Zero turning radius earthworking scraper

Abstract

The earthworking tool of the implement is an assembly comprised of an elongated cutting edge with a vertically extending blade that is rigidly connected to a rotatable ground contact roller or rollers by rigid end plates. The earthworking assembly is adjustably attached to and pivotably connected to a vertically extending yoke, which is in turn pivotably connected at it's upper midpoint, to a vertical mast. The mast is journalled by an overhead frame assembly which is removably attached to a skidsteer or other general purpose utility vehicle. As the front wheels of the skidsteer are raised off the ground, the rollers on the earthworking assembly assume the function of bearing the load of the implement and also a portion of the weight of the skidsteer. The vehicle, steered and powered by the rear wheels, may then move in any direction and the earthworking implement will articulate on a vertical axis.

Description

BACKGROUND--CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. # 60 / 276,899, filed Mar. 20, 2001BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION[0002] This invention relates to earthworking scrapers, specifically those that pivot around a vertical axis.BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART[0003] Earthworking scrapers are well known in the art. They are designed to be pushed, pulled, or both pushed and pulled. The implements are either self propelled or propelled by a separate, detachable motive source. There are many various arrangements for the adjustment of the blade position. The prior art is replete with ways to control the depth of the grading tool, including skids, wheels, rollers and the like.[0004] Many grading implements are designed to be connected to utility vehicles by means of a three point hitch. This allows for the disengagement of the tool with the earth, or other material being graded, by raising the implem...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The disengagement of the grader is time consuming and inefficient.

The three point hitch does not allow the application of any additional downward pressure on the grading tool, in some cases allowing the tool to ride up over a high spot on the surface being graded, and often requiring repeated attempts to shave the material being graded down to the required elevation.

This type of implement, having limited means of depth control, tends to cut too deeply in areas of loosened soil.

The monitoring of the grader attached with a three point hitch mechanism causes the operator of the tractor to twist around to look to the implement and causes operator discomfort and fatigue.

The castering motion of the wheel does not change the orientation of the scraper blade resulting in a limited effectiveness of the scraper in sharp turning maneuvers.

The simple pivoting on a pin hitch arrangement, commonly used to connect the implement to the tow vehicle, does not allow the implement to be lifted off the ground.

Repositioning the implement requires more space to maneuver, and this type of grading implement is more difficult to use in confined spaces, or areas where there are obstacles to maneuver around.

However, it is still frequently necessary to reposition the implement when grading in confined spaces or when working around obstacles.

In the process of turning the skidsteer vehicle the surface being worked is often disturbed and requires additional leveling.

These implements, however, do not provide an effective means for moving the implement as a whole in a lateral direction.

An implement of this type does not have the ability to adjust the height of the blades effectively.

(b) The skidsteer utility vehicles commonly used for a motive source cause a disturbance of the surface being worked as a result of their mode of turning in a short radius.

(d) Poor visibility of the scraper blade is a common problem.

(e) Many of the graders in use today have a limited range of depth control adjustment.

(f) An inability to apply downward pressure while turning sharply is a disadvantage of the currently available implements.

(g) A limited adaptability to different soil conditions necessitates waiting for the ideal conditions before attempting to perform the earthworking task.

(i) A grader that has the ability to rotate on a vertical axis and still provide a source of hydraulic fluid to the ground contact component is difficult to find in the market place today.

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