Coupling for earth moving tools etc.

A quick release and attachment assembly for an earthmoving or excavating machine or the like comprising:

• a first attachment means including a base (11), at least two opposed stop members (14, 19) fixed on the base, and locating means (12) on the base (11), said locating means (12) including a pair of laterally spaced, parallel side plates (12) fixed on the base (11), one of said stop members (14) extending transversely between said side plates (12) to provide a large surface area of contact;
• and
• a second attachment means including an attachment head (23) having parallel, side plates (26) and an interconnecting base plate (25) and rear wall (30), said side plates (26) fitting closely within the side plates (12) of the first attachment means thereby to prevent lateral movement of said second attachment means when mounted on said first attachment means, a fixed stop engagement means (33) on the attachment head (23) extending laterally between said side plates (26) thereof and adapted to engage said one (14) of the stop members, said fixed stop engagement means (33) presenting a relatively large surface area of contact, with the respective surface areas being such that wear is readily compensated for;
• a movable stop engagement means (39) on the attachment head (23) movable between a first position engaging the second (19) of the stop members and a second position released from the second stop member (19), said movable stop engagement means (39) and said second stop member (19) having mating wedge surfaces to provide tight locking of one within the other and also to compensate for any wear at such mating surfaces, and means (42) to move the movable stop engagement means (39);
• one of the attachment means being connectable to the earthmoving or excavating machine (24) and the other attachment means being connectable to an operating tool (10) for the machine.