A trencher that is convertible between first and second trenching configurations so that when the trencher is in the first trenching configuration, a trencher boom includes a first trenching portion at the distal end of the boom and a second trenching portion that extends along a longitudinal axis from the first trenching portion toward the proximal end. The first trenching portion defines a first trench width, and the second trenching portion defines a second trench width. The first trench width is larger than the second trench width. The second trenching portion has a greater length measured along the longitudinal axis as compared to the first trenching portion.

A guidance system for remotely guiding a work machine along a virtual path. The system uses a vision system to capture image data representative of areas surrounding the work machine. The image data is used to produce a spatial map. Analysis of image data allows the work machine's then-current position to be represented on the spatial map. A virtual path extending from the work machine's position is next added to the spatial map. The virtual path may be generated in response to external input provided at the display showing an image of the spatial map. Using continuously-updated image data, the work machine is driven toward the virtual path. During operation, the actual path of the work machine is compared to the virtual path. If any deviation between the paths is detected, the trajectory of the work machine is automatically adjusted.

A universal cutter assembly comprising a transport device carrying a plurality of freewheeling cutters mounted to freely rotate about an axis, where the axis is canted about two angles with respect to the surface being cut and a line of action imparted by the transport device.

A boom assembly for a trencher having a boom frame member, a boom drive assembly and a plurality of boom arm assemblies. The boom frame member configured to be attachable to the trencher. The boom drive assembly attached to the boom frame member, having an output shaft that is rotatably actuatable. The plurality of boom arm assemblies extending from the boom frame member, the plurality of boom arm assemblies including at least a first boom arm assembly and a second boom arm assembly. The first and second boom arm assemblies can be of differing length, width, angle and may operate at different speeds.

A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. Power is provided to the attachment by manually actuating a control that is biased toward a first position. This first position corresponds to a deactuated mode of the attachment. By unlocking a lock mechanism, the control may be maintained in a second position under hand pressure. This second position corresponds to an actuated mode of the attachment. The lock mechanism may be actuated by an operator platform-actuated release mechanism. While an operator is on a platform on the vehicle, the lock mechanism remains unlocked, and the attachment maintains its operation without hand pressure on the control. The release mechanism actuates the lock mechanism when an operator is not on the platform. As a result, the attachment is deactuated. A filter may be utilized to prevent premature actuation of the release mechanism.

A work machine is formed from a self-propelled land travel vehicle and an attachment. The vehicle and attachment have interlocking coupling assemblies. The attachment has a positioning arm, a pivot fixture and a ground-engageable frame. The positioning arm and frame allow the attachment to pivot about the pivot fixture to couple and decouple with the vehicle. Coupling and decoupling of the vehicle and apparatus can be achieved without the use of separate lifting equipment.

A boom assembly for a trencher having a boom frame member, a boom drive assembly and a plurality of boom arm assemblies. The boom frame member configured to be attachable to the trencher. The boom drive assembly attached to the boom frame member, having an output shaft that is rotatably actuatable. The plurality of boom arm assemblies extending from the boom frame member, the plurality of boom arm assemblies including at least a first boom arm assembly and a second boom arm assembly. The first and second boom arm assemblies can be of differing length, width, angle and may operate at different speeds.

A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of as frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.

A first work tool arm is rotatably attached to a frame or reference structure, a second work tool arm rotatably attached to the first work tool arm, and a work tool attached to an end of the second work tool arm. An actuator and a spring are each rotatably attached to the second work tool arm and configured such that separate movement of the first work tool arm relative to the frame or reference structure and movement of the second work tool arm and work tool relative to the first work tool arm are achieved with actuation of the actuator.

A work machine is formed from a self-propelled land travel vehicle and an attachment. The vehicle and attachment have interlocking coupling assemblies. The attachment has a positioning arm, a pivot fixture and a ground-engageable frame. The positioning arm and frame allow the attachment to pivot about the pivot fixture to couple and decouple with the vehicle. Coupling and decoupling of the vehicle and apparatus can be achieved without the use of separate lifting equipment.