Hydraulic arm and attachments for tractors

Abstract

An auger attachment assembly for tractors and related vehicles. The assembly comprises a telescopic arm with a descending auger device affixed to a distal end thereof, functioning to allow a user to utilize the auger from a convenient sitting position. The invention utilizes hydraulic power, which is achieved by using existing tractor hydraulics, or by installation of a power take-off pump and reservoir on the frame of the implement. In the preferred mode, the arm attaches to the lawn tractor via traditional three-point hitch, though additional attachment means may be utilized. When engaged, the arm telescopes to a desired distance, and can move from left to right at approximately 180 degrees, providing the operator with significant versatility. The auger raises and lowers on a fixed track, which functions to keep the same from “wandering,” as is common in the prior art. As such, the invention is particularly suitable for usage in connection with Christmas tree farms, which typically utilize a grid-like growing pattern. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to replace each removed tree in order to maintain the grid pattern, and the present invention allows the operator to do so in an efficient manner previously unachieved.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A hydraulic arm and attachment assembly removably affixed to a vehicle, comprising: 
 a power means which functions to power a first hydraulic cylinder, the first hydraulic cylinder affixed to a hydraulic arm, the hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic arm oriented horizontally, parallel to a ground surface, the hydraulic arm functioning to extend outwardly from the vehicle in a telescopic manner;    a vertical fixed track located upon a distal end of the hydraulic arm, the fixed track engaging the hydraulic arm in a generally perpendicular orientation, the fixed track comprising a hydraulic motor thereon, the fixed track further comprising a hydraulic cylinder thereon;    the hydraulic cylinder affixed to an auger, the hydraulic cylinder and auger oriented vertically, perpendicular to a ground surface, the auger functioning to extend downwardly from the vehicle, allowing for digging into a ground surface; and    a plurality of arm and auger controls located in the proximity of a dashboard of the vehicle, functioning to allow the user to engage the controls for movement and control of the hydraulic arm and auger from a seated position of the vehicle.    
     
     
         2 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic arm rotates left and right in a range of one hundred eighty degrees.  
     
     
         3 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic arm extends to a previously-determined length.  
     
     
         4 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the auger extends downwardly to a previously-determined depth.  
     
     
         5 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the auger may be fixed in a raised position during traveling of the vehicle.  
     
     
         6 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is removably affixed to a tractor through usage of a three point hitch.  
     
     
         7 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein existing vehicle hydraulics provide power to the assembly.  
     
     
         8 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly utilizes a power take off means comprising a pump and reservoir on a frame of the assembly.  
     
     
         9 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the auger is removably affixed to the assembly through usage of pin and hydraulic quick connections.  
     
     
         10 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is retrofitted to previously existing vehicles.  
     
     
         11 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the auger width is a diameter of four inches.  
     
     
         12 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly utilizes a total of four user controls for movement of the hydraulic arm and auger.  
     
     
         13 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the auger is removed from the assembly and replaced with additional previously-determined implements.  
     
     
         14 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle to which the assembly is affixed is an agricultural tractor.  
     
     
         15 . The hydraulic arm and attachment assembly as described in  claim 1 , wherein the assembly is affixed to a small agricultural tractor and used in conjunction with tree plantations grown in a grid pattern, wherein chosen and cut trees are replaced through usage of the assembly and auger.