Patent ID: 6151811
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
Classification: A01B,E02F

Abstract:
A walk-behind power unit stabilizing system comprising:a walk-behind trencher power unit having a front side, a rear side, a trenching boom at the front side, and a rear drive wheel at the rear side of the power unit; and,a retractable assembly connected to the rear side of said power unit and extending rearward behind the rear drive wheel and downward from the rear side of the power unit, said retractable assembly contacting the ground in a lower position and limiting digging arch and kickback of said walk-behind power unit when the trenching boom strikes buried obstacles during removal of dirt from the ground to form a linear trench, wherein the retractable assembly is adapted to be temporarily raised above the rear drive wheel to an upper position to facilitate pivoting and steering of said walk-behind power unit during transport of the power unit;said stabilizing system comprising a lock holding the retractable assembly in the lower position contacting the ground, and a retraction spring automatically retracting the retractable assembly into an upper position when the lock is unlocked.