This invention relates to an improved component (10) for replacing pipes, in particular underground pipes. The invention also relates to a trenchless method of removing pipes using the improved component, and a kit of parts for use in removing pipes. The improved component (10) is securable to a cable (14) and has a body (30) with a recess (26) to accommodate the end (18) of the pipe (12) in use, the recess being surrounded by a collar (24). The improved component is a two-part component, the first part (20) being securable to the cable (14) and the second part (22) including the body, the two parts being made of different materials. There is also provided a kit of parts including cooperating alignment elements of standard dimensions, and a method of removing an underground pipe.

This invention relates to a winch and to a method of using the winch. The winch is ideally adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle such as a mini-excavator, and is likely to find its greatest utility in relation to the removal of underground pipes, electricity conduits, fiber optic cables and the like, as well as in the bursting of pipes. The invention provides a winch comprising a support column, a base, a magazine, a drive mechanism and a mounting structure. The drive mechanism is connected to the magazine and is adapted to rotate the magazine in use. The support column connects the magazine to the base. The mounting structure is adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle. The winch has a rotatable connection between the base and the mounting structure which is securable in a chosen rotational position, so that the base of the winch can be correctly aligned regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

A knuckle boom crane at least comprising: a pedestal; a tower 2 arranged on top of the pedestal; an operator cabin 4 fixed to the tower 2; a machine house 3; a winch 5 with a wire 6 positioned at an upper end of the tower 2 so that the upper rim of the reel of the winch 5 protrudes above the top of the tower 2; or an alternative wire routing with a winch with a wire arranged external to the crane where the wire is fed to a first sheave arranged at an upper end of the tower 2 so that the upper rim of the sheave protrudes above the top of the tower 2; a main boom 14 which is at its first end is pivotally connected to the tower 2 at its second end the main boom 14 is pivotally connected with a first end of a knuckle boom 12, the second end of the knuckle boom is provided with at least one second sheave 10, where the main boom 14 is provided with an aperture 7 proximate to its first end.

A knuckle boom crane at least comprising: a pedestal; a tower 2 arranged on top of the pedestal; an operator cabin 4 fixed to the tower 2; a machine house 3; a winch 5 with a wire 6 positioned at an upper end of the tower 2 so that the upper rim of the reel of the winch 5 protrudes above the top of the tower 2; or an alternative wire routing with a winch with a wire arranged external to the crane where the wire is fed to a first sheave arranged at an upper end of the tower 2 so that the upper rim of the sheave protrudes above the top of the tower 2; a main boom 14 which is at its first end is pivotally connected to the tower 2 at its second end the main boom 14 is pivotally connected with a first end of a knuckle boom 12, the second end of the knuckle boom is provided with at least one second sheave 10, where the main boom 14 is provided with an aperture 7 proximate to its first end.

An electronic actuated clutch for a winch. The winch having a motor and drive shaft which are engagable, via an electronically actuated clutch, to a spool. The clutch being operated by a solenoid which engages the clutch via a yoke. The clutch is operable between an engaged and disengaged position through energizing and de-energizing the solenoid. Operation of the clutch moves it linearly along the axis of the drive shaft into and out of engagement with the spool. Operation of the electronically actuated clutch may be done via a remote control.

The present application relates to a switching valve, a switching hydraulic system, and a crane, in which the switching valve having an oil inlet and an oil outlet comprises at least two pairs of valve oil ports, a pair of cartridge valves provided between each pair of valve oil ports, and the oil inlet and the oil outlet are controlled such that the oil inlet and the oil outlet are capable of shifting between communications with the at least two pairs of valve oil ports. The switching valve switches on and off communication between the oil inlet and the oil outlet and the at least two pairs of valve oil ports by controlling opening or closing of the cartridge valves.

The present application relates to a switching valve, a switching hydraulic system, and a crane, in which the switching valve having an oil inlet and an oil outlet comprises at least two pairs of valve oil ports, a pair of cartridge valves provided between each pair of valve oil ports, and the oil inlet and the oil outlet are controlled such that the oil inlet and the oil outlet are capable of shifting between communications with the at least two pairs of valve oil ports. The switching valve switches on and off communication between the oil inlet and the oil outlet and the at least two pairs of valve oil ports by controlling opening or closing of the cartridge valves.

A forestry winch may include a rope drum driven by a drive motor, wherein a rope is wound up on the rope drum, wherein the rope drum is functionally connected with a brake device, wherein the brake device is in the form of a spring-loaded brake which is impinged by a spring device toward a braking position and by a hydraulic brake release pressure present in a brake release pressure line toward a release position, wherein the drive motor is in the form of a hydraulic motor which is connected by a first pressure medium line and a second pressure medium line to a multi-port control valve device controlling the drive motor, and a bypass valve device connecting the first and second pressure medium lines and is located in a connecting line connecting the first and second pressure medium lines and has a closed position and a flow position.

A forestry winch may include a rope drum driven by a drive motor, wherein a rope is wound up on the rope drum, wherein the rope drum is functionally connected with a brake device, wherein the brake device is in the form of a spring-loaded brake which is impinged by a spring device toward a braking position and by a hydraulic brake release pressure present in a brake release pressure line toward a release position, wherein the drive motor is in the form of a hydraulic motor which is connected by a first pressure medium line and a second pressure medium line to a multi-port control valve device controlling the drive motor, and a bypass valve device connecting the first and second pressure medium lines and is located in a connecting line connecting the first and second pressure medium lines and has a closed position and a flow position.

A winch system for driving an output includes a gear connected to the output, an electric motor connected to the gear, and a hydraulic motor connected to the gear. The electric motor and the hydraulic motor are distribute energy via the gear to the output.