Skid-steer loader power source attachment and method of manufacture

A power source attachment for prime movers having auxiliary hydraulic systems, including skid steer loaders and excavators, which operates solely from the auxiliary hydraulics to provide power on jobsites, as well as in small and difficult-to-reach work areas, and other work areas where municipally provided electrical power is inconveniently accessed or unavailable, for the operation of lights, electrical tools, and power equipment, and which also can provide residences and small businesses with power during emergencies, said attachment comprising:

• a rigid frame having a substantially planar and vertically extending rear surface and a mounting plate attached to said rear surface that is configured for engagement with a prime mover for support of said frame while said frame is lifted into an elevated position by the prime mover, as well as engagement with a prime mover for stabilization of said frame on uneven terrain, said frame also defining a covered storage area configured for housing at least one piece of power equipment, a hydraulic motor, and at least two hydraulic hoses;
• an hydraulic motor secured within said frame and having a drive shaft;
• a rotatable coupler operationally engaged with said drive shaft;
• two hydraulic hoses connected between said hydraulic motor and the auxiliary hydraulics of a prime mover, said hydraulic hoses being configured to temporarily divert hydraulic flow from the prime mover and through said hydraulic motor with one of said hydraulic hoses being an in-take hose and the other of said hydraulic hoses being a return hose;
• a primary piece of power equipment having a drive shaft;
• and
• drive means connected between said primary piece of power equipment and said coupler, said drive means being adapted for rotational engagement with said coupler whereby said primary piece of power equipment is operated solely as a result of the hydraulic flow diverted from the prime mover through said hydraulic hoses and sufficient power is available to operate lights in combination with at least one hand-held electrical tool.

A method of making a power source attachment that runs off of the auxiliary hydraulics of prime movers, including skid-steer loaders and excavators, which is capable of operating lights, electrical tools, and power equipment at construction jobsites, small and difficult-to-reach work areas, and other work areas where municipally provided electrical power is inconveniently accessed or unavailable, and which also can provide residences and small businesses with power during emergencies, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a prime mover having an auxiliary hydraulic circuit, a rigid frame having a substantially planar and vertically extending rear surface and defining a covered storage area, a mounting plate configured for support of said frame when lifted by said prime mover a sufficient amount to raise said frame into an elevated position, an hydraulic motor with a drive shaft, two hydraulic hoses configured to temporarily divert hydraulic flow from said auxiliary hydraulic circuit of said prime mover, a primary piece of power equipment with a drive shaft, and at least one coupler;
• attaching said mounting plate to said rear surface of said frame;
• placing said hydraulic motor within said frame;
• connecting said hydraulic hoses through said frame between said hydraulic motor and said auxiliary hydraulic circuit of said prime mover so that one of said hydraulic hoses becomes an in-take hose and the other of said hydraulic hoses becomes a return hose;
• and
• concurrently connecting at least one said coupler for rotation between said primary piece of power equipment and said drive shaft so that sufficient power is available to operate lights in combination with at least one hand-held electrical tool.