Removable outrigger for mobile crane

A method of removing an outrigger from under a frame of a mobile crane vehicle frame positioned on the ground, said outrigger including a box frame, a first extendable support beam including a first jacking means and a second, opposing and extendable support beam including a second jacking means, said method comprising the steps of:

• (1) tilting and retracting said first jacking means for clearance under said vehicle frame;
• (2) extending said second support beam outwardly from said box frame by operation of a hydraulic cylinder;
• (3) extending said second jacking means to engage the ground, thereby fixing its location;
• (4) retracting said hydraulic cylinder to pull said box frame toward said second jacking means;
• (5) maintaining said box frame in position above the ground;
• (6) repeating steps 2-5 to cause said outrigger to substantially clear said vehicle frame;
• and
• (7) lifting said outrigger for separate transport,
• whereby over-the-road weight of the crane vehicle is minimized.

A removable outrigger for attachment to a crane vehicle frame comprising:

• a box frame with extendable support beams;
• means for securing said box frame to said vehicle frame;
• cam means for proper horizontal alignment of said outrigger during movement into engagement with said vehicle frame, said cam means including at least a pair of spaced rotary eccentric cams;
• means of preadjusting said rotary eccentric cams for selected point contact with mounting lugs on said vehicle frame to effect said proper horizontal alignment;
• and
• hangers for supporting guide pins and connected to said box frame, said mounting lugs having open hooks on said vehicle frame, said guide pins being received in said hooks to provide proper vertical alignment of said outrigger with said vehicle frame;
• whereby said securing means can be implemented without manual manipulation of said outrigger to assure rapid attachment and removal.

A removable outrigger for attachment to a crane vehicle frame comprising:

• a box frame with extendable support beams;
• means for securing said box frame to said vehicle frame;
• cam means for proper horizontal alignment of said outrigger during movement into engagement with said vehicle frame, said cam means including at least a pair of spaced rotary eccentric cams;
• means of preadjusting said rotary eccentric cams for selected point contact with mounting lugs on said vehicle frame to effect said proper horizontal alignment;
• and
• said securing means includes lock pins engaging aligned apertures in said box frame and said lugs, and power means to operate said pins,
• whereby said securing means can be implemented without manual manipulation of said outrigger to assure rapid attachment and removal.

A removable outrigger for attachment to a crane vehicle frame comprising:

• a box frame with extendable support beams;
• means for securing said box frame to said vehicle frame;
• cam means for alignment of said outrigger with the vehicle frame prior to being secured, said cam means including a pair of linear cams for effecting proper vertical alignment;
• means for preadjusting said linear cams to effect said proper alignment,
• a pair of dual mounting lugs on said vehicle frame, ear means mounted on said box frame, said securing means including lock pins engaging aligned apertures in said dual lugs and said mounting ear means, and power means for actuating said pins to engage said apertures,
• whereby said securing means can be implemented without manual manipulation of said box frame to assure rapid attachment and removal.