A clam bucket assembly comprise an assembly framework which comprises an upper section and a lower section. First and second clam buckets are supported by the lower section of the assembly framework, a first bucket cylinder controls operation of the first clam bucket to engage and discharge a desired bulk material, and a second bucket cylinder controls operation of the second clam bucket to engage and discharge a desired bulk material. The clam bucket assembly supports its own independent power module for supplying hydraulic power to at least the first and the second bucket cylinders and controlling operation of the first and the second clam buckets. The power module is supported by the upper section of the assembly framework, and the clam bucket assembly is completely powered solely by the power module and controlled by radio remote control receiver and transmitter.

A clam bucket assembly comprise an assembly framework which comprises an upper section and a lower section. First and second clam buckets are supported by the lower section of the assembly framework, a first bucket cylinder controls operation of the first clam bucket to engage and discharge a desired bulk material, and a second bucket cylinder controls operation of the second clam bucket to engage and discharge a desired bulk material. The clam bucket assembly supports its own independent power module for supplying hydraulic power to at least the first and the second bucket cylinders and controlling operation of the first and the second clam buckets. The power module is supported by the upper section of the assembly framework, and the clam bucket assembly is completely powered solely by the power module and controlled by radio remote control receiver and transmitter.

A clamshell bucket assembly including first and second pivotally connected steel bucket halves rotating between open and closed positions and including sediment retention bars secured between the overlapping sides define a scoop for permitting outflow of water while retaining a volume of a dredged material. Weld rivets provide reinforced securing of the side and bottom steel portions of each bucket half and extend a thickness of the bucket halves to prevent fracturing at the welded interface. Upper and lower sheave assemblies provide increased durability and wear resistance during repetitive opening and closing of the mechanical bucket halves. The sheaves each include a central pin supporting hub collar formed from a plurality of progressively inwardly stepped and stacked disc shaped plates, these being initially sectioned from a hardened steel sheet and welded to form the hub at the highest zone or area of stress exerted upon the sheave during operation of the bucket.

A clamshell bucket assembly including first and second pivotally connected steel bucket halves rotating between open and closed positions and including sediment retention bars secured between the overlapping sides define a scoop for permitting outflow of water while retaining a volume of a dredged material. Weld rivets provide reinforced securing of the side and bottom steel portions of each bucket half and extend a thickness of the bucket halves to prevent fracturing at the welded interface. Upper and lower sheave assemblies provide increased durability and wear resistance during repetitive opening and closing of the mechanical bucket halves. The sheaves each include a central pin supporting hub collar formed from a plurality of progressively inwardly stepped and stacked disc shaped plates, these being initially sectioned from a hardened steel sheet and welded to form the hub at the highest zone or area of stress exerted upon the sheave during operation of the bucket.

A dredging bucket having a head subassembly including an inner rotatable head and an outer head angularly supported by the inner head between level and tilted orientations. First and second opposing bucket halves supported by the outer head and pivotally actuating between closed and opened positions. A pair of T-links incorporated into spaced apart and coaxial pivot locations defined between the bucket halves, each of the T-links having a central stopping bar which, upon the bucket halves rotating to a maximum degree associated with the opened position, contacting end locations defined in upper edge profiles of the bucket halves in order to prevent further opening rotation.

A dredging bucket having a head subassembly including an inner rotatable head and an outer head angularly supported by the inner head between level and tilted orientations. First and second opposing bucket halves supported by the outer head and pivotally actuating between closed and opened positions. A pair of T-links incorporated into spaced apart and coaxial pivot locations defined between the bucket halves, each of the T-links having a central stopping bar which, upon the bucket halves rotating to a maximum degree associated with the opened position, contacting end locations defined in upper edge profiles of the bucket halves in order to prevent further opening rotation.

A crop bucket having an aux-bail release mechanism wherein movement of the chains is restrained such that an auxiliary hook actuating the release mechanism can do so in a smooth and controlled manner from a variety of angles and positions, while reducing or eliminating bucket roll from offset pulling. The release mechanism can include a carriage configured to translate along at least a portion of a mast and operatively connected to first and second clamshell portions such that movement of the carriage away results in rotation of the clamshell portions toward the open position.

A crop bucket having an aux-bail release mechanism wherein movement of the chains is restrained such that an auxiliary hook actuating the release mechanism can do so in a smooth and controlled manner from a variety of angles and positions, while reducing or eliminating bucket roll from offset pulling. The release mechanism can include a carriage configured to translate along at least a portion of a mast and operatively connected to first and second clamshell portions such that movement of the carriage away results in rotation of the clamshell portions toward the open position.

A tilt adjustable head attachment assembly for a clamshell style bucket for orienting first and second bucket halves at an angle relative to a length axis extending through an elongated and rigid attachment associated with a piece of power equipment, for supporting and manipulating the bucket. A frame has a three dimensional body, upwardly extending pillar mounts located at upper ends of the body and incorporating support shafts for receiving overlapping hinged locations associated with support arms for each of the first and second clamshell bucket halves. A platen is positioned pivotally arranged between the pillar mounts and includes an upper location engaged by an end projection of the elongated attachment. A cylinder is connected to a fixed underside location of the frame at a first end and to the platen at a second end and, upon being actuated, pivotally displacing the platen to in turn angle the frame and supported clamshell bucket halves relative to the excavator attachment according to a desired orientation.

A material handling device for the loosening of forage, in particular silage from a silo. The material handling device is provided with a grab device provided with grab device members of which the edges facing towards each other are provided with cutting elements. The grab device members are movable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the cutting elements are positioned at an angle with the vertical. This angle is in the range of 25 to 25 degrees, preferably 15 to 15 degrees with the vertical.