Skid-Steer Loader Attachment Assemblies and Methods for Performing Earth Augering Using a Skid-Steer Loader

Abstract

Skid-steer loader attachment assemblies configured to perform earth augering are provided. The attachment assemblies can include a pair of outriggers. Methods for performing earth augering using a skid-steer are also provided. The methods can include extending dual outriggers from a boom assembly of a skid-steer to engage substrate; and extending an earth auger into the substrate from an auger assembly that is operably engaged between the dual outriggers. Skid-steer loader and attachment assemblies configured to perform earth augering are also provided. Boring assembly coupling assemblies are also provided.

1 . A skid-steer loader attachment assembly configured to perform earth augering, the attachment comprising:
 an attachment frame configured to couple to a boom assembly of the skid-steer loader, the attachment frame extending horizontally between lateral edges;   a pair of outriggers, each of the outriggers associated with a lateral edge of the attachment frame; and   an auger assembly operatively engaged with the attachment frame between outriggers.   
     
     
         2 . The skid-steer loader attachment assembly of  claim 1  wherein the attachment frame further comprises a pair of sleeves, each of the sleeves defining one of the lateral edges of the attachment frame and configured to slidably engage an outrigger. 
     
     
         3 . The skid-steer loader attachment assembly of  claim 2  further comprising hydraulic pistons operably aligned with each of the outriggers. 
     
     
         4 . The skid-steer loader attachment assembly of  claim 1  wherein the auger assembly further comprises a mast and Kelly-bar assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The skid-steer loader attachment assembly of  claim 4  wherein the mast is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame and operable to rotate the mast and Kelly-bar assembly between a horizontal position to a vertical position. 
     
     
         6 . The skid-steer loader attachment assembly of  claim 4  wherein the mast is hinged to the attachment frame and operable to swing between a first position wherein the Kelly-bar assembly and mast face the attachment frame, and a second position wherein the mast is between the Kelly-bar assembly and the attachment frame. 
     
     
         7 . A method for performing earth augering using a skid-steer, the method comprising:
 extending dual outriggers from a boom assembly of a skid-steer to engage substrate; and   extending an earth auger into the substrate from an auger assembly that is operably engaged between the dual outriggers.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the extending the dual outriggers comprises operatively engaging a hydraulic system to slide outrigger posts within sleeves of an attachment frame. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising extending each of the dual outriggers separately. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising, prior to extending the earth auger into the substrate, rotating an earth auger assembly from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising swinging the earth auger assembly upon a hinge to align a mast of the earth auger assembly between Kelly-bars of the earth auger assembly and the boom assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising extending the earth auger at an angle other than perpendicular to the substrate surface. 
     
     
         13 . A skid-steer loader and attachment assembly configured to perform earth augering, the loader and attachment assembly comprising:
 a skid-steer loader equipped with a boom assembly extending from the skid-steer to an attachment end of the boom assembly;   an attachment frame coupled to the boom assembly of the skid-steer loader, the attachment frame extending horizontally between lateral edges;   a pair of outriggers, each of the outriggers associated with a lateral edge of the attachment frame; and   an auger assembly operatively engaged with the attachment frame between outriggers.   
     
     
         14 . A boring assembly coupling assembly, the assembly comprising:
 a boring member configured to be rotated when boring/augering, the boring member terminating in a first flange; and   an auger adapter configured to couple with an auger bit, the auger adapter comprising a second flange configured to compliment and reversibly couple with the first flange.   
     
     
         15 . The boring assembly coupling assembly of  claim 14  wherein the auger adapter further comprises a complimentary shaft configured to couple with the auger bit.