Patent Publication Number: US-9840825-B2

Title: Implement end cutting-bit

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This patent disclosure relates generally to ground engaging tools and, more particularly, to ground engaging tools on buckets, blades, and other work tools used with mining and construction machinery. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Different types of mining and construction machines, such as tractors, bulldozers, backhoes, excavators, motor graders, and mining trucks commonly employ earth-working blades to move and level earth or materials being excavated or loaded. The earth-working blades frequently experience extreme wear from repeated contact with highly abrasive materials encountered during operation. Replacement of the earth-working blades and other implements used in mining and construction machinery can be very costly and labor intensive. 
     The earth-working blades can be equipped with a ground engaging tool (GET), such as a cutting-bit or a set of cutting-bits, to help protect the blade and other earth-working tools from wear. Typically, a cutting-bit can be in the form of teeth, edge protectors, tips, or other removable components that can be attached to the areas of the blade or other tool where most damaging and repeated abrasions and impacts occur. For example, a GET in the form of edge protectors can wrap around an implement&#39;s cutting edge to help protect it from excessive wear. 
     In such applications, the removable cutting-bits can be subjected to wear from abrasion and repeated impact, while helping to protect the blade or other implement to which they can be mounted. When the cutting-bit becomes worn through use, it can be removed and replaced with a new cutting-bit or other GET at a reasonable cost to permit the continued use of the implement. By protecting the implement with a GET and replacing the worn GET at appropriate intervals, significant cost and time savings are possible. 
     The cost and time savings available from using a cutting-bit to protect large machine implements can be further enhanced by increasing the ability of the cutting-bit to cut through the working material. In many applications, a machine must make a pass using a first implement, such as a ripper or other cutting tool, to cut the earth or other working material before making another pass with a second implement, such as a blade, to move the material. Thus, an implement system able to cut the working material and move the material with a blade using fewer passes can result in increased work efficiency. There is an ongoing need in the art for an improved cutting-bit system that increases the efficiency of earth-working machinery and increases productivity. 
     It will be appreciated that this background description has been created by the inventors to aid the reader, and is not to be taken as an indication that any of the indicated problems were themselves appreciated in the art. While the described principles can, in some respects and embodiments, alleviate the problems inherent in other systems, it will be appreciated that the scope of the protected innovation is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability of any disclosed feature to solve any specific problem noted herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the present disclosure describes an implement end cutting-bit that can have a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The body can have a cutting edge defined along at least a portion of a bottom interface between the front portion and the bottom portion. The body can also have a substantially flat front surface defined on the front portion. The substantially flat front surface can extend between a top edge that can be disposed along a top interface between the front portion and the top portion, an outer side edge that can be disposed along an outer side interface between the front portion and the outer side portion, a ridge that can be disposed on the front portion, and a spearhead edge that can be disposed along the bottom interface between the outer side portion and the cutting edge. The body can also have a contoured front surface formed on the front portion of the body adjacent the substantially flat front surface. The contoured front surface can be defined between an inner side edge, which can be disposed along an inner side interface between the front portion and the inner side portion, the cutting edge, and the ridge. 
     In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes an implement end cutting-bit having a body that can have a front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. The body can have a cutting edge defined along at least a portion of a bottom interface between the front portion and the bottom portion. The body can have a rear surface defined on the rear portion that can define a rear surface plane. The rear surface plane can be substantially parallel to a normal-lateral plane. The body can also have a flat front surface defined on the front portion. The flat front surface can extend between a top edge that can be disposed along a top interface between the front portion and the top portion, an outer side edge that can be disposed along an outer side interface between the front portion and the outer side portion, a ridge that can be disposed on the front portion, and a spearhead edge that can be disposed along the bottom interface between the outer side portion and the cutting edge. A flat front surface plane can be defined along the flat front surface. The flat front surface plane can be disposed at an angle in a range between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees with respect to the normal-lateral plane. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure describes an implement end cutting-bit system that can have at least one end cutting-bit that can be adapted to be mounted to a mounting edge of an earth-working blade. The mounting edge can be defined between a first blade end and a second blade end. The at least one end cutting-bit can include a body having front, rear, top, bottom, inner side and outer side portions. A cutting edge can be defined along at least a portion of a bottom interface between the front portion and the bottom portion. The body can also have a flat front surface that can be defined on the front portion. The flat front surface can extend between a top edge that can be disposed along a top interface between the front portion and the top portion, an outer side edge that can be disposed along an outer side interface between the front portion and the outer side portion, a ridge that can be disposed on the front portion, and a spearhead edge that can be disposed along the bottom interface between the outer side portion and the cutting edge. The body can also have a contoured front surface formed on the front portion of the body adjacent the flat front surface. The contoured front surface can be defined between an inner side edge, which can be disposed along an inner side interface between the front portion and the inner side portion, the cutting edge, and the ridge. The implement end cutting-bit system can also have at least one intermediate cutting-bit that can be adapted to be mounted along the mounting edge of the earth-working blade between the first blade end and the second blade end. 
     Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the principles related to end cutting-bits disclosed herein are capable of being carried out in other and different embodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic side elevational view of an embodiment of a machine including an embodiment of an implement having an implement end cutting-bit constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the implement of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front-right perspective view of an implement end cutting-bit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a front-left perspective view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear-left perspective view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a left side elevational view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 10  is right side elevational view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 12  is a rear-top perspective view substantially aligned with a flat front surface and an outer side surface of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged, detail view taken from  FIG. 12  as indicated by circle XIII. 
         FIG. 14  is a rear-side perspective view substantially aligned with a flat front surface and a bottom surface of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged, detail view taken from  FIG. 14  as indicated by circle XV. 
         FIG. 16  is a front-left perspective view of another embodiment of an implement end cutting-bit constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  is a rear-right perspective view of the implement end cutting-bit of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure relates to GET assemblies and systems, specifically implement cutting-bits, utilized in various types of mining, earth-working, and construction machinery.  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a machine  50  in the form of a track-type tractor that can include an embodiment of an implement end cutting-bit  100  constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. Among other uses, a track-type tractor can be used to move and strip working material in various surface mining or other construction applications. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the machine  50  can include a body  52  with a cab  54  to house a machine operator. The machine  50  can also include an arm system  56  pivotally connected at one end to the body  52  or undercarriage and supporting an implement assembly  60  at an opposing, distal end. In embodiments, the implement assembly  60  can include any suitable implement, such as an earth-working blade, or any other type of suitable device usable with an end cutting-bit  100 . The illustrated machine  50  also includes a ripper assembly  62  having a ripper  64  opposite the implement assembly  60 . The ripper  64  can be used to cut through and break up working material for removal. A control system can be housed in the cab  54  that can be adapted to allow a machine operator to manipulate and articulate the implement assembly  60  and/or the ripper assembly  62  for digging, excavating, or any other suitable application. 
       FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of the implement assembly  60 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the implement assembly  60  can include an earth-working blade  66  that can have a mounting edge  68  adapted to engage the ground or other excavation surface. The mounting edge  68  can be adapted to receive a plurality of cutting-bits, including both intermediate cutting-bits  70  and end cutting-bits  100 ,  200 . The end cutting-bits  100 ,  200  can be arranged on the mounting edge  68  at a first blade end  72  and a second blade end  74 , respectively. In some embodiments, the end cutting-bit  100  mounted to the first blade end  72  of the mounting edge  68  can be symmetrical to the end cutting-bit  200  mounted to the second blade end  74  of the mounting edge  68 . In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate cutting-bits  70  can be mounted along the mounting edge  68  between the end cutting-bits  100 ,  200 . Each intermediate cutting-bit  70  can have a cutting edge  76  that can contact the working material during machine operation. Although  FIG. 2  illustrates three intermediate cutting-bits  70 , it is contemplated that any number of intermediate cutting-bits of varying shapes and sizes can be used. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that no intermediate cutting-bits are used. Through repeated use, the end cutting-bits  100 ,  200  and the intermediate cutting-bits  70  can be subjected to wear and eventually can be replaced to allow the further use of the implement assembly  60 . 
