

Abstract: A deep excavator comprising a stretchable arm arrangement having four telescopically assembled alms which are simultaneously extended and contracted for excavating earth or sand to form a deep hole. The stretchable arm arrangement houses therein a working unit comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders which are arranged in parallel with each other while the cylinder rods thereof are disposed to operate in opposite directions and the hydraulic cylinder housings are assembled so as to relatively slide. The cylinder rods and the cylinder housings are individually coupled each to a respective arm whereby the arms are interlocked with the hydraulic cylinders so as to be extended simultaneously with the hydraulic cylinders when both of the hydraulic cylinders are extended.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering an opening in a pipe and sealing a gas or fluid leak includes first and second pipe engaging blocks coupled to a frame. With the second block fixedly mounted to the frame and the first block movable along the frame by means of a hydraulic cylinder coupled thereto, the first block is positioned over and seals the leak under the force of hydraulic pressure. The frame includes first and second mounting arrangements for attaching an articulated boom such as on a backhoe to either an end of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in a generally upright orientation) or to an intermediate portion of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in an inclined orientation). The position of the second block along the length of the frame is adjustable depending upon the diameter of the pipe. A guide rod couples the movable first block to the frame to ensure linear displacement of the first block and proper alignment between the first and second blocks during engagement of the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for covering an opening in a pipe and sealing a gas or fluid leak includes first and second pipe engaging blocks coupled to a frame. With the second block fixedly mounted to the frame and the first block movable along the frame by means of a hydraulic cylinder coupled thereto, the first block is positioned over and seals the leak under the force of hydraulic pressure. The frame includes first and second mounting arrangements for attaching an articulated boom such as on a backhoe to either an end of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in a generally upright orientation) or to an intermediate portion of the frame (for positioning the apparatus in an inclined orientation). The position of the second block along the length of the frame is adjustable depending upon the diameter of the pipe. A guide rod couples the movable first block to the frame to ensure linear displacement of the first block and proper alignment between the first and second blocks during engagement of the pipe.

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 grabbing device (14) of a type to be connected to an arm or boom of an excavating machine of the like is arranged as separate unit having coupling means for optional coupling thereof to the bucket or the like tool (33) arranged adjacent to or beyond the grabbing device. The grabbing device may be used both with the bucket attached and without same and the bucket or the like unit may be used coupled beyond the grabbing device or directly to coupling means of the arm or boom (1). Between the grabbing device and the coupling means of the arm or boom there is interconnected a rotation tilting apparatus (6) allowing swinging and tilting of the grabbing device (14) relative to the arm or boom (1) and its coupling means.

Abstract: A quick-convert bucket attachment for front end loaders has hydraulically positioned, interlocking bucket components that may be manipulated by controls at the tractor seat or other convenient location for rapid conversion of the attachment from a general purpose loading bucket to a side-shift angle dozer. The back wall of the bucket is formed by the dozer blade, while the side walls and floor of the bucket are formed by a clam which may be raised into an elevated position to expose the dozer, at which time the dozer may be either maintained in a centered, straight-forward position or shifted laterally into a left or right, obliquely angled position. The dozer blade is completely immobilized and is held solidly against a main base of the attachment when the clam is in its lowered position, thus presenting a rugged bucket capable of functioning in all respects as a conventional loader bucket at that time.

Abstract: A quick connect grapple attachment including a first grapple jaw that attaches to one jaw of a work head and a second grapple jaw that attaches to another jaw of a workhead with the first grapple jaw and the second grapple jaw pivotally connect to each other so that an operator can grasp and lift articles using the controls of the jaws of the workhead.

Abstract: An attachment for securement to a bucket portion of a tractor is provided to include a mounting plate, with the mounting plate including hooks securable to a lower wall of the bucket and straps extending from a rear edge of the mounting plate to an upper wall of the bucket. A support leg extends orthogonally and downwardly relative to the mounting plate, with a scoop fixedly and orthogonally secured to the lower distal end of the support leg defining a scoop entrance oriented one hundred eighty degrees relative to an entrance of the bucket.

