GB410841A - Improvements in and relating to machines for cutting trenches and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

410,841. Digging trenches &c. BROWN, A. S., 220, Old Shettleston Road, Glasgow, and McKICHAN, J. J., 2, Rochester Terrace, Edinburgh. Oct. 28, 1932, No. 30245. [Class 68 (i).] A machine for digging trenches and the like comprises a vehicle with an outboard overhung digger frame carried by means including a telescopic shaft whereby the frame may be collapsed to inoperative position or extended laterally and swung into operative position. A frame 1, carrying a bucket chain 3, is supported laterally of a vehicle by a pivot rod 6 adjustable about a shaft 16 by quadrants 28 and pinions 29 driven by handle 32 and worm gearing 31. During digging, a bar 26 on frame 1 is connected to a link 25 whereby during adjustment about shaft 16, the frame 1 remains vertical ; for transport, the link 25 is detached and the frame 1 rotated about rod 6 to horizontal position. The vehicle is driven from engine 7 through shaft 8, variable speed gear in box 9 controlled by handles 10, 11, and differential &c. gearing ; the shaft 8 also drives the bucket chain through bevel gears 12, shaft 13, clutch 14, chain 17, shaft 16, and chains 21, 23. When the vehicle is on a slope, the chassis is adjusted through hand controlled worm gearings 42 and screws 41 so that the frame 1 is maintained vertical. The shaft 16 and rod 6 are telescopic whereby the frame 1 may be moved to or from the vehicle by a screw controlled by handle 49. The digging buckets discharge through a hooded chute 46 with spout 48. A blade 50 depending from the frame 1 scrapes soil forwardly and leaves a layer of fine soil 51 at the bottom of the trench, and a plough 52 moves droppings back into the trench. The digger may be arranged as a trailer drawn by a vehicle and provided with a driving motor for the bucket chain.