Improvements in previous bit assembly components including shortened slotted shanks and shortened base block bore receiving portions disclose relationships between shank differential interference portions and the corresponding base block bores. Changes in the differences in interference angles lead to changes in slot width, length and steel hardnesses in order to provide necessary retaining forces between the shank and base block bore.

A tool holder insertion device includes a frame extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the frame including first and second longitudinal arms extending between the distal end and the proximal end. The frame also includes a distal transverse arm connected to respective distal ends of the first and second longitudinal arms, a proximal transverse arm opposite the distal transverse arm, and an internal space extending from the distal transverse arm, the internal space forming an insertion opening. The tool holder insertion device also includes a drive assembly fixed to the frame, the drive assembly including a pushing surface that is movable within the internal space toward the distal end of the frame.

Embodiments described herein relate to material-removal systems as well as cutting tools and cutting tool assemblies that may be used in the material-removal systems. More specifically, for example, the material-removal systems, and particularly the cutting tools, may engage and fail target material. In some instances, the material-removal systems may be used in mining operations.

Embodiments described herein relate to material-removal systems as well as cutting tools and cutting tool assemblies that may be used in the material-removal systems. More specifically, for example, the material-removal systems, and particularly the cutting tools, may engage and fail target material. In some instances, the material-removal systems may be used in mining operations.

A bolster for a degradation pick includes a transverse cross section that is non-circular. Non-circular cross sections include square, triangular, hexagonal and other shapes. The bolster is made from a wear and/or erosion resistant material. The wear and/or erosion resistant material helps to protect the shank of the degradation pick. The bolster has a matching shape to the shape of the shank of the degradation pick.

A bit tip insert on a bit/holder, tool, and/or pick for road milling operations that includes a body including a tip and a base subjacent the tip The bit tip insert also includes at least one heat transfer bore extending from a distal end and/or bottom of the body to a bore termination disposed within the base and/or the tip of the bit tip insert. The at least one bore of the bit tip insert is adapted to allow inward contraction when the overlay transfers heat into the base during operation.

An improved base block is disclosed for use mainly in road milling equipment, but also capable of use in trenching equipment and mining equipment. The base mounting portion is shortened in length from such prior art base blocks and has a reduced length device receiving portion extending therefrom that includes a bore therethrough. Rearwardly of the device receiving portion, the base mounting portion includes a reduced diameter semi-bore or curved wall capable of engaging a portion of the shank side wall of a standard length bit/holder shank. Additionally, an angled slot adjacent the rear of the device receiving bore increases access to the rear to aid removal of a bit/holder therefrom.

The present invention provides rotatable cutting tools having washers with changing thicknesses. One side of the washer has a tapered surface that increases the thickness of the washer from the inner radius towards the outer radius, resulting in a thicker portion at the outer edge of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also have a bit with a tapered surface. The tapered surface of the bit may be structured and arranged to engage with the tapered surface of the washer. The rotatable cutting tool may also include a holder such that the assembled rotatable cutting tool includes the washer between the bit and the holder with the bit inserted into the holder and washer.

A drill bit assembly for drilling a hole through earth, the drill bit comprising: a bit body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis of the bit body with a connecting arrangement positioned at the first end of the bit body for coupling the bit body to a rotating shaft for providing rotational torque to the bit body; a cutting head including a leading tip portion for cutting into earth and a trailing receiving portion for receiving the second end of the bit body in an internal cavity defined by the receiving portion to allow the cutting head to be removably coupled to the second end of the bit body; a retaining arrangement to retain the second end of the bit body in the receiving portion of the cutting tip.

A rotatable or non-rotatable bit for road milling, mining, and trenching equipment that includes a substantially solid body and a substantially solid, generally cylindrical shank depending from a bottom of the body. The bit also includes a forward portion integrally formed at a forward end of the body. The forward portion includes a bore adapted to receive a bit tip insert. Additionally, the bit can also include an insert or transition member disposed within the bore of the forward portion, the insert including a bore adapted to receive the bit tip insert.