Excavating and loading machine

Abstract

An excavating and loading machine has a body with a front end and a rear end, the body being carried on a steerable wheeled ground engaging structure, the machine including a loading arm assembly which is mounted on the body and extends forwardly of the body, and an excavating arm, and wherein the excavating arm is mounted on a superstructure which includes an operator's cab, the superstructure being rotatable about a generally upright axis relative to the body during the performance of excavating operations, and the excavating arm is mounted on the superstructure by a mounting which permits the arm to slew relative to the superstructure, about a generally upright slew axis as well as to permit the excavating arm to be raised and lowered about a generally horizontal axis.

1 . An excavating and loading machine having a body with a front end and a rear end, the body being carried on a steerable wheeled ground engaging structure, the machine including a loading arm assembly which is mounted on the body and extends forwardly of the body, and an excavating arm, and wherein the excavating arm is mounted on a superstructure which includes an operator's cab, the superstructure being rotatable about a generally upright axis relative to the body during the performance of excavating operations, and the excavating arm being mounted on the superstructure by a mounting which permits the arm to slew relative to the superstructure, about a generally upright slew axis as well as to permit the excavating arm to be raised and lowered about a generally horizontal axis.  
   
   
       2 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the excavating arm is of the kind including at least two sections which are relatively moveable about a generally horizontal axis, with there being an excavating tool mounted at an outer end of the excavating arm.  
   
   
       3 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the superstructure is lockable in a desired rotational position relative to the body, during use of the excavating arm.  
   
   
       4 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the superstructure is mounted at or towards a rear of the body.  
   
   
       5 . A machine according to  claim 4  wherein the superstructure is mounted over a rear axle of the wheeled ground engaging structure and the rotatable superstructure carries mudguards for the rear wheels.  
   
   
       6 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the cab includes within it, first controls for driving the machine over the ground and for operating the loading arm assembly, and second controls for operating the excavating arm and for rotating the superstructure, and a rotatable operator's seat to enable the driver to access and use the first or second controls.  
   
   
       7 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the loading arm assembly is mounted in a generally central position between sides of the body, forwardly of the superstructure.  
   
   
       8 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the loading arm assembly includes a pair of loader arms each extending along a side of the body.  
   
   
       9 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the rotatable superstructure is capable of less than a full 360° rotation, with there being stops mechanically to limit the rotation of the superstructure.  
   
   
       10 . A machine according to  claim 9  wherein the superstructure is rotatable though up to 300°.  
   
   
       11 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the body of the machine houses an engine to power the machine, the engine being provided forwardly of the rotatable superstructure, generally centrally between the sides of the body.  
   
   
       12 . A machine according to  claim 11  wherein the loading arm assembly is mounted in a generally central position between sides of the body, forwardly of the superstructure, and wherein the engine is mounted beneath an inner end of the loading arm.  
   
   
       13 . A machine according to  claim 11  wherein the loading arm assembly includes a pair of loader arms each extending along a side of the body, and wherein—the engine is provided between the arms.  
   
   
       14 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the loading arm assembly is pivotal relative to the body about a generally horizontal mounting axis.  
   
   
       15 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the loading arm assembly includes a plurality of telescopic sections, with a loading tool mounted at an outermost end of the loading arm.  
   
   
       16 . A machine according to  claim 1  wherein the superstructure is rotatable relative to the body by a hydraulic or electric motor.  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)  
   
   
       18 . (canceled)