Excavator arm assembly with integral quick coupler

Abstract

An arm assembly for an excavator or the like includes a quick coupler integrated into an arm member and an implement link member, thus eliminating the need to connect a separate quick coupler to the arm. The arm member includes: (i) a proximal end adapted for connection to an associated boom for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis; (ii) a distal end, spaced from the proximal end along a first longitudinal axis; and, (iii) a first recess defined in the distal end. The first recess is defined about a first transverse axis that lies parallel to the transverse pivot axis and includes an open mouth and a closed inner end. The implement link member includes: (i) a first end; and, (ii) a second end spaced from the first end along a second longitudinal axis and defining a second recess about a second transverse axis parallel to the first transverse axis. The second recess has an open mouth and a closed inner end, and the first and second recesses are adapted for respective receipt of first and second associated pins of an associated implement. One or more dude links maintain a fixed spacing between the recesses and capture at least one of the pins of the associated implement in its respective recess at all times. An additional lock member closes the mouth of at least one of the recesses after an associated pin is received therein.