     Although  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate the use of an end cutting-bit constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure with blade of a track-type tractor, many other types of implements and mining and construction machinery can benefit from using an end cutting-bit as described herein. It should be understood that, in other embodiments, an end cutting-bit constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of other implements and/or machines. 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate perspective views of an embodiment of an end cutting-bit  100 . The end cutting-bit  100  can be formed from a body  101  that can have a generally trapezoidal shape with a spearhead protrusion  103  on one corner. The shape of the end cutting-bit  100  disclosed herein with the spearhead protrusion  103  provides various benefits that improve the speed and efficiency in which a machine can excavate or clear work material. Specifically, the disclosed shape of the end cutting-bit  100  cuts through the surface of a work material such that a machine  50  equipped with a blade  66  having the disclosed end cutting-bit  100  can cut through and clear work material on a single pass. Such capability is an improvement over prior GET assemblies that require a machine to make a first pass using a ripper or other ground-cutting tool to break up the surface of the work material, then make a second pass with a blade or other implement to clear away the work material. Therefore, the disclosed end cutting-bit  100  can substantially reduce the number of passes required by an earth-clearing machine to clear an area, reducing the number of passes by up to half in some applications. 
     The body  101  can have a front portion  102 , a rear portion  104 , a top portion  106 , a bottom portion  108 , an inner side portion  110 , and an outer side portion  112 . Interfaces can exist between each of the adjacent portions. Specifically, a top interface  118  can exist between the top portion  106  and the front portion  102 , and a bottom interface  120  can exist between the front portion and the bottom portion  108 . An outer side interface  122  can exist between the front portion  102  and the outer side portion  112 , and an inner side interface  124  can exist between the front portion and the inner side portion  110 . An outer bottom interface  126  can exist between the bottom portion  108  and the outer side portion  112 , and an inner bottom interface  128  can exist between the inner side portion  110  and the bottom portion. Additionally, an outer rear interface  130  can exist between the outer side portion  112  and the rear portion  104 , and an inner rear interface  132  can exist between the inner side portion  110  and the rear portion. A rear bottom interface  134  can exist between the rear portion  104  and the bottom portion  108 , and a rear top interface  136  can exist between the top portion  106  and the rear portion. Finally, in some embodiments, an outer top interface  135  can exist between the outer side portion  112  and the top portion  106 , and an inner top interface  137  can exist between the inner side portion  110  and the top portion. 
     In some embodiments, a plurality of mounting orifices  109  can be formed in the body  101 , creating passages between the front portion  102  and the rear portion  104  of the body. The mounting orifices  109  can be adapted to receive mounting hardware, such as bolts, screws, rivets, or other mounting tools suitable to secure the end cutting-bit  100  to an implement. In some embodiments, the mounting orifices  109  can be countersunk to provide a smooth, flush surface on the front portion  102 . While the illustrated embodiments show seven mounting orifices  109  adapted to receive seven sets of mounting hardware, it is contemplated that any number of mounting orifices can be used in other embodiments. It is also contemplated that alternative mounting methods can be used to mount the end cutting-bit  100  to an earth-working blade or other implement. 
     Each interface on the body  101  can define one or more edges that can define surfaces on the body. Specifically, a top edge  138  can be disposed along the top interface  118 , and a cutting edge  140  can be disposed along at least a portion of the bottom interface  120  between the inner side portion  110  and the spearhead protrusion  103 . In some embodiments, the cutting edge  140  can curve concavely away from the front portion  102 , defining an edge that curves away from the spearhead protrusion  103 . A spearhead edge  142  can also be disposed along the bottom interface  120  between the outer side portion  112  and the cutting edge  140 , which can form the forward edge of the spearhead protrusion  103 . An outer side edge  144  can be disposed along the outer side interface  122  between the top edge  138  and the spearhead edge  142 , and an inner side edge  146  can be disposed along the inner side interface  124  between the top edge  138  and the cutting edge  140 . Additionally, the body  101  can include an outer bottom edge  148  disposed along the outer bottom interface  126  between the spearhead edge  142  and the rear portion  104 , and an inner bottom edge  150  disposed along the inner bottom interface  128  between the cutting edge  140  and the rear portion. An outer rear edge  152  can be disposed along the outer rear interface  130  between the top portion  106  and the outer bottom edge  148 , and an inner rear edge  154  can be disposed along the inner rear interface  132  between the top portion and the inner bottom edge  150 . A rear top edge  156  can be disposed along the rear top interface  136  between the outer rear edge  152  and the inner rear edge  154 , and a rear bottom edge  158  can be disposed along the rear bottom interface  134  between the outer rear edge and the inner rear edge. Further, in some embodiments, an outer top edge  160  can be defined along the outer top interface  135  between the top edge  138  and the rear top edge  156 , and an inner top edge  162  can be defined along the inner top interface  137  between the top edge and the rear top edge. In the illustrated embodiments, the various edges can be chamfered to form rounded edges and corners to the body  101 . It is contemplated, however, that the edges of the body  101  can have sharp corners, angled bevels, or any other suitable shape. 
