Optimized earthworking tool operating linkage

Abstract

An arrangement is described for mounting a hydraulic actuator used to raise and lower a material handling element relative to a base member using a minimum of pivotal connections and using the inherent strength and force producing capabilities of a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder, a piston slidably mounted within the cylinder and a piston rod connected to the piston such that hydraulic actuators extended when the material handling element is in its upright or raised position. A pair of articulated connecting links join the piston rod to the material handling element and the base member. The cylinder end of the hydraulic actuator is pivotally connected to the common pivotal connection between the base member and the material handling element. Two specific embodiments are described in detail, one for the bucket mounted at the end of the lift arms of a loader and one in connection with the boom portion of a backhoe mechanism. Under both arrangements, the lifting capability of the material handling element is improved and the speed at which the material handling element is lowered is increased. In both arrangements, the inherent rigidity of the hydraulic actuator is used and the piston rod is protected from external damage when the material handling element is positioned for loading. In both arrangements, the minimum number of pivotal connections is used.