Apparatus for moving a plurality of pallets loaded with building blocks

Apparatus for moving a plurality of pallets loaded with building blocks and being supported in a vertical stack in parallel relation to one another, said apparatus comprising:

• a spade assembly having a plurality of laterally extending spades one above the other, said spades being constructed to support and lift said pallets when each spade is positioned under a corresponding pallet and the spade assembly is shifted upwardly;
• a transfer carriage mounted on a track above said spade assembly for lateral shifting movement;
• means for suspending said spade assembly from said transfer carriage;
• means for pivoting said spade assembly about a vertical axis;
• roller means mounted on said transfer carriage;
• a wear ring mounted on said spade assembly and riding on said roller means;
• and
• means for allowing removal of said wear ring while said spade assembly remains suspended from said transfer carriage.

Apparatus for moving a plurality of pallets loaded with building blocks and being supported in a vertical stack in parallel relation to one another, said apparatus comprising:

• a spade assembly having a plurality of laterally extending spades one above the other, said spades being constructed to support and lift said pallets when each spade is positioned under a corresponding pallet and the spade assembly is shifted upwardly;
• a transfer carriage mounted on a track above said spade assembly for lateral shifting movement;
• a pivot shaft mounted on said transfer carriage for rotation about a vertical axis;
• a drive ring mounted on said pivot shaft and rotating therewith;
• a wear ring mounted on the underside of said drive ring;
• roller means mounted on said transfer carriage, said wear ring being supported on said roller means;
• and
• means for allowing removal of said wear ring while said spade assembly remains supported by said pivot shaft.

Apparatus for moving a plurality of pallets loaded with building blocks and being supported in a vertical stack in parallel relation to one another, said apparatus compromising:

• a spade assembly having a plurality of laterally extending spades one above the other, said spades being constructed to support and lift said pallets when each spade is positioned under a corresponding pallet and the spade assembly is shifted upwardly;
• a transfer carriage mounted on a track above said spade assembly for lateral shifting movement;
• a pivot shaft mounted on said transfer carriage for rotation about a vertical axis;
• a drive ring mounted on said pivot shaft and rotating therewith;
• a wear ring mounted on the underside of said drive ring;
• roller means mounted on said transfer carriage, said wear ring being supported on said roller means;
• and
• means for allowing removal of said pivot shaft while said spade assembly remains supported by said roller means.