     For the purpose of illustration, the figures indicate a normal axis  80 , a lateral axis  90 , and a longitudinal axis  85 , all of which are defined perpendicular to one another. In  FIGS. 3-5 , for the purposes of illustration, the body  101  of the end cutting-bit  100  is aligned such that the outer top edge  160  and the inner top edge  162  can extend substantially along the longitudinal axis  85 , and the top edge  138  can extend substantially along the lateral axis  90 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the front portion  102  of the body  101  can define an at least substantially flat front surface  114  and a contoured front surface  116 . A ridge  164  can also be disposed on the front portion  102  separating the flat front surface  114  from the contoured front surface  116 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the ridge  164  can extend along the front portion  102  between the inner top edge  162  and the spearhead edge  142 . The flat front surface  114  can extend between the top edge  138 , the outer side edge  144 , the ridge  164 , and the spearhead edge  142 . The contoured front surface  116  can form a generally triangular concave depression on the front portion  102  of the body  101  adjacent the flat front surface  114 . The generally concave shape of the contoured front surface  116  can help in directing work material debris away from the spearhead protrusion  103  as the end cutting-bit passes through the work material. This can reduce work material build-up at the point of the end cutting-bit  100  that engages the work material, which can improve cutting and clearing efficiency. It is contemplated, however, that the contoured front surface  116  can have other shapes in other embodiments. The contoured front surface  116  can extend between the ridge  164 , the inner side edge  146 , and the cutting edge  140 . In some embodiments, the end cutting-bit  100  can be mounted to an implement adjacent the intermediate cutting-bits  70  along the inner side portion  110  of the body  101 . If desired, the shape and curvature of the contoured front surface  116  and the cutting edge  140  can vary in different embodiments of the end cutting-bit  100  depending on the dimensions of the particular intermediate cutting-bit used to ensure a smooth transition between the adjacent cutting-bits. Although the illustrated embodiments do not show a smooth transition between the end cutting-bits  100 ,  200  and the intermediate cutting-bits  70 , it is contemplated that such a smooth transition can occur by varying the dimensions of the end cutting-bit. 
     The body  101  can also include an outer spearhead corner  143  and an inner spearhead corner  145 . The outer spearhead corner  143  can be disposed at the junction between the outer side edge  144  and the spearhead edge  142 , and the inner spearhead corner  145  can be disposed at the junction between the ridge  164 , the spearhead edge  142 , and the cutting edge  140 . Additionally, the body  101  can include an inner side corner  147  disposed at the junction between the cutting edge  140 , the inner side edge  146 , and the inner bottom edge  150 . 