Abstract: A jaw (18) for a tractor front loader which is activated by the existing bucket cylinder (15) found on front loaders.The jaw (18) and associated parts may utilize as points of attachment the pivots at both ends of the bucket cylinder (15) found on existing loaders. The jaw (18) closes against the bucket (13) to facilitate grasping bulky objects.

Abstract: A combination attachment for a front-end loader having a lift apparatus attached to a conventional loader bucket is disclosed. The lift apparatus is mounted on the rear wall of the loader bucket and is suited for the lifting, gripping and moving of loads too wide for the loader bucket. The lift can be a conventional pair of fork tines or a platform and is powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders. The lift apparatus is disposed to permit both the lift and the loader bucket to be used simultaneously. The hydraulic cylinders further permit the lift apparatus to grip a load between the loader bucket floor and the lift fork or platform.

Abstract: A versatile attachment for a prime mover includes a loading bucket for material handling and a grapple for manipulating elongate elements. The loading bucket is pivotally attached to a support frame by a large pivot pin. The grapple includes two fixed grapple fingers and a movable finger. The bucket may slew relative to the frame up to 110.degree..

Abstract: A positioner suitable for use in warehouses where stored products are carried with on pallets or on horizontal forks. The positioner is designed to load, unload, select, store, pull out, prepare orders, etc., of any kind of the aforementioned products. The positioner has a structure with two vertical masts with a bolster moving vertically between them, a slider slidably mounted on this bolster, a longitudinal frame on which moves a second slider carrying a vertical column with its free end provided with an air hole or clamp to carry out the transfer of products, with operations monitored and controlled by computer.

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: An implement mounting apparatus for use with utility tractors, lawn and garden tractors and riding front mowers and other vehicles which allows removable mounting and use of numerous attachments for performing multiple grounds maintenance, yard and lawn care or gardening functions. A support frame includes an upper member for positioning and a bottom member for supporting implements such as lift forks, a tool organizer, a work platform and housing body. The support frame is rigidly or pivotally mountable on a three-point hitch, a mounting/lift frame having a support strut, or a tow bar assembly. Wheels may be added for use of the apparatus with a tow bar as a trailer. The housing body is useful with a scraper blade as a plow, or may be easily converted to a hopper assembly or scoop by adding hopper or scoop members. The hopper assembly may be opened to dump contained material with a spring biased latch mechanism which may be locked closed. The scoop member is secured in position with the same latch mechanism.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tractor of the type including a front end loader bucket and a rear mounted backhoe comprises a rear axle and ground wheels for positioning beneath the backhoe tower and attachable to the rear of the tractor by forwardly extending straps. Beneath the bucket is permanently attached a kingpin device formed by a plate and pin mounted upon a bracket which is so shaped that the pin and plate are wholly above the plane of the lower wall of the bucket so that the bucket can be normally used with the kingpin devide in place and such that when the bucket is fully retracted the kingpin is presented vertically downwardly. Thus the bucket can be positioned upon a conventional fifth wheel of a road tractor.

Abstract: A clamshell attachment for a crescent shaped, concave-convex log grapple converts the log grapple to a scoop or bucket type device for handling bulk material such as wood chips. It consists of a pair of concave-convex scoops pivoted together at their upper ends. A holding pin connects each grapple half to a respective scoop, with the concave portion or side of each grapple half positioned over and adjacent the convex side of a respective scoop. The only modification required of the log grapple is the addition of apertured tabs to its convex sides, the tabs receiving the holding pins.

Abstract: An earthmoving attachment to be mounted on the front end of a tractor. The attachment includes a frame secured to the tractor, arms pivoted to the frame and extending forwardly and mounting a combination bucket and blade. Hydraulic cylinders individually extend telescoping sections in the arms to effect a skewing of the blade. Another hydraulic cylinder mounting a slider adjacent one end of the blade is operable to tilt the blade or bucket. Other sets of hydraulic cylinders tip the bucket and lift the arms conventionally. Simple adjustments are operable to convert the attachment from the configuration of a front-end-loader to that of a dozer, and to skew, tilt and tip the blade and bucket in various configurations.