A crane control system and method which automatically de-rates the maximum capacity of the crane when the boom is located in a first zone located on one side of the truck or in a second zone located on the opposite side of the truck. The control system de-rates the crane without input from the crane operator. The control system may use an inductive proximity sensor located on the base of the boom to locate stationary steel targets located around the base of the boom. The targets approximate the outer ranges of the first and second zones.

A crane control system and method which automatically de-rates the maximum capacity of the crane when the boom is located in a first zone located on one side of the truck or in a second zone located on the opposite side of the truck. The control system de-rates the crane without input from the crane operator. The control system may use an inductive proximity sensor located on the base of the boom to locate stationary steel targets located around the base of the boom. The targets approximate the outer ranges of the first and second zones.

A utility pole setting trailer includes a horizontal frame configured to carry utility poles to remote locations, a set of wheels supporting the horizontal frame, a hydraulic boom coupled to the horizontal frame and configured to load and unload the utility poles on to the horizontal frame, and a motor coupled to the hydraulic boom and configured to power the hydraulic boom. The hydraulic boom includes a first arm and a second arm, and a grapple is coupled to a distal end of the second arm. The grapple is configured to grasp a respective utility pole. In addition, the horizontal frame includes a front portion and a rear portion that are configured to extend apart from each other to increase a length of the horizontal frame.

A utility pole setting trailer includes a horizontal frame configured to carry utility poles to remote locations, a set of wheels supporting the horizontal frame, a hydraulic boom coupled to the horizontal frame and configured to load and unload the utility poles on to the horizontal frame, and a motor coupled to the hydraulic boom and configured to power the hydraulic boom. The hydraulic boom includes a first arm and a second arm, and a grapple is coupled to a distal end of the second arm. The grapple is configured to grasp a respective utility pole. In addition, the horizontal frame includes a front portion and a rear portion that are configured to extend apart from each other to increase a length of the horizontal frame.

A crane arrangement includes a base, a pillar boom, a lifting boom, a folding boom, a lifting cylinder, and a folding cylinder. The lifting boom includes a first pivot point for connecting the pillar boom to the lifting boom, a second pivot point for connecting the lifting cylinder to the lifting boom, and a third pivot point for connecting the folding cylinder to the lifting boom. The lifting boom further includes a hollow cast connecting piece arranged at the first end of the lifting boom, in which connecting piece at least the first pivot point and second pivot point are arranged. The invention also relates to a corresponding work machine.

A winch boom system and method includes a frame, a shaft supported by the frame, and a winch drum attached to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft about a shaft axis rotates the winch drum. A boom is pivotably coupled to the frame, the boom defining a cavity in which the winch drum is positioned. A winch rope is wound about the winch drum, passing through the cavity of the boom, and extending from the boom at a point distal from the winch drum.

A manhole cover moving assembly and method for moving a manhole cover works to lift, lower, rotate, extend, retract, and laterally displace a manhole cover over a short distance and in difficult to access areas. The moving assembly detachably attaches a hitch to a mobile mount for portability. The moving assembly provides a mast and a shaft that operate at adjustable relative to create mechanical advantages while moving the manhole cover. A telescoping support arm adjusts the angle of the shaft relative to the mast. The shaft carries a pulley apparatus and a cable that suspends the manhole cover. The mast rotates about a hitch. The shaft pivots about the mast. The shaft also extends and retracts. Further, as the angle of the shaft is changed through manipulation of the telescoping support arm, the mechanical advantage is increased for facilitating movement of the manhole cover.

A manhole cover moving assembly and method for moving a manhole cover works to lift, lower, rotate, extend, retract, and laterally displace a manhole cover over a short distance and in difficult to access areas. The moving assembly detachably attaches a hitch to a mobile mount for portability. The moving assembly provides a mast and a shaft that operate at adjustable relative to create mechanical advantages while moving the manhole cover. A telescoping support arm adjusts the angle of the shaft relative to the mast. The shaft carries a pulley apparatus and a cable that suspends the manhole cover. The mast rotates about a hitch. The shaft pivots about the mast. The shaft also extends and retracts. Further, as the angle of the shaft is changed through manipulation of the telescoping support arm, the mechanical advantage is increased for facilitating movement of the manhole cover.

A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.

A tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment (e.g., a crane, an aerial work platform, a drill rig, etc.) on various terrains, is provided. The tracked vehicle may comprise a frame comprising an equipment mounting area for mounting work equipment above the frame. The frame may comprise a pair of side rails that have a spacing in a widthwise direction of the tracked vehicle which corresponds to a standard truck frame side rail spacing (e.g., 34 inches). An operator cabin comprises a seating area which may comprise a single seat for an operator or a first seat for the operator and a second seat for a second person next to the operator. At least part of a power plant of the tracked vehicle may be mounted above the frame and behind the operator cabin. The tracked vehicle comprises a plurality of track assemblies for traction of the tracked vehicle.