       FIGS. 4-5  illustrate an outer side surface  166  that can be defined on the outer side portion  112  of the body  101 . The outer side surface  166  can be disposed on the body  101  adjacent the flat front surface  114  and extend between the outer side edge  144 , the outer rear edge  152 , and the outer bottom edge  148 . In some embodiments, the outer side surface  166  can be flat; however, it is contemplated that the outer side surface can be non-flat in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the intersection of the flat front surface  114  and the outer side surface  166  along the outer side interface  122 . As best shown in  FIG. 13 , the outer side surface  166  can define an outer side surface plane  167 , and the flat front surface  114  can define a flat front surface plane  115 . The intersection of the flat front surface plane  115  and the outer side surface plane  167  can define an outer side angle A measured about the outer side interface  122 . The outer side angle A can represent the angle formed between the flat front surface  114  and the outer side surface  166  with respect to the outer side interface  122 . In some embodiments, the outer side angle A, measured with respect to the outer side interface  122 , can be less than about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the outer side angle A can be in a range between about 35 degrees and about 80 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the outer side angle A can be in a range from about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees. The nature of the outer side angle A can allow for the end cutting-bit  100  to more effectively and efficiently cut through a working material as the machine  50  makes a pass in a work area. In embodiments in which the outer side angle A can be less than 90 degrees, a relief area can formed behind the portion of the flat front surface  114  adjacent the outer side surface  166  as the end cutting-bit  100  passes through the work material. Debris cut from the surface of the work material can then be allowed to pass around the flat front surface  114  of the body  101  and into the relief area, increasing cutting efficiency. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 11 , a bottom surface  168  can be defined on the bottom portion  108  of the body  101  and a rear surface  170  can be defined on the rear portion  104  of the body. The bottom surface  168  can be disposed on the body  101  adjacent the outer side surface  166  along the outer bottom edge  148 . The bottom surface  168  further extends between the cutting edge  140 , the spearhead edge  142 , the inner bottom edge  150 , and the rear bottom edge  158 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface  168  is planar, while in other embodiments the bottom surface can be contoured or be made up of multiple planar surfaces. The rear surface  170  can be disposed on the rear portion  104  of the body  101  adjacent the bottom surface  168  along the rear bottom edge  158 . Although the rear bottom edge  158  is illustrated as substantially linear in the illustrated embodiments, it is contemplated that the rear bottom edge can be non-linear in some embodiments. The rear surface  170  can extend between the rear bottom edge  158 , the outer rear edge  152 , the inner rear edge  154 , and the rear top edge  156 , forming a substantially trapezoidal surface in some embodiments. 
     The bottom surface  168  can intersect the flat front surface  114  along the bottom interface  120  at the spearhead edge  142 .  FIG. 14  illustrates the intersection of the flat front surface  114  and the bottom surface  168  along the spearhead edge  142 . At least a portion of bottom surface  168  can define a bottom surface plane  169  that can intersect the flat front surface plane  115 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . The intersection of the flat front surface plane  115  and the bottom surface plane  169  can define a spearhead edge angle B measured about the spearhead edge  142 . The spearhead edge angle B can represent the angle formed between the flat front surface  114  and the bottom surface  168  with respect to the spearhead edge  142 . In some embodiments, the spearhead edge angle B can be less than about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the spearhead edge angle B can be less than about 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the spearhead edge angle B can be in a range between about 10 degrees and about 45 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the spearhead edge angle B can be in a range between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees. The nature of the spearhead edge angle B can allow for the end cutting-bit  100  to more effectively and efficiently cut through a working material as the machine  50  makes a pass in a work area. In embodiments in which the spearhead edge angle B can be less than 90 degrees, a relief area can formed behind the portion of the flat front surface  114  adjacent the bottom surface  168  as the end cutting-bit  100  passes through the work material. Debris cut from the surface of the work material can then be allowed to pass under the spearhead edge  142  or around the outer side surface  166  adjacent the flat front surface  114  of the body  101  and into the relief area, increasing cutting efficiency. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the body  101  of the end cutting-bit  100  can be aligned such that the outer top edge  160  extends substantially along the longitudinal axis  85 , and the top edge  138  extends along the lateral axis  90 . In such an alignment, a flat front surface angle C can be formed between the flat front surface plane  115  and a normal-lateral plane  82 , which is the plane defined by the normal axis  80  and the lateral axis  90 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the rear surface  170  can define a rear surface plane  171  parallel to the normal-lateral plane  82 . In such an embodiment, the flat front surface angle C can be equivalent to the angle formed between the flat front surface plane  115  and the rear surface plane  171 . In some embodiments, the flat front surface angle C can be less than about 30 degrees. In other embodiments, the flat front surface angle C can be less than about 20 degrees. In some embodiments, the flat front surface angle C can be in a range between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the flat front surface angle C can be in a range between about 10 degrees to about 20 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the illustrated embodiment of the body  101  of the end cutting-bit  100  is shown with the rear bottom edge  158  extending substantially along the lateral axis  90 , and the inner top edge  162  extending substantially along the longitudinal axis  85 . In such an alignment, an outer bottom edge angle D is formed between the rear surface plane  171  and the outer bottom edge  148  in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis  85  and the lateral axis  90 . The outer bottom edge angle D is also illustrated in  FIG. 9 . In some embodiments, the outer bottom edge angle D can be less than about 90 degrees, and less than about 70 degrees in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the outer bottom edge angle D can be in a range between about 35 degrees and about 75 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the outer bottom angle D can be in a range between about 45 degrees and about 60 degrees. 
