GB975212A - Improvements relating to apparatus for engaging and displacing loads of articles andmaterials and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

975,212. Tractor attachments for lifting bales. LINCOLN COLLEGE. Nov. 7, 1962 [Nov. 21, 1961], No. 42086/62. Heading B8H. A tractor attachment for lifting bales comprises arms 7a, 7b, Fig. 9, attached to a T-shaped frame 4, 6, by horizontal pivots 9, counterbalanced by springs 11 and braced by links 13 which slide in a vertical slot 16 and ensure that the arms move in unison. To lift a bale or the like the apparatus is moved along with skids 18 resting on the ground until the arms 7b are on either side of the bale. The arms are now raised by the tractor linkage 2, 5 and the arms swing downwardly and inwardly as their weight is sufficient to initially overcome the restraint imposed by the springs 11. As soon as projections 17 engage the bale the weight of the latter is added to the weight of the arms thus causing them to move further inwards as the frame 4, 6 is raised, thereby increasing the gripping force. When compression of the bale ceases it is lifted from the ground. A telescopic frame 20, 20b prevents the load toppling backwards. The member 6 may be attached to the member 4 by a vertical stub 4b, Fig. 6. Members 8, Fig. 9, by which the arms 7 are pivoted to the frame 4, 6, are provided with several holes so that the spacing between the arms can be altered. The arms 13 may be replaced by chains. The ends of arms 7 may be semi-circular to facilitate lifting drums. Wheels may replace the skids 18 and a further skid may be provided on the frame 4, 6.