A crawler type crane having a base carrier unit having a control unit associated therewith and an upper portion assembly having a boom portion coupled at end to the base carrier unit and to a jib portion at an opposed end. The boom portion includes one or more selected boom sections that are articulatable relative to each other. The crane also includes a multi-function attachment unit that is coupled to the jib portion and has a grappling unit for grasping a work piece and a saw attachment unit for cutting the workpiece. The crane can also include a first fluid regulating device coupled to the jib portion for regulating a fluid to the jib portion and to the multi-function attachment unit and a second fluid regulating device coupled to the boom portion for regulating a fluid to the winch element and to the multi-function attachment unit.

A work vehicle gyroscopic boom assembly control system utilizes gyroscopically-measured angular velocity data to control boom movement. The work vehicle includes an operator interface, a boom assembly, a first gyroscope, and a controller. The boom assembly includes a first boom element coupled to a first actuator, which is controllable to rotate the first boom element about a first pivot joint. During operation of the work vehicle, the controller receives an operator request for boom assembly movement via the operator interface, converts the operator request to a target angular velocity of the first boom element, and selectively commands the first actuator to adjust rotation of the first boom element based, at least in part, on the target angular velocity and a current angular velocity of the first boom element sensed by the first gyroscope.

A linkage assembly for a machine is disclosed. The linkage assembly includes a boom and a stick pivotally coupled to a front end of the boom. The boom includes a base plate having a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is inclined at angle with respect to the first portion. The boom further includes a pair of side plates attached to the base plate, and a top plate attached to the pair of side plates. The base plate, the pair of side plates, and the top plate together define a box structure. A baffle plate is disposed within the box structure at a predefined distance from the front end of the boom. The boom further includes a mounting member attached to the base plate of the boom. The mounting member is configured to couple with a first hydraulic actuator and a second hydraulic actuator.

A system and method for handling slag in a slag pit includes an equilibrium or balance crane equipped with a quick connect coupling. A drop-ball fixture and drop-ball reduces the size of the slag, as needed, then the boom assembly of the crane releases the drop-ball fixture and engages an excavating tool, such as a clamshell bucket, a bucket, or a grapple. An elevated control station provides an operator with improved line-of-sight visibility.

Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof. Detection apparatus may also be provided at or near the distal end, for determining the position of said longitudinally extensive member. A corresponding de-mounting arm may be provided at a side of the main body opposite the mounting arm.

Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof. Detection apparatus may also be provided at or near the distal end, for determining the position of said longitudinally extensive member. A corresponding de-mounting arm may be provided at a side of the main body opposite the mounting arm.

A method for moving a lifting device includes: in a presetting phase, presetting at least one target position for the lifting device; in a measuring phase, detecting an instantaneous geometry of the arm system; in a selection phase, selecting a target position specified in the presetting phase; in a comparison phase, determining a geometrical deviation between the geometry of the target position selected in the selection phase and the instantaneous geometry detected in the measuring phase; in a generation phase, generating at least one control command on the basis of the geometrical deviation determined in the comparison phase; and in a control phase, performing at least partial movement of the lifting device into the selected target position by actuating the actuators of the arm system with the at least one control command generated in the generation phase.

A method for moving a lifting device includes: in a presetting phase, presetting at least one target position for the lifting device; in a measuring phase, detecting an instantaneous geometry of the arm system; in a selection phase, selecting a target position specified in the presetting phase; in a comparison phase, determining a geometrical deviation between the geometry of the target position selected in the selection phase and the instantaneous geometry detected in the measuring phase; in a generation phase, generating at least one control command on the basis of the geometrical deviation determined in the comparison phase; and in a control phase, performing at least partial movement of the lifting device into the selected target position by actuating the actuators of the arm system with the at least one control command generated in the generation phase.

A grapple assembly includes a grapple with two opposing arms connected to a boom arm of an excavator for engaging an attachment plate connected to an excavator attachment, such as a bucket. The attachment plate includes two outwardly extending plates creating two receivers for engaging the grapple arms. The attachment plate allows an operator of the excavator to use the grapple to handle large items, and to use the grapple to grab the attachment plate connected to a bucket to use the bucket to handle small items without having to disconnect the grapple from the boom arm and attach the bucket to the boom arm.

A grapple assembly includes a grapple with two opposing arms connected to a boom arm of an excavator for engaging an attachment plate connected to an excavator attachment, such as a bucket. The attachment plate includes two outwardly extending plates creating two receivers for engaging the grapple arms. The attachment plate allows an operator of the excavator to use the grapple to handle large items, and to use the grapple to grab the attachment plate connected to a bucket to use the bucket to handle small items without having to disconnect the grapple from the boom arm and attach the bucket to the boom arm.