       FIG. 9  also illustrates a top surface  172 , which can be adjacent the flat front surface  114  along the top edge  138  and adjacent the rear surface  170  along the rear top edge  156 . The top surface  172  can also extend between top edge  138 , the rear top edge  156 , the outer top edge  160 , and the inner top edge  162 . In some embodiments, the top surface  172  can be a flat surface formed on the body  101  in a lateral-longitudinal plane  87 , which is the plane defined by the lateral axis  90  and the longitudinal axis  85 . It is contemplated, however, that the top surface  172  can have a non-flat shape in other embodiments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an inner side surface  174  can be formed on the inner side portion  110  of the body  101 . The inner side surface  174  can be disposed adjacent the contoured front surface  116  along the inner side edge  146 . The inner side surface  174  can extend between the inner side edge  146 , the inner top edge  162 , the inner rear edge  154 , and the inner bottom edge  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner side surface  174  can be substantially flat with a substantially trapezoidal shape; however, it is contemplated that the inner side surface can be non-flat and non-trapezoidal in other embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the inner side surface  174  can abut or nearly abut against an adjacent intermediate cutting-bit  70  when the end cutting-bit  100  is mounted to a blade or other implement. 
     The figures and drawings disclosed herein illustrate various features of an embodiment of the end cutting-bit  100  having relative lengths and angle measurements. It should be understood, however, that the dimensions disclosed are not exhaustive and other suitable dimensions are contemplated. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the body  101  of the end cutting-bit  100  aligned such that the top edge  138  extends substantially along the lateral axis  90  and the inner top edge  162  extends substantially along the longitudinal axis  85 . In such an alignment, an outer side edge angle E can be formed between the outer side edge  144  and the top edge  138  in a normal-lateral plane, which is a the plane defined by the normal axis  80  and the lateral axis  90 . In some embodiments, the outer side angle E can be greater than 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the outer side angle E can be greater than 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the outer side angle E can be in a range between about 90 degrees and about 120 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the outer side angle E can be in a range between about 100 degrees and about 120 degrees. 
       FIG. 6  also illustrates a spearhead surface angle F formed between the outer side edge  144  and the ridge  164  in the normal-lateral plane. In some embodiments, the spearhead surface angle F can be less than 55 degrees, and can be less than 45 degrees in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the spearhead surface angle F can be in a range between about 20 degrees and about 50 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the spearhead surface angle F can be in a range between about 30 degrees and about 40 degrees. 
     A ridge angle G can be formed in the normal-lateral plane between the ridge  164  and the lateral axis  90  when the body  101  is aligned such that the top edge  138  extends substantially along the lateral axis and the inner top edge  162  extends substantially along the longitudinal axis  85 . In some embodiments, the ridge angle G can be less than 50 degrees, and can be less than 45 degrees in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the ridge angle G can be in a range between about 20 degrees and about 50 degrees. In yet other embodiments, the ridge angle G can be in a range between about 30 degrees and about 40 degrees. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the top edge  138  can extend substantially along the lateral axis  90  with a top edge length AA defined as the distance along the lateral axis between the outer top edge  160  and the inner top edge  162 . The spearhead edge  142  can have a spearhead edge length BB defined as the distance along the lateral axis  90  between the inner spearhead corner  145  and the outer spearhead corner  143 . In some embodiments, a ratio between the spearhead edge length BB and the top edge length AA can be less than about 1:5. In other embodiments, a ratio between the spearhead edge length BB and the top edge length AA can be less than about 1:10. In some embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead edge length BB to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:20. In other embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead edge length BB to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:15. In other embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead edge length BB to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:11 and about 1:13. 
     The body  101  can have an inner side height CC measured as the distance along the normal axis  80  between the inner top edge  162  and the inner side corner  147 . The body  101  can also have an outer side height DD measured as the distance along the normal axis  80  between the outer top edge  160  and the outer spearhead corner  143 . In some embodiments, a ratio of the inner side height CC to the outer side height DD can be less than about 1:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the inner side height CC to the outer side height DD can be in a range from about 3:4 to about 1:1. In other embodiments, a ratio of the inner side height CC to the outer side height DD can be in a range from about 9:10 to about 1:1. In some embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be less than about 3:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be less than about 1:1. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be less than about 9:10. In some embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:2 and about 3:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 3:4 and about 1:1. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the outer side height DD to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 17:20 and about 19:20. 
     The body can have a bottom length EE measured as the distance along the lateral axis  90  between the outer spearhead corner  143  and the inner side corner  147 . In some embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be less than about 3:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be less than about 1:1. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be less than about 9:10. In some embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be in a range between about 1:2 and about 3:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be in a range between about 3:4 and about 1:1. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the top edge length AA to the bottom length EE can be in a range between about 4:5 and about 9:10. 
     The body  101  can also have a spearhead offset length FF measured as the distance along the lateral axis  90  between the outer top edge  160  and the outer spearhead corner  143 . In some embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead offset length FF to the top edge length AA can be less than about 1:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead offset length FF to the top edge length AA can be less than about 1:3. In some embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead offset length FF to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:2. In other embodiments, a ratio of the spearhead offset length FF to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:8 and about 3:8. In yet another embodiment, a ratio of the spearhead offset length FF to the top edge length AA can be in a range between about 1:5 and about 1:3. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the body  101  can have a body depth GG measured as the distance along the longitudinal axis  85  between the spearhead edge  142  and the rear surface  170 . In some embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be less than about 1:1. In other embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be less than about 1:2. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be less than about 1:3. In some embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be in a range between about 1:10 and about 1:1. In other embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be in a range between about 1:4 and about 1:2. In yet other embodiments, a ratio of the body depth GG to the outer side height DD can be in a range between about 1:4 and about 1:3. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate an embodiment of the end cutting-bit  200  that can be adapted to be mounted to the earth-working blade  66  at the second blade end  74  of the mounting edge  68 . The end cutting-bit  200  can be substantially symmetrical to the end cutting-bit  100  in some embodiments. The end cutting-bit  200  can have a body  201  with a front portion  202  and a rear portion  204  formed on the body. The body  201  can also have an top portion  206 , a bottom portion  208 , an outer side portion  212 , and an inner side portion  210  similar to the corresponding portions of the end cutting-bit  100 . Other like-numbered features of the end cutting-bit  200  illustrated in the figures can have similar features to the end cutting-bit  100 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The industrial application of the end cutting-bit as described herein should be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. The present disclosure can be applicable to any machine utilizing an earth-working implement for digging, scraping, leveling, excavating or any other suitable application involving engaging the ground or other work material. In machines used for such applications, end cutting-bits and other types of ground engaging tools can wear out quickly and require replacement. 
     The present disclosure, therefore, can be applicable to many different machines and environments. One exemplary use of the end cutting-bit of this disclosure can be in mining applications in which machine implements can be commonly used to cut, scrape, dig, or clear various work materials including rock, gravel, sand, dirt, and others for protracted time periods and with little downtime. In such applications, reducing the machine passes necessary to clear a particular area can increase work efficiency and speed up the process of clearing the area. The present disclosure has features, as discussed, which can reduce the time needed to clear a particular work area by reducing machine passes by up to half in some applications. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
     Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.