Construction equipment implement

A skid steer loader attachment, comprising:

• an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures with first and second parallel pivot support axes, respectively;
• a component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure of the implement;
• a hydraulically actuated cylinder having a first end pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and a second end pivotally secured to the component, the hydraulically actuated cylinder being expandable and retractable to pivot the component relative to the implement, wherein the hydraulically actuated cylinder comprises a barrel and an actuation rod sliding relative to the barrel, the actuation rod having a first portion inside the barrel secured to an actuation piston and a second portion outside the barrel providing said second end;
• and
• a protective shield member secured to said second end for movement with the actuation rod, the protective shield member extending towards the barrel and having an overall length greater than the second portion of the actuation rod when the hydraulically actuated cylinder is fully expanded.

A skid steer loader attachment, comprising:

• an implement having first and second spaced apart pivot support structures with first and second parallel pivot support axes, respectively;
• a component pivotally secured to the second pivot support structure of the implement;
• a hydraulically actuated cylinder having a first end pivotally secured to the first pivot support structure of the implement and a second end pivotally secured to the component, the hydraulically actuated cylinder being expandable and retractable to pivot the component relative to the implement between first and second mechanical stops acting on the component, wherein the hydraulically actuated cylinder comprises a barrel and a piston sliding inside of the barrel, the piston driving an actuation rod relative to the barrel, the piston dividing the barrel into first and second fluid chambers, the first and second fluid chambers having first and second supply/return ports proximate opposing ends of the barrel, respectively, for receiving pressurizing fluid or exhausting fluid;
• and
• a hydraulic cushioning mechanism for slowing movement of the component near at least one of the mechanical stops, the hydraulic cushioning mechanism including a first restriction diminishing fluid being exhausted through the first supply/return port over a first range of movement piston, the piston having a second range of movement wherein full fluid flow is experienced through the first supply/return port without restriction by the first restriction.