The invention relates to a work vehicle (10), particularly, for use in rugged uneven terrain, for example, in agriculture/forestry. The vehicle (10) generally has a chassis frame (24) and a pair of axles (14, 20) longitudinally spaced along the chassis (24), the axles (14, 20) being pivotable in an opposing or opposite fashion about axes (A, D) generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. The vehicle (10) has a support frame (206) mounted relative to a front axle (14) to be displaceable therewith, in use. The vehicle (10) also has a work apparatus (204) mountable to the support frame (206) and displaceable relative to the vehicle (10) wherein, in use, under control of an operator, the support frame (206) and work apparatus (204) are adapted to rotate with the first axle (14) about the first pivot axis (A).

A crane for lifting and transporting loads includes a base frame, capable of transferring loads onto a support surface. A sliding element is slidably constrained to the base frame. An arm capable of moving the loads is hinged to the sliding element. A connection element has a first end hinged to the sliding element, and a second end constrained to the base frame in a mobile manner. Each of a pair of rod elements is hinged to the base frame and to the connection element to form an articulated quadrilateral. A first linear actuator is hinged to the base frame and to the connection element and to cause sliding movement of the sliding element relative to the base frame. A second linear actuator is hinged to the sliding element and to the arm to cause mutual rotation movement between the arm and the sliding element.

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 control system for a lifting device and a lifting device comprising the same are disclosed. The control system includes a control unit comprising a processor with a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and having computer readable and executable instructions. A battery is electrically coupled to the control unit in addition to at least one indicator. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine an operating characteristic of the lifting device and an operating time of the lifting device as the lifting device is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the lifting device based on the operating characteristic and the operating time; store the accumulated load-time parameter in the memory of the lift control system; compare the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant; and provide an indication the indicator that a lift structural component requires service based on the comparison.

A control system for a lifting device and a lifting device comprising the same are disclosed. The control system includes a control unit comprising a processor with a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and having computer readable and executable instructions. A battery is electrically coupled to the control unit in addition to at least one indicator. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine an operating characteristic of the lifting device and an operating time of the lifting device as the lifting device is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the lifting device based on the operating characteristic and the operating time; store the accumulated load-time parameter in the memory of the lift control system; compare the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant; and provide an indication the indicator that a lift structural component requires service based on the comparison.

A device configured to lift and transport a pipe at a worksite includes a base, a mast coupled to the base, a carriage coupled to the mast, a positioning assembly having a cable that is attachable to the pipe for lifting the pipe from a surface of the worksite to the carriage, upon which the pipe is thereafter supportable, and a lifting assembly configured to move the mast and the carriage to a desired elevation relative to the base to further lift the pipe from the worksite surface.

A trailer for lifting and positioning at least one reel thereon. The trailer includes a pair of articulated arms comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member pivotally mounted to the first elongate member. The first elongate members are generally horizontal and movable relative to the trailer between a retracted position and a rearwardly extended position. The second elongate members are pivotable between a horizontal position in parallel alignment with the first elongate members and an upright position wherein the second elongate members are orthogonal to the first elongate members. The second elongate members are provided with respective jacks to stabilise them with respect to the ground surface. A hoist to lift the reel from the support surface to an effective height greater than an effective height of a deck of the trailer is disposed between the second elongate members.

A trailer for lifting and positioning at least one reel thereon. The trailer includes a pair of articulated arms comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member pivotally mounted to the first elongate member. The first elongate members are generally horizontal and movable relative to the trailer between a retracted position and a rearwardly extended position. The second elongate members are pivotable between a horizontal position in parallel alignment with the first elongate members and an upright position wherein the second elongate members are orthogonal to the first elongate members. The second elongate members are provided with respective jacks to stabilise them with respect to the ground surface. A hoist to lift the reel from the support surface to an effective height greater than an effective height of a deck of the trailer is disposed between the second elongate members.

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.