A. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to digging implements, and in particular a backhoe.
B. Background of the Art
Backhoes are used extensively for excavating and for carrying objects from one area to another. Backhoes have typically been used to dig holes in the ground for trenches and for the placement of building structural components, road substructures, cables, pipes, etc.
Heretofore, backhoes have included a first arm pivotally attached to a tractor and a second arm pivotally attached to the first arm in a scissors-like manner. A bucket is attached to the second arm for digging. Separate hydraulic actuators have typically been used to move each of the arms and the bucket. Some of these backhoes have included an extendable second arm. Furthermore, some backhoes have included a gripping device positioned opposite the bucket for gripping objects between the gripping device and the bucket. One of the gripping devices has included a gripping device statically attached to an arm of the backhoe that does not rotate relative to the arm. These gripping devices have been difficult to use because the arm and the bucket have to properly position relative to the gripping device before the gripping device can be used to pick up objects. Another gripping device includes a separate hydraulic actuator for moving only the gripping device. These backhoe are expensive to manufacture because of the cost for the extra hydraulic actuator and the cost for connecting the gripping device to the controls in the tractor. A third gripping device includes thumbs that rotate simultaneously with the bucket. These backhoes are also difficult to use because the bucket and the gripping device must be properly positioned before the gripping implement can be used. Furthermore, these backhoes are difficult to operate because the rotating gripping implement can get in the way of the rotating bucket, thus making the ground difficult to dig.