Backhoe bucket transport system

#This invention is related generally to earth-moving equipment and, more particularly, to tractors of the type having a backhoe at one end which uses two or more backhoe buckets from time to time as needed, and a front loader at the other end.

#Backhoes commonly are designed to use more than one size of bucket. The size of the backhoe bucket selected for a particular task is determined by the requirements of the task. At any given job site, one bucket is frequently unsuitable for the various trenching and excavating tasks which must be performed. Therefore, two or more buckets need to be transported to the job site.

#Generally, the extra bucket or buckets have been carried in the front loader bucket of the tractor. In the prior art, loading and unloading of an extra backhoe bucket into the front loader bucket presented a number of problems and difficulties. Either considerable assistance and manipulation were required, or the ground supporting the extra bucket, prior to its loading into the loader bucket, was frequently dug up or damaged.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred backhoe bucket transport apparatus in accordance with this invention.

#FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective of the engagement member, a principal part of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a side elevation of front loader bucket having the apparatus of this invention, with the loader bucket in a position for normal use.

#The figures illustrate an improved backhoe bucket transport apparatus 10 of the type including a tractor 12, a front loader bucket 14 attached to the tractor, and a backhoe bucket 16 carried in loader bucket 14.

#Front loader bucket 14 has a top wall 18 which terminates in top edge 20 and a bottom wall 22 which terminates in a bottom edge 24. Loader bucket 16 also includes ears 26 by which it is attached to tractor 12. More specifically, loader bucket ears 26 are used for attachment to a loader frame 28 and a loader bucket link arm 30 of tractor 12. Link arm 30 is secured to ears 26 by means of a loader bucket mounting pin 32. There are a pair of link arms 30 and two parts of loader frame 28 engaged to two different ear sets 26 along wide loader bucket 14. Loader bucket 14 may be lifted by loader frame 28 and rolled or pivoted in the normal manner by virtue of the movement of link arms 30.

#Backhoe bucket 16, which in use is mounted to backhoe arms at the opposite end of tractor 12, includes a pair of spaced ears 34 and further includes a backhoe bucket mounting pin 36 which extends between ears 34. Backhoe bucket mounting pin 36 is used in operation of the backhoe bucket transport system of this invention.