Inventors:
Fred T. Smith - Alpine UT
Fred P. Smith - Alpine UT
William Johnson - Vernal UT
Larry D. Horning - Crestline OH
Assignee:
McClain E-Z Pack - Galion OH
International Classification:
B65F 302
Abstract:
An automated device for lifting and loading materials employs a pick-up arm for engaging material at ground level and an associated, inverted U-shaped lift arm. The pick-up arm can be swung relative to the lift arm about a vertical axis to bring the pick-up arm into a close-in position in front of a cab and into an outreaching position. The pick-up arm is automatically moved into the outreaching position as the lift arm moves toward a ground-level load position and is automatically moved into the close-in position as the lift arm moves toward the off-load level above ground to facilitate off-loading operations above ground. When moved closer toward the off-load position, the pick-up arm is automatically vertically tipped to facilitate off-loading operations. During off-loading operations, the vertical height of the container and lift arm assembly is minimized through the use of a dump link and associated four-bar linkage. The lift arm can also be pivoted between positions adjacent the cab and positions angularly spaced to one side of the cab.