A method for maintaining a chain or chain link comprises inspecting the chain or chain link for signs of wear without using tools and changing the orientation of the chain or chain link or replacing the chain or chain link if signs of wear are detected.

A dragline bucket comprises a base member, a first side member extending from the base member and including a first top edge, a second side member extending from the base member, and a rear member extending from the base member and including a second top edge, a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and a first beveled wall extending from the first side member forming a first compound angle with the base member and a second beveled wall extending from the rear member proximate the first beveled wall forming a second compound angle with the base member.

A dragline bucket comprises a base member, a first side member extending from the base member and including a first top edge, a second side member extending from the base member, and a rear member extending from the base member and including a second top edge, a mouth for receiving material into the bucket, and a first beveled wall extending from the first side member forming a first compound angle with the base member and a second beveled wall extending from the rear member proximate the first beveled wall forming a second compound angle with the base member.

A novel cable construction provided an armored covering over a cable containing high-strength synthetic filaments. The synthetic cable is provided with a strong and tough termination where it attaches to heavy machinery, such as mining machinery. An external armoring is then provided for a desired portion of the cable (up to the entire length of the cable). A collar is preferably provided to seal the end of the armoring portion to a cable jacket (where a cable jacket is present).

A novel cable construction provided an armored covering over a cable containing high-strength synthetic filaments. The synthetic cable is provided with a strong and tough termination where it attaches to heavy machinery, such as mining machinery. An external armoring is then provided for a desired portion of the cable (up to the entire length of the cable). A collar is preferably provided to seal the end of the armoring portion to a cable jacket (where a cable jacket is present).

A dump block assembly for a dragline bucket rigging assembly including a frame assembly having a first side frame and a second side frame attached to and parallel to the first side frame. The first side frame includes a first attachment portion having a first upper connection portion, a first lower connection portion opposite the first upper connection portion, and a first central connection portion spaced apart from and in between the first upper connection portion and the first lower connection portion. The second side frame includes a second attachment portion having a second upper connection portion, a second lower connection portion opposite the second upper connection portion, and a second central connection portion spaced apart from and in between the second upper connection portion and the second lower connection portion.

A novel cable construction provides an armored covering over a cable containing high-strength synthetic filaments. The synthetic cable is provided with a strong and tough termination where it attaches to the prior art dragline or power shovel digging equipment. An external armoring is then provided from the termination for a specified distance up the cable. The armoring ceases prior to the point where the cable passes over a pulley. At that point the cable just carries a conventional encapsulating jacket. A collar is preferably provided to seal the end of the armoring portion to the jacket.

A novel cable construction provides an armored covering over a cable containing high-strength synthetic filaments. The synthetic cable is provided with a strong and tough termination where it attaches to the prior art dragline or power shovel digging equipment. An external armoring is then provided from the termination for a specified distance up the cable. The armoring ceases prior to the point where the cable passes over a pulley. At that point the cable just carries a conventional encapsulating jacket. A collar is preferably provided to seal the end of the armoring portion to the jacket.

An end link for use with heavy equipment includes a body and a swivel ball bushing. The body has first and second openings and defines a main body plane. The first opening has a slot located on a side thereof proximate the second opening and a truncated substantially spherical inner surface. The swivel ball bushing is seated within the first opening. The swivel ball bushing has a truncated substantially spherical outer surface in nesting engagement with the inner surface of the body and a projection at one end seated in the slot. The projection and slot are shaped to allow rotation of the swivel ball bushing relative to the body in two opposing directions about one axis of rotation or two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation.

An end link for use with heavy equipment includes a body and a swivel ball bushing. The body has first and second openings and defines a main body plane. The first opening has a slot located on a side thereof proximate the second opening and a truncated substantially spherical inner surface. The swivel ball bushing is seated within the first opening. The swivel ball bushing has a truncated substantially spherical outer surface in nesting engagement with the inner surface of the body and a projection at one end seated in the slot. The projection and slot are shaped to allow rotation of the swivel ball bushing relative to the body in two opposing directions about one axis of rotation or two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation.